Chapter Twenty-Two

Fine-Tuning

The next morning, North lumbered into the reindeer stables in search of Pitch. He peered around him, nodding in approval at how well the Boogeyman had kept everything in tiptop shape.

"Pitch," North called out. He walked forward, peeking into one of the empty stalls.

Pitch poked his head warily out of one of the stalls he'd just been putting the last of the reindeer away in, "North! Uh, just one moment!" Pitch hurriedly pulled the reindeer the rest of the way into the stall before locking it behind him to make his way over to North, "Sorry. You're up earlier than I expected… and I got a little lost in that book you lent me. I had to finish it, so I got a bit of a later start than I intended to here," Pitch flushed. He was surprised to see North here; the big man never really ventured this way.

North nodded, moving to inspect one of the deer. "I am very pleased with work you are doing here. I can't remember a time when my deer looked so healthy and happy."

This was not something Pitch had expected and he beamed feeling honored that North would complement him in such a way, "Well thank you North. I think we have an understanding… and they really appreciate a through brushing and an occasional sugar cube." Pitch didn't mention by occasional sugar cube he meant a handful a day.

North moved on to several of the other deer, nodding his approval each time. "Yes, I'm proud of you, Pitch. And I'm glad that you found your place here, for now anyway."

"For… for now?" Pitch reflected worry now. What did that mean? Was North going send him somewhere else?

North smiled. "No need to worry, Pitch. You can care for deer as long as you wish, until you decide what you want to do with your life once you have paid for your wrongdoings. I figure that someday you will want to move on from this job, when that time comes."

North's assurance seemed to ease his mind although the mention of 'paying for his wrongdoings' did nothing but trample the previous good feelings he'd mustered from North's praise. "Yes well at the rate I'm going that will be sometime next to a cold day in hell it would seem," Pitch's mind once more returned to Frost's words of varying levels of approval noting that it had only been yesterday since the last time North had felt the need to take him in hand and a world away from any imaginable release.

North raised an eyebrow at Pitch's remark as well as the snarky way he had said it. "Keep acting in the way you are doing, and it will be longer." He sighed. "I know this is hard on you, Pitch, but it is the way things are."

The whimsical nature of amorphous time spans elongated further only served to nettle Pitch more, "Why must you insist on telling me at all then? I don't like to hear it, and I'd prefer it not be said at all over just insinuated," Pitch snapped now letting his irritation on the matter bleed into his words.

North only sighed, shaking his head wearily. He decided not to say anymore on the subject, seeing that Pitch was in one of his moods. "If you are through here, we best get over to the warren."

Pitch nodded, "I am. Might as well head over to the warren now although I'm not looking forward to sitting at that desk again. It really is quite an awfully boring task," Pitch complained.

North said nothing as he regarded Pitch. He pulled out a snow globe and threw it, opening a portal directly in front of the desk Bunny had set up for him at the warren. North took a giant step forward, walking through it.

Pitch was glad that they hadn't been transported out in the sun again, but he was a bit disappointed they hadn't taken the walk they had through the tunnels to get here as Pitch had rather enjoyed that portion of the tour yesterday. He slumped walking through the snow globe portal with a dull sigh, "So straight back to work it is then. I suppose we would have to ring any of the joy out of getting here through the walk. Wouldn't want any wasted time on our hands," he stated sarcastically as he stared up in dread at the desk wholly not wishing to do this for so many hours every day. The rabbit had said two days' time, but he'd cut him some slack yesterday meaning that there was still a day and a half of this torture (if not more if it were extended) left for Pitch to finish the said task.

North suddenly reached out and grabbed Pitch by the bicep and pulled him over to his desk where he picked up the switch that still lay there. It was still quite early, so Bunny hadn't arrived yet, leaving North and Pitch the only ones there.

Pitch quailed realizing what North had grabbed. He gasped and scrambled to point his rear as far away from the horrible instrument as possible, "I never said I wasn't going to get started! I'll get right to work!" His voice rose an octave from the fear that pulsed through him at North's unsaid threat.

"This is not for that. This is for your bad attitude and snarky remarks on the way here!" North said, calmly, turning Pitch around so that he could easily get at his rear. Once he had the Boogeyman's rear in sight, he gave him seven quick swats with the switch before letting him go. "I am tired of attitude. I have let you get away with it too many times. But no more."

His heart leapt into his throat as he felt himself spun around and the whippy horrible branch connecting on his still quite tender flesh, that it would seem if up to North would never fully be able to be sat on comfortably again. He yowled stepping in a heated dance to avoid the switch unsuccessfully by the grip North held on his bicep. He even reached a hand back once to interfere, but getting caught in the fourth lash was enough for Pitch to know he didn't want to do that again. The pain was fierce and so acute like a blossoming fire that had layers of pain to it. It took all of his senses away as he gasped for air tears instantly springing to his eyes.

