Chapter Twenty-Six

Between You and Me

Pitch had watched Toothiana leave with the painting before turning back to the multitude of paint tubes splayed all over the ground. They were capped, but Pitch realized he'd still managed to make a mess. His hand looked like a rainbow had exploded at his fingertips. Pitch had to chuckle thinking of yelling 'boo!' at a child and how very not scary his rainbow colored fingers would be. He looked down at the smatterings of bright colors decorating the palette he'd used to mix and paint Toothiana's picture. This was definitely a sharp contrast to who he'd always seen himself to be, and for once, he realized that he kind of liked this change. He didn't have to be just one aspect of himself. He was and could be much more than just fear.

He brought the messy supplies into the stables and to the back room where he normally filled the water buckets. He made quick work washing the palette, the brushes, the tubes, and his hands. Once he was cleaned up, he packed everything away and organized it to carry back to his room before moving on to the task of putting all the reindeer back in their stalls.

It took him about twenty minutes to finish everything before he was stumbling back through the Pole with all the supplies wishing he'd asked Toothiana to take at least the easels back with her. He was thankful that the yeti, Phil, had seen him struggling and offered to take his belongings back to his room for him. Phil of course took all of it under one arm carrying the whole load with ease. Pitch just frowned watching the yeti trundle off a bit miffed at how easy the yeti made it look. No matter, now that his hands were free, he could just go straight to North's office.

He was about to go inside when he saw Toothiana floating down one of the halls. He hurried to catch up to her as he called out, "Toothiana! Hey!"

Tooth looked up to see Pitch. She forced a smile as she waved at him. "Hey!" she called. "North loved the painting!"

Pitch beamed, "He did, did he? Excellent! Where are you going?" He was wondering why she would have left North's office so soon and without waiting for him to return.

"I was... going to find you." she said. "I figured you would probably be done by now, so I thought I would just wait around your room instead."

His face fell at her hesitation. She wore a smile, but he could tell there was something wrong. "Did... did you want to go there to talk still?" He was worried now, but they weren't far from his room, and if Toothiana had something important to say, the two would have their privacy.

Tooth shrugged, still smiling. "Not unless you want to." Actually, she wanted to talk to him about so many things, but she wasn't sure how to approach him on it where it wouldn't embarrass him or make him upset.

What did she mean by that? He looked her over curiously, and he could tell something was weighing on her, and he was becoming anxious now. Did he do something wrong? He ushered her forward, "Well, we're already practically to my room. Might as well sit and get comfortable eh?"

Tooth nodded. She flew forward, quietly following Pitch down the hallway.

They walked the rest of the way in silence, and once at his door, Pitch opened it for Toothiana and the two filed in much less cheerily than the last time Pitch noted with dismay. He closed the door lightly before turning back to motion to his bed, so she could have a seat as he climbed on it himself to settle himself against the headboard. In his nervousness, he grabbed the pillow as he'd moved into place putting it in his lap to knead his fingers into it awaiting what she would say to him.

Tooth hovered beside the bed, smiling. "You said that you had a really good time at the warren?" she said suddenly.

Pitch's brow furrowed in confusion, "Well sure. We spent the afternoons painting eggs and enjoying chocolates and what not. Why?"

"Just wondering," said Tooth. "You never showed me the egg North gave you."

Tossing his pillow to the side, he slid tenderly off the bed and moved over to the nightstand grabbing the glass casing holding his egg painted by North and carefully proffered it to Tooth, "He painted something in the colors I like; he has the one I painted for him. It was themed off of the bubble contraption North built," Pitch spoke stiltedly as he watched Toothiana with concern. She was acting different, and he didn't know why, but her demeanor had changed from the light and happy mood they had just shared to this guarded off-put stance she now held. She was almost cold and detached now. He had to know what had caused this sudden change, "Is there something wrong Toothiana? You seem… I don't know, not yourself."

Tooth took the egg, smiling when she saw the beauty of it. She found herself intensely studying it like she had never seen an egg before as she thought of how to answer Pitch. Finally she sighed. "I talked with North a while ago, while you were putting the deer away."

"I'm guessing from your change in mood, whatever the two of you talked about wasn't good," he sighed backing away to sit on his bed lightly folding his hands in his lap. He glanced back up at her wearing a small worried frown on his lips.

Tooth shrugged. "He just told me the whole story about how you ended up going to the warren."

Pitch grimaced, "Oh… that. I… may have taken a prank a little too far. I hadn't meant to put Bunnymund in danger rest assured if that was your concern. Even Bunnymund has forgiven me, and that's saying something. Besides, North and I spoke on the matter and worked it out with Bunnymund to make it up to him. I hardly see why that matters now," Pitch was scowling now. He didn't like thinking of North and Toothiana talking about him behind his back.

Tooth couldn't believe Pitch. She shook her head in disappointment. "Maybe it doesn't matter now. But the fact is you failed to tell me everything about that little adventure. I thought you trusted me enough to confide in me as a friend."

"Failed… failed to tell you?!" Pitch's frown deepened as his eyes squinted angrily at her, "Why would I need to tell you about that? It wasn't something I cared to share! I told you the parts I enjoyed and that I thought you would enjoy hearing about!" He stood now his anger rising, "What are you, my mother now? I didn't know I had to report back to you whether I have a mishap or not! Not that it matters since obviously North is just going to blab it all over the dang Pole anyway!"

