Chapter Nineteen

Repayment in Kind

Pitch wasn't sure how long he had been left to his own devices before a knock came to his door, but it must not have been too long as the sun had waned lazily in the sky signaling the close of day only a few hours past welcoming the early hours of night. Pitch had been laying on his stomach reading Christmas ghost stories finding the tales interesting enough to have drawn him in that he'd not realized how much time had gone by when the knock had finally came. He frowned knowing what was to come and stated solemnly, "Come in."

North entered the room, smiling. "Bunny is waiting. I believe you have something to say to him, yes?"

Pitch looked away slowly closing the book and setting it on the night stand before carefully climbing off the bed and heading towards the door with slumped shoulders. He really wasn't looking forward to this.

"No need to be glum." North said. "I have already told Bunny that you have paid for wrongdoings. And I will be there to see that he does not…" he paused to chuckle, "strangle you."

Pitch flushed at the mention of Bunnymund being told what had become of him, but he was secretly glad that he wasn't there to have to have heard it said about him first hand. He gave North a weak smile before turning his eyes to the floor; he still wasn't feeling any better about having to go see the rabbit now.

Walking down the hall made Pitch acutely aware that his bottom would be feeling North's ministrations for some time as even the light fabric that he wore still managed to chafe the sensitive areas with its friction. This of course made Pitch frown unhappily as he continued to follow North back to his lounge where Bunnymund was waiting for them.

Bunnymund sat in the same chair he'd occupied earlier that day, his one leg propped on a knee with his foot shaking with his pent up energy. The dark shadows of the night and the moon shining through the skylight contrasted nicely with the fireplace and typically made the room comfy looking, but with the exception of this conference, the air managed to be tense and unpleasant.

Pitch followed meekly behind North now feeling very uncomfortable and unsure as to how to approach the obviously still very angry Pookan.

"Here we are," North said, moving to the side to reveal Pitch behind him. "Bunny, I think Pitch has something to say." He waved Pitch forward.

Bunnymund fixed Pitch with a withering stare.

Pitch shrank under his gaze as he moved towards Bunnymund. Keeping his eyes averted, Pitch only glanced at Bunnymund as he came to stand before him shifting uncomfortably. After a long silence, Pitch finally found his voice, "I… I wanted to say that I'm sorry Bunnymund. I didn't mean for you to almost get hurt."

"Look me in the eyes!" Bunnymund growled as he moved to the edge of his seat, his body rigid and his ears plastered to his head.

Pitch's head rose with a start at the aggressive nature he'd addressed him. His face wore a blank expression as he blinked looking fully at the Pookan.

Bunnymund stared at him skeptically, "So you say you're sorry, but the real question is, are you sorry for what ya did, or are ya just sorry ya got caught and spanked?"

Pitch's lip twitched and he couldn't help but avert his eyes at Bunnymund's admission of what happened to him.

Bunnymund was swift standing and bounding over to him in a flash as he grabbed his chin forcing Pitch's eyes to lock back on his own, "I said eyes here! I want ta see for myself how truly sorry ya are."

Pitch's eyes darkened as he yanked his face away from the rabbit's grasp, "Unhand me vermin!" He didn't appreciate the way that Bunnymund was approaching him, and after everything he'd just suffered, he wasn't going to let the rabbit push him around, "I said I was sorry, and I meant it! If you can't accept that, than that's on you," he spat as he stared daggers at Bunnymund.

Bunnymund sneered narrowing his eyes at Pitch before looking back to North, "I don't think you spanked him long enough with the way he's talking ta me."

This angered Pitch even more as he balled his fists at his sides beginning to yell, "Oh you insufferable windbag! I was sorry, but now I'm starting to have second thoughts! And you wonder why I wanted to ditch you in our dust!"

"That is enough!" North bellowed. He eyed both Pitch and Bunny with a look of warning, stepping forward.

Pitch backed away reflexively his anger melting away under the Cossack's imposing visage. He knew what could come out of upsetting the man, and after so recently being punished, he was quick to snap back in line with no want to provoke a negative reaction from the man.

Bunnymund on the other hand only puffed out his chest as he stood up straight his ears raising attentively. His brow furrowed in his agitation, "Me? You're the one supposed ta have control over him, but look at the way he's talkin' ta me! He doesn't sound sorry at all!"

"He was behaving himself until you provoked him." North snapped angrily, glaring at the rabbit. "He comes here with apology and you accuse him of faking it. Now, I have had enough of this. Do you accept his apology or not?"