North had struck him more than twice what he'd received yesterday, and as he was let go, Pitch was quick to turn around backing into the desk to get a small amount of distance between the two. Although North only loomed forward as he chided the smaller spirit. Pitch was frozen by North's words; he'd been warned about his attitude a few times and harshly so at the party, but he hadn't really taken any note to the threat until now. Pitch looked wounded both in spirit and pride as his lip quivered and he held back a sob. This wasn't happening to him again! Could he not even make it one day without having to endure this humiliation? Against his wishes silent tears spilled down his cheeks as he hitched to control his torrid emotions and speak. He averted his gaze instantly in his shame, "I… I didn't mean anything by what I said. I… I was just unhappy we didn't walk through the tunnels this time," his voice had become soft and laced with a watery tinge as he sniffled wiping at the tears streaking down his face.

"Before that," North said. "What you said at stables." He straightened up, tossing the switch back on his desk. "But if you wanted to walk through tunnels, you should have said so!"

The harshness of North's response and the fact that Pitch grasped he had multiple offenses to which North was referring to made more tears cascade down his cheeks as he slumped a bit against the weight of his words, "Oh. I… I hadn't realized I wasn't allowed to speak my mind now," Pitch worked to keep the sarcasm out of his voice not wishing to anger North further by thinking his words were meant in contempt. He didn't understand how he was supposed to communicate his distaste in something if he didn't just say so, and this way of speaking had become very much an automatic way of response for him that he knew was going to cause him no end of problems even if he did work to keep his attitude in check. It was easier said than done.

"You are allowed to speak mind." North said. "You can speak it all you wish. Just watch how you speak it in future. Because I will not stand for attitude, snarky, or backtalk."

Pitch nodded still wiping away tears as he let out a sobbed stilted, "Okay." He felt wholly pathetic now hearing how his voice broke under the weight of his emotions; was this all it took now to break him down? Sure, the physical pain was shocking to the senses and hurt like the dickens, but not so much as to make him break down into seemingly unending silent tears as he trembled under the current of them feeling left so fragile and vulnerable.

No, this was something deeper moving him back through several shared moments had between himself and North as well as the other guardians. He had dwelled on his place among them just last night after leaving Frost's company, and now here he was being made aware that he was once more being 'unpleasant' enough to raise North's ire to the point of him feeling the need to respond negatively to Pitch to correct his behavior. Seeing North's disappointment in him was the most crushing although Pitch couldn't fathom why he would care so fully what North thought of him especially after he had caused him so much pain.

The fact he would want to please the man let alone not despise him for forcing change in the form of an ultimatum that brokered further penalties than he'd already been informed he'd suffer was no less than astounding to Pitch to comprehend. They kept changing the rules and molding him to better suit their terms of civility, and his inability to please them hurt because deep down he really did want their approval if only so that he could remain among them. His chest had swelled with pride with North's compliments on his care of the reindeer, and the mention of him no longer doing the job had struck him like a knife in the heart as if to not be doing it meant severance and detachment. All of these feelings were swelling in him now mixing into a confused amalgam of emotions that settled heavily like a stone in his gut leaving the nightmare lord unable to do more than look back up at North with swollen hurt-filled eyes riddled with insecurity.

North smiled down at Pitch, reaching out a large hand to gently squeeze his shoulder. "I look forward to day when I no longer have to do that to get through to you. I look forward to when we can speak on adult terms without pain involved." he said in a low voice, as if he was afraid someone might be listening to their conversation. "Please do your best to make that day come for both of us."

Adult terms? Oh that stung worse than the switch had reaffirming once more to Pitch the light in which North saw him. He wanted nothing more than to get away from this situation as he numbly nodded in acquiescence to North thankful when he was released and able to slink away to climb up to the desk and start working (that he truly did not wish to be painfully sitting at, but which was better than to continue confronting North's quiet contemplation of him).

The googies knew nothing of Pitch's turmoil and only began bumbling forward upon recognition that their was a presence at the desk. Pitch began scanning them in short order still silently sniffing back the tears that didn't have the sense to stop.

Bunnymund hopped into the room waving to North a look of surprise on his face that the two were already started without him, "Why hello! You two beat me here! And here I thought I was the only one with a bushy tail." This was of course meant to get a laugh, but the room was solemn leaving the smile to drop off the rabbit's face. He looked at Pitch who had his face turned to the side apparently heavily into his work, and from Pitch, Bunnymund turned back to North a look of bewilderment etched on his face as he twitched a long ear and shrugged uncertain what to say now but looking to North to clear the matter up.

North finally came out of his thoughtful state and realized Bunny had spoken to him. "I am sorry, Bunny." he said, moving to walk toward his desk. "I just got through..." He found he couldn't find words for it anymore as his sentence trailed off into a number of hand gestures, finally picking up the switch to show Bunny before tossing it back on his desk and sitting down, heaving a big sigh.

Pitch was straining to hear what the guardians were saying knowing it concerned him, but he didn't want to draw attention to the fact he was eavesdropping, so he kept his head turned fully away. Hearing the switch clanging back onto the desktop though made him cringe deciding on second thought, he really didn't want to hear what they might say... not that he could stop trying to listen anyway.

It didn't take much for Bunnymund to get what North was getting at, and his eyes wandered about the room assessing that it didn't have anything to do with his eggs or warren. He shook his head looking back at Pitch a moment before turning back to North somewhat wary, "Should I ask?"

"Pitch has got a mouth." North simply said. "Sometimes I think he says things to spite me. I have let it slide for too long."

Bunnymund gave a slow nod, "Yeah, I kinda remember a discussion along those lines... a couple of conversations actually, so the hammer finally hit the nail I gather. Can't say I didn't see that one coming. Uh, if'n ya want North, ya look a bit flustered, I can keep an eye out if ya want ta take a walk in the meadow for some fresh air." North looked tired, and Bunnymund hoped to give the man a small reprieve.

North nodded. "That sounds like good idea." He got up from his desk, pointing at the switch. "If he gives you any trouble, feel free to do honors."

There were no jokes nor smiles of amusement at Pitch's expense from Bunnymund whom had by now truly grasped the severity of the situation. Where once Bunnymund might have thought he would have liked to see Pitch getting throttled by North for the strain he put on the guardians, the previous day and this morning sobered him to the reality of what gravity these punishments held. Bunnymund nodded gravely, "Just… take yer time mate; I got this." North nodded his approval seeming relieved as if a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. The man ambled towards one of the tunnels that led up directly to the meadow and Bunnymund watched him as we went shoulders sagging. Having to continuously tan Pitch's hide these past few days was obviously taking a toll on the man Bunnymund could see, and he hoped for both Pitch and North's sake that Pitch would wise up.

Pitch bit his lip listening to the two guardians wanting so bad to comment about 'his mouth' being his, and that he should have a right to express himself, but hearing Bunnymund go on to say that the guardians had discussed his attitude on several occasions made him gulp down his words further than he already had hating to think they'd actually had not just one but multiple talks about his attitude. Maybe he did need to think more about what he said to them? It was a foreign concept for Pitch to care about others reactions to what would tumble out of his mouth, but he decided he was going to at least try to be more cordial. He needed to be if he was going to get past getting spanked by North on a daily basis which he surely could not abide. He shifted about uncomfortably in his seat, yes, change sounded like a good idea.

Bunnymund watched Pitch work methodically for close to thirty minutes, and although he tried to hide his face, Bunnymund could see that Pitch was sulking. Finally he smiled jumping up onto the platform and speaking gently, "Hey, Pitch."

Pitch froze looking down at Bunnymund curiously to see what the rabbit wanted, "Yes?"

"Here," he held out a piece of chocolate to him.

Pitch now turned fully regarding Bunnymund with a blink before gingerly reaching out to take the candy with a small smile and a soft, "Thank you Bunnymund."

Bunnymund was surprised to hear Pitch actually call him by his rightful name; his smile widened, "Yer welcome. I thought ya might need a little something ta brighten your day."

Pitch had begun to take small nibbles off of the chocolate doing his best to savor it this time as he studied Bunnymund with inquisitive eyes. His small smile grew at the admission; he really did need something to brighten his day since it had started off rather badly. Bunnymund was being surprisingly kind he found, and after what had just happened, it was sorely welcomed. He sighed looking down at the chocolate in his hand as he spoke despondently, "I can't stop making messes it seems."

Bunnymund's ears twitched as he considered Pitch's face. It was soft and contemplative, a far cry from the cruel and malicious face he remembered battling so many years prior. That in itself gave him hope for the man, "Well… lately ya've been on a bit of a streak, but overall not so bad I'd say. Eh… it's gonna take time ta change Pitch. No one expects ya ta do it overnight. Ya just need ta make your best effort, and the rest will work itself out."