Pitch's jaw dropped; Did North actually just yell at Bunnymund in defense of him? He couldn't help a small satisfied smile creeping on to his face, but not wanting Bunnymund to misinterpret the gesture, Pitch worked to keep his expression neutral. If the rabbit thought he wasn't contrite, it would only serve to create more chaos. Normally Pitch would have taken delight in Bunnymund's frustration, but Pitch also knew that he would have to make it up to the Pookan through chores, so he didn't want to vex Bunnymund enough to in turn make himself miserable.

Bunnymund scowled looking from North to Pitch. He was one to hold grudges, and oh did Pitch have a lot to account for on Bunnymund's personal record! But, he was also a guardian, and learning to forgive came with the territory. He sighed tiredly, "Alright. Maybe I did come off a little harsh. It's hard ta take an apology from Pitch seriously. I was just trying ta be sure he's being sincere." Bunnymund's eyes traveled back to Pitch scrutinizing the dark man once more for good measure.

"Believe me, he is sincere." North sighed, turning to Pitch. "Now, you offer Bunny another apology for what you said just now."

Pitch frowned not wanting to apologize for what he'd said especially after how Bunnymund had treated him. He snapped looking quite indignant, "I have to apologize to him for what I said, but he doesn't have to apologize to me? That's rather one sided!"

"And you, Pitch, are too quick to make accusations, which is partly what gets you in deeper trouble." North glared at Pitch, shaking a finger at him. Getting tired of the situation, North reached out and grabbed Pitch by the back of his robe and Bunny by the scruff of his back and dragged them closer together. "Now, I want both of you to apologize to each other before argument gets worse. I have had it with both of you. Some kids I visit each year act more mature than you are acting now." North turned to Bunny. "Pitch did wrong and has paid for it and now he offers apology. You did wrong by lashing out at him and accusing his apology of being fake. Both of you owe each other apology. And you will apologize so we can move past this."

Pitch crossed his arms giving Bunnymund a disdainful glare, "I already did once. You first rabbit."

Bunnymund's eyes went wide, "How many times have I told ya ta stop calling me that!" Bunnymund twisted in North's grip becoming rather flustered by the situation.

North rolled his eyes, his face contorting into a dangerous frown. He shook Bunny a little bit, clearing his throat.

Pitch couldn't help but to smile broadly; it was about time someone else felt the Cossack's ire than himself.

Of course Bunnymund seeing the glee Pitch was getting from North's chiding had dropped his jaw in disbelief motioning to Pitch, "Unbelievable. Ya want me ta apologize ta him while he stands there gloating like that? He thinks this is a big joke!"

Pitch smirked, "Now, now rabbit, no need to get so hostile. I'll apologize... again, after you do. Surely it's only fair that you can give an apology to get one?"

"He! Gah!" Bunnymund's anger was getting to the point he couldn't speak. He bristled as his face contorted in his rage ready to launch at Pitch and pummel him with balled his fists.

Pitch had to hold back a laugh at how ridiculous Bunnymund looked now as if the rabbit were on the verge of a seizure.

North's moustache and beard seemed to bristle as his anger rose at how silly these two were acting, especially Bunny. He knew all too well that the Easter Rabbit had a disagreeable attitude and temper sometimes, but he was going too far this time. It wasn't helping the situation at all, especially since the situation involving them trying to rehabilitate Pitch was already setting on thin ice as it was, "I should take both of you over knee!" North finally burst out, shaking both Pitch and Bunny.

Oh what Pitch wouldn't give to see the rabbit get his due! If the threat hadn't included himself, he may have angled to anger the rabbit more. But then again… Pitch smiled devilishly, "I'll be the bigger man rabbit and apologize again, just for you. I'm so very, sincerely sorry." Of course Pitch was grinning ear to ear as he said it knowing that doing so was only infuriating Bunnymund further, but the rabbit had no recourse without making himself out further to be the uncooperative one.

Bunnymund reeled at North in shock that he would actually threaten him with a spanking as well. What was this? Pitch following then with his most insincere apology he'd ever heard left Bunnymund stunned silent that this was even being allowed to go on. He stared back up at North shaking his head, finally deciding he was tired of playing this game. Pitch was getting entirely too much enjoyment out of riling him up, so begrudgingly he swallowed his pride if to only get North to put him down again, "Alright Pitch, I apologize for my statement earlier. If North says ya meant it, I'll drop it."

North gave a curt nod, relieved that the tense situation was finally at an end. Of course, he had no plans of actually going through with spanking Bunny, and he hated that he had to be pressed into giving the threat to his furry comrade, but he didn't know what else to do to get the two to stop. "That is better," he said, slowly releasing his hold on the two. "Now, if you both will take seats, we will approach this as civilized adults."