Pitch's eyes rose to meet Bunnymund's something unspoken there but definitely hopeful to hear the rabbit believed in him still even if his own belief in himself was beginning to falter, "Do you really think I have it in me to change?"

Bunnymund smiled gently, "It's not up ta me if ya got it in ya, it's up ta you, but yeah, I do Pitch. You already have."

Pitch mulled over his words as he continued to munch on his chocolate.

"There's a lot more to you than I thought I'll be the first ta admit. You're not what I expected, and I think we're not what you expected either am I right?" Bunnymund queried.

His eyes drew away from the chocolate once more to stare fully at Bunnymund, "I… I didn't expect anything but scorn from the guardians honestly. We've been fighting on different sides for so long… it's hard to take back everything that's happened through the years… North has made clear it'll still be quite a while before I settle those scores," his cheeks colored a deep hue of purple as he thought carefully on his words now, "I… have a hard time thinking I'm making any headway towards tipping the balance of that scale with all my recent… transgressions."

Bunnymund could tell this was something that bothered Pitch deeply, and he grimaced unsure of what exactly to say. His lack of reassurance was reflected in Pitch's stance as Pitch's head lowered a little more in obvious despair, so Bunnymund quickly found the words he wanted to say, "I don't really think they're on the same scale Pitch. There's the stuff you've done before we knew you, and then there's the stuff you've done since we've taken ya in."

This didn't seem to be helping much as Pitch stared at him in confusion.

Bunnymund sighed scratching his head as he contemplated the best way to explain to Pitch what he meant, "The stuff ya'd done before was bad okay. I'm not gonna sugar coat it for ya, but the stuff yer being punished for now is more learning curves ta being part of the family. Yer getting better all the time… there's just a few kinks ta work out still. Does that make sense?"

Pitch nodded lightly smiling brightly at the word family. The fact it came from Bunnymund's mouth had shocked him as he'd assumed Bunnymund would be the last to ever consider Pitch worthy of being a part of their group. The fact that he did gave Pitch hope.

Bunnymund of course sensed his center within the other just as surely as any of them did when their center was present. He smiled giving Pitch a soft pat on the leg and a wink before turning back to hop over to the desk. Once there he added, "Hey when North comes back, I'll finish up the next vat and bring ya some primo chocolate covered cherries."

"I like the sound of that," Pitch beamed having finished the last of the scrumptious piece of chocolate licking the residual melted chocolate off his fingers. Feeling content now, Pitch turned back to the googies on the desk and returned to processing them, except now he was wearing a small smile as he worked.

It was about three hours later when North returned to his desk and seated himself in the big chair. His features looked rested and calm, a smile on his lips. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts as he hummed a simple tune.

During the time that North had been gone, Bunnymund had been moving the googies that Pitch had processed back out into the warren trusting Pitch to keep working for the small amount of times that he had left him to his own devices (which he'd mentally counted the googies remained before he'd left and when he'd returned), and Pitch did not disappoint him. He was pleased that Pitch was actually quite amiable throughout the length of time that North had been gone, and Bunnymund was sure to report these things to North as North sank down into his chair.

"How is everything?" North asked as Bunny approached him.

Bunnymund beamed, "It's actually been going rather well. Pitch has been moving through the googies pretty quickly. Quicker than I'd have expected, but his work has been spot on. I left him to inspect on his own for a bit since it was getting a little crowded on the platform. He's made up for the work we didn't do yesterday, and I'm pretty confident that we'll get the batch completed by the end of the day even! He might even finish before I get the next vat done at the rate he's going," Bunnymund leaned in conspiratorially as he half whispered, "He even said thank you Bunnymund… not rabbit eh?" This last bit was what Bunnymund was the most impressed with obviously.

"Excellent!" North smiled wide as he glanced up at Pitch. "That is good to hear, indeed. Maybe we can color some eggs again today."

Bunnymund nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, I think so. Let me head on out and get the black cherry vat going, and once I get that one set up, we should have plenty of time to finish up with a little painting of eggs. Pitch should be done today though, so ya won't have ta worry about coming back tomorrow. I know ya got enough on your plate already." Almost as an afterthought Bunnymund offered, "Uh, ya know, if ya ever need a break… with Pitch an all, I can come take him off yer hands for a day or so." Bunnymund hated seeing his friend looking strained, and after his heart to heart with Pitch he was feeling amiable to the idea although his sentinels might not be as wary as the yeti were for North's liking.

North nodded at Bunny's offer. "I will most definitely take you up on offer. But… are you sure about that? You think you will be able to handle him?"

Bunnymund's ears went flat not fully sure as he shrugged, "I don't honestly know, but I'm pretty sure I can handle him. The warren's pretty secluded and quiet, and I'm a good tracker if he did try ta jet."

North's brow furrowed as he gave a nod. "Pitch trying to escape is what I am concerned about. If he ever got out in real world again, it would be hard for us to find him. I know Sandy weakened him, but we do not know what else he is capable of."

"I think he was already weakened by the time we found him, but yeah, that little trick of Sandy's ta keep him from shadow jumping has been quite helpful in containing him. Ya think if he gets access ta giving nightmares he'll escape Sandy's influence and we'll be back where we started?" Bunnymund pondered.

North shrugged. "It is hard to tell, but I don't wish to find out the hard way. He feeds on fear. In a sense, we are starving him by keeping him here. Or rather, we're starving the fearlings that live inside him. If Pitch ever got loose, there is no telling what he might do. That is why we must take extreme caution while he is within our care." He pointed a finger at Bunny. "If I ever do let him come here, you must take extra precautions. It is not that I don't trust Pitch. I don't trust fearlings. They have sort of an… influence over him at times that I cannot explain. I just wish there was way to separate the two and free Pitch."

Bunnymund grimaced, "He told Tooth that they've become a blended entity, so that's probably not an option. That said, we can't keep him under lock and key forever North. For now, sure. While we're rehabilitating him we need ta keep him under a watchful eye and monitor what he has access to and can do, but at some point in the future we're gonna have ta trust him ta be constructive with his powers and know he's gonna be able ta control them himself. It might be wise ta start considering it now before it becomes a problem for the future."

"You are right, Bunny." North said with a nod. "I know we cannot keep him forever, and this is what concerns me. Pitch is only one that can get control of his power and turn it around for good, but it is going to have to be up to him to do it, as well as up to him to find his purpose. But first he is going to have to want to change. This whole process has to be approached in small steps for it to work. Right now, Pitch needs to sort out his own feelings, which I think he is doing in his own subtle ways."

Bunnymund nodded, "He is. It's funny ya mention change as it was something we talked about in depth while you were gone. He actually asked me if I thought he could change. He wants to North; I actually sensed hope in him when I told him I thought he could. That speaks volumes in my eyes."

North smiled, a twinkle appearing in his eyes. He turned to face Bunny fully. "That is what I wanted to hear. It is encouraging to know we are headed in right direction at last."

His smile was infectious, and Bunnymund's own grew to see it on North's face. He placed a paw on his shoulder, "If anyone could turn Pitch in the right direction, I knew you'd be at the top of that list." He pointed to the tunnel to his right, "I'll be back in about an hour." He turned to leave, but before he sprang off he added, "It's good ta see ya smiling again mate."

Pitch had seen North return, and perceiving the big man in better spirits put Pitch's mind at ease. He'd sensed the man's distress before he'd left which had compounded into his own sullen mood. As the hours had ticked by, he'd had a lot of time to think in between points where he and Bunnymund had spoken about a myriad of topics mostly concerning Easter but occasionally about more interesting topics, at least to Pitch, but his mind kept going back to North's forlorn expression as he'd left and the uncomfortable feeling that Pitch had caused it. As Bunnymund left now, Pitch found himself throwing furtive glances North's way to catch a peak of what the big man was doing now.

After Bunny had left, North leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. He stared off in the distance, contemplating things. Hearing Bunny's report and encouraging words about Pitch really helped to lift his spirits in more ways than one. Up until now, he had found himself slowly becoming discouraged and worn out, since it seemed like he wasn't getting anywhere with Pitch, or seeing any big changes for that matter. Oh, sure, he realized and understood that it was going to be a slow process, but still… it always helped to see results of some kind. The way Pitch had been acting, he wasn't sure if he was going forward or backward. But now he had been reassured that he was going forward.

Pitch continued to work at a steady pace his nerves concerning North making him pour his energies into the googies, and he had to blink and look about when they stopped coming across the desk. It had been about forty minutes or so since Bunnymund had left, so it might still be a little while before he returned leaving Pitch no further work. He wanted to remove himself from the desk either way feeling stiff and sore as he carefully stepped down. He was hesitant to approach North now since where they had left off had been rather awkward, and the man seemed busy building some sort of contraption that reminded Pitch of a jellyfish with its fragile tendrils that flared out like rays of the sun. He stepped a little closer silently padding up far enough to get a better look without disturbing him now.

"Have you finished work?" North simply asked, not taking his eyes off the thing in front of him.