Pitch seemed quite satisfied with the outcome although he would have preferred seeing the Cossack unleash a bit of his fury on the rabbit that he'd had to painfully suffer. That would have put them on a more even playing field, but that perhaps would be a win for another day Pitch decided.

Bunnymund stormed back over to the seat he'd been sitting in before and sat staring back at North now in order to keep his temper in check.

Pitch glided over to stand about five feet away from Bunnymund clasping his hands loosely behind his back. Sitting was not something he really wished to do at the moment.

North eased himself down in the chair closest to him. The room was silent for a few minutes before North spoke again.

"As I've already said, Pitch has paid for wrongdoings at my hand. But the crime was not targeted at me. It was targeted at you, Bunny. And I think it would be good if Pitch did chores for you as compensation." He raised a hand before Bunny could say anything. "Before you reply, I will add that if he goes to your realm, I will accompany him to keep eye on him. Or you can bring work here for him to do. Either way, Pitch will do work for you."

Bunnymund scowled thinking he didn't want Pitch anywhere near his warren, and he also didn't want him near anything he cared about. He did want Pitch to suffer more for what he'd done to him though, so Bunnymund considered it carefully. He studied Pitch watching the shadow move back and forth from foot to foot standing in place and obviously not overly comfortable standing there awaiting Bunnymund's decision. Bunnymund smiled finally realizing why Pitch had chosen to stand there during their meeting over sitting in one of North's many comfy chairs, North had tanned his hide well enough that he didn't want to sit. Bunnymund decided he knew exactly what Pitch would be doing for him and how uncomfortable he would be doing it. Bunnymund nodded, "Alright, I know what he can do… if he can sit still long enough ta do it. Ya say ya like intricate work Pitch? Well, I tell ya what; you can sit where all the googies come ta be inspected for cracks. Ya will need the magnifying glass I finely crafted into my special workstation ta spot cracks and inspect them for any dye inconsistencies, and there are a LOT of them to inspect! But I have it set up so that they can line up and move one by one up a ramp onto the processing desk and back into the warren. It's a pretty elaborate process if I do say myself! It'll take ya about two days to move through the current batch, but if you're doing that, I can tend to the vats of chocolate like I've been meaning to get a start on."

Pitch didn't like the thought of doing any chores for Bunnymund. He still felt that having to pay for his crimes twice over was wholly unfair, but North had insisted, and he knew that there wasn't going to be any getting out of it. The idea of sitting at some desk for long hours at least any time soon was troubling. It chafed to just have the fabric of his clothes move across his backside, the thought of sitting in one place for long hours sounded very uncomfortable indeed. Wanting to avoid doing the job until he was less sensitive Pitch lied, "Well, I… I have a time sensitive project I'm working on with the reindeer at the moment, so we can set this meeting up for the end of the week then?"

North suddenly slammed his hand down on the armrest of his chair and glared in Pitch's direction.

Pitch visibly jumped at North's reaction hoping he wasn't going to call him out for lying on the spot. His eyes were wide as saucers as he stuttered, "Or… or not. I… it can wait I suppose." Pitch was pouting now looking quite unhappy.

"That is better." North said, still glaring at the Boogeyman. He then turned to Bunny. "That sounds like excellent idea. I will tag along to make sure everything goes well."

Bunnymund smiled feeling much better about the situation. Pitch doing this task would save him several hours within the coming weeks of having to do it little bit by bit himself. The added benefit that Pitch would be dually unhappily squirming throughout his term in the warren seemed payment enough for his transgressions, "Right then. Do ya want to start tomorrow morning? I can get a desk for you ta work on your own gadgets while yer there North; no sense in you being punished alongside Pitch. I know you like ta stay busy, so it might help pass the time for you."

Tomorrow morning? That was less than ten hours from now, and if he were truly unlucky less than that depending on what Bunnymund and North denoted as 'morning' for him. Either way, it wasn't nearly enough time Pitch thought miserably.

"That sounds good to me." North nodded, smiling. "What about it, Pitch?"

Pitch grimaced not bothering to look at them as he rolled a corner of the rug with his foot complaining, "I don't have much of a choice do I?"

North raised an eyebrow. "No, you don't. And you have no one to blame but yourself."

This comment only served to annoy Pitch as he scowled hissing back, "So I've been told over and over!"

North leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. He ignored Pitch and turned his attention to Bunny. "So it is settled then. By the way, how are you feeling?"

Bunnymund regarded his friend with a tired smile, "Better. Sore, but nothing serious."