Pitch looked unsure as he nodded even though North wasn't looking at him, "Uh, yeah. It's done… as far as I know anyway since no more of the eggs are coming to the desk now." He took a step closer now just watching North work. It was amazing what the man could make out of bits of inconsequential parts that otherwise had no business being combined, but North found some new and imaginative way to make them work. It fascinated Pitch. He'd watched North on occasion since he'd been at the Pole here and there since the man always seemed to be tinkering with something when he'd approached him, "What… what are you making?" Pitch tested carefully.

"A doodad," North replied, his attention focused on twisting a screw in place with a tiny screwdriver.

"A doodad?" Pitch was unfamiliar with the terminology, "What will it do?"

"Hmmm..." North said, thoughtfully. "We shall see," He picked up another piece and began carefully attaching it to the contraption.

Pitch didn't say any more only inching closer to watch North work. He'd never actually stayed long enough to see what North finished, and without having anywhere else to be, Pitch found himself transfixed on the object in quiet wonder.

"Ah! There we are!" North said at last, tossing his screwdriver down on the desk after he had finished with the last piece. He reached across and picked up a glass full of clear liquid solution, opened up a small hole near the top of the device, and poured it in. "Now we see…" He said, setting the glass aside and pushing a button under the top part of the toy. It vibrated a few seconds, and then gently moved its tendrils, lifting itself up into the air with delicate grace as if it were a living creature. As it ascended, a steady stream of tiny bubbles came out of nozzles on the tendrils. It moved its tendrils in and out and up and down, seeming to be performing a sort of bubbly ballet.

Pitch watched in amazement as it rose into the air rotating in a fluid dance. He couldn't help the smile that erupted from watching it twirl around as he exclaimed, "That's fantastic North!"

North smiled, giving an appreciative nod. He continued to keep his eyes on the toy as it soared higher and then dipped, coming back down. Finally, he turned his eyes to Pitch, studying the Boogeyman thoughtfully.

"Have you ever thought about making something, Pitch?"

Pitch's face went slack, "Make something? Me? I... I don't really have your talents, although I am envious." His eyes returned to the weaving contraption in the sky, and Pitch watched it in awe as the bubbles caught the sunlight creating iridescent colors. He muttered softly, "It's... it's beautiful."

North shrugged. "You never know until you try."

Pitch clasped his hands together still mesmerized by the gliding motion of the creation stating shyly, "I… I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"Would you like to give it try?" North asked, pushing a few miscellaneous pieces and tools toward the Boogeyman.

Pitch finally pried his eyes away from the wonder to look down at the tools and objects that North had moved in front of him. He gingerly hovered his hand over the screwdriver before delicately picking it up and manipulating it in his hands. It felt strange and awkward. His brow drew down in concentration as he picked up one of the screws testing the fit of the tool by imitating how North had combined the two before placing both back down on the table carefully. His eyes now traversed the many items in front of him feeling a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities as he pawed through them placing them together not unlike a child presses together Legos to see if they combine. He seemed frustrated though because he didn't understand the fundamentals of building, "I… I don't know what I'm doing," he groused feeling wholly inadequate as he pushed the items away from himself.

North gave Pitch a loving smile. "Perhaps you just need to start small and simple. When we get back to Pole, I will give you something that is easier." He turned his eyes back to the toy still flying over them. "It can be relaxing pastime."

Pitch blushed at the attention North was showing him, "I'd like to learn to build something from you. Small and simple might be for the best… at least until I get the hang of it," admitting his overly novice state concerning building made Pitch feel a little deficient, so he found himself averting his eyes as he said so. Still, he wore a broad smile quite excited that the big man would even want to take time out of his busy day to teach him to build something. Pitch was doing his best to keep this excitement contained from bubbling out just to think on it, but he couldn't help feeling a bit bouncy and much lighter of spirit to consider it now.

The sound of Bunnymund's heavy feet could be heard pounding down the tunnel as he ran into the room now coming to a stop between North and Pitch as he looked about in amazement at both the milling googies on the platform and the new device that North had made. Standing up straight he stated joyfully, "Well now you two have been a might busy haven't ya?"

Pitch beamed turning to Bunnymund now, "I think I'm done!" The smile he wore brightened his face with his sense of accomplishment.

Bunnymund turned back to the googies nodding, "It looks so Pitch … and right this time," he stressed with a soft smile, "I gather I'm gonna have ta make ya a little basket of goodies ta take with ya."

Pitch didn't care about the soft chiding though, all he greedily thought about now was getting a whole basket of Bunnymund goodies, "Really? But I thought this was a punishment? Not that I'm complaining!"

Bunnymund laughed, "It was; now it's not. Ya did the job like ya were asked ta do, and ya finished it efficiently and without being a spoilt sport about it today, so I figured a little reward couldn't hurt."

Pitch ducked his head kicking his foot at a pebble a moment before looking back up at Bunnymund feeling both embarrassed and appreciative of the praise as he stated softly, "Thank you Bunnymund."

Bunnymund nodded giving him a pat on the shoulder before looking over to North with a big smile.

North smiled back at Bunny, giving him a wink. "And now I think it is time we had some fun, yes? Like painting more eggs."

Bunnymund nodded pulling out a brush for each and handing them to them, "Why don't ya two go on up to the river and get started; I'm gonna make you both a basket of goodies ta take with ya, and I'll meet ya by the river."

Pitch was grinning from ear to ear, "That sounds great!" Who knew punishment could end so well?

North and Pitch made their way up to the banks where several googies darted in and out of the tall grass. They bumbled about to catch them to be able to paint them in the first place. They looked absolutely ridiculous as one ran through North's legs, and Pitch dove to grab it almost toppling the big man on top of him. Thankfully North was more agile than he looked. North and Pitch settled back in the grass by the river laughing once they'd managed to catch a couple of them. They started to dip their paint brushes in the river now to paint their eggs sitting so close they were almost touching now to the point Pitch could feel the warmth that the body radiates when sharing space so close to another person. This was probably the closest in proximity the two had ever shared that wasn't involving a spanking. It felt nice, and this too made him smile. Pitch was absolutely astounded by how this day could have started off so poorly and end so well thinking he probably didn't deserve it, but his heart swelled from the sheer bliss of it. He was truly happy in this moment, and it transcended anything he'd felt in a very long time.

"Mmm… Ah!" North said, turning a huge smile to Pitch. "How is that?" He showed Pitch the egg he'd been painstakingly painting for a few minutes. It was green and red swirled with sparkly gold glitter.

Pitch chuckled warmly, "It's very… Christmassy North." Finishing painting the egg he'd been working on as well, Pitch handed it to North, "I made this one for you."

The egg had an intricate motif of bubbles, gear shapes, and red swirly wispy lines that resembled North's most recent invention, "I was thinking of what you made today," Pitch gently cleared his throat as he stated reservedly trying not to stare at North, but definitely observing the man through his long lashes as he picked up another egg nestled in his lap. Pitch tentatively dipped his brush back in the river to paint again as he watched North from his peripheral to see his reaction almost afraid the man wouldn't see the resemblance at all.

North smiled wide as he looked at the egg. Finally, he nodded his approval. "It is very good—very good likeness. Thank you," He turned his smile to Pitch. "Now I paint one for you." He dipped his brush in the water again and reached to take another egg in his hand. He spent several minutes painting in silence. When he was finished, he handed the egg to Pitch. It was colored in a swirl of dark blues and purples and covered in silver glitter.

Pitch had stopped painting his own egg too curious of the prospect of North painting an egg for him. He was straining to peak over the big man's arm to see, but even though he'd caught a few glimpses of the colors he painted the egg, it wasn't until North had finished it and placed the egg gently in Pitch's hands did Pitch get a chance to really see how artfully North had designed the egg. His voice was full of emotion, "It's lovely North! Thank you. The glitter really is a nice touch." He sat now hunched over his egg just taking in every splash of color quietly contemplative and rotating it slowly as if it were his most treasured possession.

"Yes, I think so, too." North held up the Christmassy egg to examine it again. He turned his eyes to look at Pitch. "So, I suppose you still find painting to be a lot of mundane work?"

Pitch smirked, "Maybe not as much as I thought it would be. This is kind of nice actually."

Bunnymund vaulted across the meadow now a flash of grey bobbing through the rich fields of green. It didn't take him long to come skittering to a stop beside the other two spirits. He held two fully packed baskets of assorted chocolates, painted googies, and other candies. Bunnymund placed one in front of each, and each were very tailored to the person who received it; whereas Pitch received a variety of different things because he hadn't ever had the chance of experiencing most of Bunny's delights, North's basket catered to the man's professed favorites that Bunnymund knew well by now from the many years they had been friends.

Looking at the eggs the two had painted, Bunnymund bent down to pick them up and admire them, "Adorable mates! Ya two are definitely going ta have ta come back to paint some more! I like the variety you add ta the pool."

Pitch's face was filled with a child-like delight as he perused all the goodies his eyes wide as saucers and mouth hanging agape, "Oh these look wonderful Bunnymund! Thank you!" he squealed in delight, "What's this? Oh stars, this tastes good!" Toothiana would have a heart attack he decided if she ever saw how many sweets were packed into this basket for him. Pitch cradled the basket in his lap now digging greedily through it and giggling enthusiastically as he pecked through the basket taking small nibbles off of a variety of the items wanting to try them all at once.