Pitch not wanting to be a part of their long drawn out conversation interrupted with no small amount of scorn, "If everyone is done deciding my future, may I be excused?"

North tightened his mouth and let out a small sigh. "Why not join us?"

Pitch was sure hanging out with Bunnymund and North was going to be a mostly one sided conversation between the two of them with him just listening to them talk which was not appealing at all, but then the fact that North wanted him to join them made him want to stay in some capacity. He wasn't really made privy to many of their conversations, so he was curious despite himself. Pitch looked at North earnestly now as he considered and finally decided, "Alright." He moved over to the sofa next to North having second thoughts but not voicing them as he did his best to mask his pain by gingerly draping himself across the couch to distribute his weight so as not to cause any pressure to sensitive areas. He grabbed one of the many large pillows on the couch and propped it on the sofa arm to casually lean across it like a languid cat. He looked at the two of them now his inquisitiveness shining in his expression.

North sighed wearily, "It has been long few days with inventory."

Bunnymund nodded, "It never seems to end; preparations for next year. I always think there might be something more to add to the pot for next Easter, and sometimes I get an idea or two, but lately I feel like I'm lacking something to spice it up. Kids these days are so hard to inspire with all the video games and other distractions out there."

Pitch smiled, "Maybe changing your color scheme from pastels might help."

Bunnymund balked at the idea, "Ta what?"

Pitch's smile widened, "Oh I don't know… grays… blues… purples… it'd make finding the eggs much more of a challenge if you ask me." He gave a small laugh thinking of the eggs blending into the shadows and the little ankle biters passing right by them instead of finding them.

"Pitch may be on to something." North frowned. "Although I don't think gray would be appropriate color."

Pitch deadpanned, "Let me guess, you'd paint them red and green…"

North shrugged. "Red, green, blue, yellow." He turned a smile to Bunny. "Have you thought of adding glitter?"

Bunnymund's mouth hung open as the two spirits spoke a slight hint of disgust and horror on his face, "Uh no. Both of ya just stop while you're ahead. My googies are not going to look like personifications of Pitch or North thank you very much." He shook his head thinking on his poor eggs being discolored in such a fashion tragedy.

This of course made Pitch's grin broaden, "Oh rabbit, where's your sense of adventure?"

Bunnymund cut eyes at the nightmare lord, "Pitch, this is the last time I'm gonna ask ya ta not call me rabbit, or I'm gonna spank ya myself!"

Pitch blanched at the threat immediately frowning as he squinted his eyes angrily at the Pookan replying heatedly, "You will do no such thing!"

North frowned in annoyance. "Please, we are here to have relaxing conversation. Can we not have conversation without it turning into yelling?" He turned to Bunny. "I don't see what harm would be to add little bit of glitter. Imagine little pink eggs with shiny glitter all over them. It would make some little girls happy to find on Easter morning."

Bunnymund actually thought on North's suggestion turning to him fully, "Ya know mate, that ain't a half bad idea actually."

Pitch was still brooding over Bunnymund's threat and being chided by North for his small amount of fun as he muttered something under his breath about the Pookan being way too temperamental.

North frowned. "Did you say something, Pitch?"

Pitch looked up taken out of his own reverie merely giving a noncommittal shrug, "Nothing anyone wants to hear. Please do go on though; don't let me stop a riveting conversation about pink eggs and glitter," he mocked.

Bunnymund's ear twitched in agitation, but he said nothing only glaring at Pitch.

North looked at Pitch out of the corner of his eye. "I don't see what would be harm of taking Pitch's suggestion as well. Darker colored eggs might pose fun challenge."

Bunnymund rolled his eyes, "I'll tell ya what, why don't ya let him wrap some of your presents in his gloomy colors, and I'll let him paint some of my eggs in the same way."

Of course Bunny's words were said in jest in spite of North's reply, but Pitch looked almost offended by them. His colors weren't gloomy! Blacks, grays, silvers, blues, and purples could be quite lovely if cast right he thought defensively feeling the need to reply in kind if only to defend his chosen colors, "You know, a present could be wrapped in black paper speckled in silver and trimmed in gold, and an egg could be colored grey with a light highlight of blue or purple… maybe a mix of both even and be quite captivating I would think. Not that I've painted any eggs or wrapped a Christmas present, but I think it could be enjoyable… to someone." After he said this, Pitch felt a little silly thinking the other two guardians likely thought his ideas to be ridiculous and not anything they wanted expressed in their particular holiday.

Thinking seriously now on the color blend Pitch suggested Bunnymund smiled, "Ya know Pitch, my river paints from the imagination; ya can try out your idea tomorrow to see it in reality."