North laughed merrily at everything going on—Pitch's reaction, the treats, the beautifully painted eggs, the happiness in the air. For the first time since they had brought Pitch to the Pole, he felt like he could just relax and enjoy life. "Well, then, Pitch, if your opinion on painting has changed, the job of painting toys in my workshop is still open, if you want to keep yourself occupied with something. It is slightly different than painting eggs, of course, but I'm sure you will find it enjoyable nonetheless."

Pitch had stuffed so much chocolate down his throat that by the time he'd swallowed and was able to talk again, he was on a sugar high, eyes dilated, and talking a mile a minute, "Yes! I think painting would be grand! Wonderful! Absolutely fantastic! These are sooo very good Bunnymund; I just want to eat them all right now!"

Bunnymund laughed watching on amazed at how animated Pitch was being as well as how quickly he was devouring the candies, "Hey there, ya might want ta slow down just a little bit there Pitch." He chuckled looking back to North, "Oh mate, I'm sorry. He's gonna be bouncing off the walls from that sugar high he's got going."

"He's yours now, Bunny," North chuckled, dipping his brush in the water to paint another egg. "You wanted him to help, you have him until it wears off."

Bunnymund stuttered, "Uh, Pitch? Can we lay off the sweets just a little?"

Pitch pouted grabbing his basket tightly before realizing Bunymund had a point feeling bit of a nervous twitch from the amount of sugar he'd consumed. He gave a quick nod rattling off with a mass of pent up energy, "Sure. Sure. I'll just set it down, and eat it later tonight. Little bits at a time. Unlike now, where I've almost polished off the basket, but then it won't be too much by then I suppose?"

Bunnymund covered his face chuckling, "Alright North, my bad. We can paint a few eggs ta wind it out of him."

They spent another two hours painting eggs while Pitch talked their ears off about anything and everything feeling rather excitable he found about most things which was quite the change to his normal dour or quietly unyielding nature of response. By the time the candy was wearing off, Pitch's eyes were drooping tiredly feeling the opposite reaction of coming down from the sugar high.

"We wanted Pitch to change." North said, still eyeing Pitch, one eyebrow rising in anticipation of a relapse of endless chatter. "He has changed. Though, I would have never guessed someone could talk for thirty minutes about socks."

Pitch hadn't even noticed the comment looking about with a serene placated smile. He'd eaten way too much candy, and his stomach ached the tiniest bit from the amount of it he'd ingested. Why had he eaten so much of it at once he admonished himself. But oh stars, it was so very good! He sighed his appeasement collapsing on his side in the tall grass to lazily pick at the blades as he listened to the sounds of the birds tweeting and the rustle of the leaves above. He took in a deep breath smelling the sweet scents of cherry blossoms and honeysuckles; all of this gave him a feeling of inner peace.

Bunnymund and North continued to chat quietly between themselves, their voices were carried off on the wind fading into the background as Pitch relaxed in their company. He was on the verge of just fading into a comatose sleep from the sheer level of contentment he was feeling, and after several undisturbed minutes in this way, Pitch did let himself fade into unconsciousness.

Bunnymund's ears twitched when he'd heard Pitch's breathing level out into deep rhythmic inhalations. He hopped to his feet peering into the grass somewhat alarmed before giving a soft chuckle and pointing with his thumb, "He crashed pretty hard there. He's out like a light mate. I guess ya should get him home. If'n ya wanna go by way a snow globe, ya can scoop him up and go, and I'll bring by your baskets of goodies, the eggs you painted, and your invention tonight once I do a little cleaning up around here."

"Sounds like good idea." North nodded, getting to his feet. He took out a snow globe and tossed it, opening a portal directly to Pitch's bedroom. He walked over, bent down, and scooped Pitch up in his arms, cradling the limp, sleeping form of the Boogeyman close to his chest as if he were his own son. Pitch mumbled something incoherent in his sleep, and curled himself around to snuggle next to the warm body of Santa, a smile forming on his lips. Smiling at Pitch's actions, North turned to say goodbye to Bunnymund, the rabbit returning the goodbye with one of his own. When North had stepped through the portal to the other side, the portal closed behind him. He walked the short distance to the bed, where he deposited Pitch gently on it and covered him over with the covers.

Had Pitch really changed that much since that morning? North contemplated this as he watched the dark man sleep. Perhaps one of Pitch's walls had crumbled at last, and this marked a new path that all of them would be traveling down soon. The prospect of it gave North a new hope. He smiled, then turned to leave the room and left Pitch to sleep off his sugar rush.