Pitch blinked in surprise, "Really? You'd… you'd really let me paint one of your precious eggs?"

Bunnymund nodded, "Yeah mate, I'd like ta see what you can do."

Not knowing how to respond, Pitch just gave Bunnymund a small shy smile of appreciation for not shooting his idea down and for giving him the opportunity to actually paint one of his well-guarded eggs that Pitch knew meant so much to the rabbit.

"I think it is excellent idea." North agreed. "To be fair, gold and silver are colors of Christmas, too. In fact, there are some Christmas wrapping papers that are blue and purple. All colors can be for any holiday. You don't have to stick with tradition."

Pitch contemplated the two guardians' holidays now in the capacity of them including himself, and it left him to feel a disquiet to think of himself actively participating in them over trying to destroy them.

It was an odd sensation to feel like he could actually be a part of something so against his nature. It also scared him more than he'd like to admit wondering how realistic it was to imagine this kind of life. It was true that his presence was not needed in order for fear to propagate; if that were the case, he would have faded from existence long ago from the myriad of times he'd found himself locked away for decades of loneliness in the darkness. This did not quell the want and need to fulfill his aspect's purpose. And as much as he wanted what the guardians were offering him, he knew he was going to need to address his own needs in this fashion eventually. It left him feeling troubled as if two parts of his whole were being pulled in opposite directions, and he felt helpless to distinguish between which side would win or lose this internal battle. Pitch was unsure how these two very different wants he had could ever coexist together, and more importantly he was afraid of choosing fear and losing this newfound companionship because the guardians would be unable to accept that fundamental side of who he was.

Bunnymund cocked his head at the nightmare king seeing he'd become gravely quiet and had a forlorn look cast across his face, "What's the matter Pitch?"

Pitch blinked taken out of his thoughts, "Hmm? Oh... nothing. I was just thinking."

Bunnymund wasn't sure he liked the sound of that, but he didn't prod further deciding it was getting late, and he still wanted to set up an area for North to work on his gadgets before their get together in the morning, "Alright you two; I'm gonna head out. Just come on by in the morning when you're ready North." Bunnymund rose with a stretch tapping the ground to open a hole as he readied to leave.

The air was quiet after Bunny left. North continued to sit, staring into the fireplace until Pitch wondered if he had fallen asleep.

"I can't wait to see what you come up with tomorrow." North finally said.

Pitch thought on this now, and it was a much happier reflection. The thought put a small smile on his face as Pitch responded, "Me to. I'm surprised that Bunnymund even suggested it outside of the jest he'd originally made honestly. I didn't think he'd let someone like me ever get near a paint brush and one of his eggs."

"Bunny can be temperamental sometimes, but he has side you don't see too often." North smiled.

Pitch nodded smirking, "He and I tend to grate on each other, but I can see there are other attributes he carries that are less annoying."

"If you'd stop poking at him and gave him chance, I think you would really come to like Bunny." North said.

"But he's so much fun to poke at," Pitch's smile widened in obvious enjoyment of giving the rabbit a hard time.

"He is, isn't he?" North chuckled. "I got big kick out of it at first, too."

This admission amused Pitch, "It's amazing the two of you were able to become so close with the way you covet your personal holidays."

North smiled. "When you are as unique as we are, you become family. We are all different, true, but that's what makes us unique and special. We sometimes joke with each other about our holidays, but it is all in fun."

North's remark on being different brought Pitch's mind back to his previous thoughts as he frowned, "Yes… we are all very different. Some of us a little more than others."

North lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, this is quite true."

Pitch studied North now unsure what to say. He wanted to speak to him about what was bothering him concerning his particular 'differences' and how they related to the guardians and his personal future with them, but he didn't know how to approach it. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear what the big man would say concerning his needs either, in fact he was afraid the Cossack would find it a step in the wrong direction that he had these needs at all, or a 'level down' as Jack had so aptly put it. So, Pitch said nothing as he laid his head on the pillow turning to stare at the fireplace in silent contemplation.

"Something bothers you, Pitch?" North said, his voice sounding sleepy and relaxed.

Pitch's brow furrowed, "I… uh… no. You look tired. I should let you get some sleep," Pitch stated more as an excuse to avoid the conversation than as a courtesy as he gingerly rose to his feet.

"Alright, then," North said. "Good night, Pitch."

Pitch smiled sadly at the chosen departing words North had used as he responded softly in kind, words ironic coming from the nightmare lord, "Sleep well, North." Pitch moved gracefully towards the door grimacing as he was reminded again how sore he was but trying not to dwell on it as he was sure he'd have plenty of time for that in the morning to come.