Tooth gently set the egg down on Pitch's dresser and shrank back. She felt her anger rising, but she was determined not to make the situation worse than it already was. At the moment, she wasn't sure what to say or how she should say it. Instead, she just continued to hover, not saying a word.

Her judgmental stare set him off, and he pointed at her heatedly, "Don't look at me like that! I don't owe you an explanation for what happened!"

"I wasn't asking you for an explanation. I just thought I was your friend, someone that you felt comfortable confiding in." she said, softly. "Even when it came to the personal things."

Pitch rubbed at his temples in frustration, "I am your friend, and… and I do feel comfortable confiding in you." He raised his hands in defeat sighing as he sunk back on to the bed. He hated the feeling of disappointment she radiated towards him. He shook his head sadly looking at the ground as he spoke, "I didn't want to tell you… about that part. I just wanted you to be happy with me, and I don't really like talking about how I seem to continuously fail everyone's expectations for me. I certainly don't want to talk about North manhandling me in order to express how upset he is with me!" His face flushed, and he shrank into himself at the mention of North, feeling freshly shamed now.

Toothiana didn't know what to do. Her anger was slowly going down. Now she just felt sorry for the man. Slowly, she fluttered over next to the bed and put a gentle hand on Pitch's shoulder.

"Pitch," she said, softly, "No one's perfect. You're going to make mistakes and you're going to fail sometimes. There's nothing wrong with that, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It just means you're trying. I am happy with you. I would have still been happy with you if you had told me all of it." She sighed. "I didn't mean to sound like I was being nosy and prying into your business. But I was disappointed and hurt that you didn't tell me the whole story, especially the reason why you went to the warren in the first place. I got the impression that Bunny had invited you there for a fun afternoon."

Pitch sighed, "Every time I think I'm doing well, I end up… slipping. It's… disheartening to say the least." He turned wide imploring eyes up to her now, "I meant no deception by not telling you the whole story. I … I was just embarrassed that it happened at all. Surely you can understand it wasn't meant to keep secrets from you can't you?"

"Of course I understand." Tooth smiled down at him. "But thinking you're doing well and then slipping... That's normal for anyone, Pitch. Like I said, no one's perfect. Yeah, it is disheartening, but you're going to have to expect to have ups and downs. That's just part of life, even for us legendary figures."

Legendary figures indeed! He wasn't legendary… maybe once, when he'd been believed in… but not anymore, and not for a very long time now. Pitch had turned away from her gaze as these thoughts rolled through his mind, but he responded lightly, "I expect to make mistakes… I guess it's just the regularity of occurrences can be… alarmingly frequent." He moved about uncomfortably thinking of the fact that he still chafed from North's many ministrations that served as a humiliating reminder to his consistency of staying in trouble.

"Maybe you should work to insure that you don't make as many mistakes." Tooth said, rather cautiously. She didn't want to risk Pitch becoming upset again.

Pitch snorted, "If only it were that easy! Half the time I don't realize I've really done something wrong until North is giving me a painful reminder to not do it again," he grimaced at this admission half wishing he hadn't mentioned it, not that Toothiana didn't already know what discipline he faced whenever he did get in trouble, but discussing it made him feel slightly squeamish.

Tooth shook her head. "Pitch, you're a grown man. You should already know right from wrong. I know you have the fearlings inside you and you've spent decades wallowing in evil and fear, but all of that aside. You're still an adult, a man. You had common sense at one time in your life... before... before you became the Boogeyman."

He gasped looking at her in first shock that quickly shifted into rage. He couldn't believe she would say that to him! He stood balling his fists sneering at her, "I know right from wrong! My definition of it just isn't necessarily the same as yours! How dare you make assumptions of what I should know to conform to and what not to! You're not being forced to do anything! You don't know what it's like to go through what I have to endure on a daily basis! I am an adult! It's you guardians that need to learn to treat me like one!" He was seething now as her insult rose more truth to him than he was willing to see.

Tooth rolled her eyes up to the ceiling, shaking her head again. "We will start treating you like one when you start acting like one." she said, struggling to keep her own temper in check. She marveled over Pitch's talent for always proving their point.

He was huffing in barely contained rage, "I've heard enough! Out! Get out!" he stomped his foot for emphasis before crawling on his bed, grabbing his pillow, and violently shifting on his side curling into a ball as a means of shutting her out for upsetting him so fully.

Tooth wasn't at all surprised this time. Actually, she was all too happy to leave. Perhaps she had been wrong in thinking Pitch had changed. Without saying a word, she turned and flew out of the room to go back to her palace, stopping by North's office to pick up the painting Pitch had given her. She'd made up her mind now. Pitch wasn't going to be allowed in her realm until she knew for certain that he truly had changed. Or would it help him to change if she invited him there? Her mind was confused. She needed time to think things through. Pitch would just have to throw his tantrums. Sooner or later he'd learn that he couldn't get his way whenever he wanted it.

Pitch fumed kicking viciously at the sheets until he could climb under them aggressively snatching them and pulling the comforter over himself as an avenue to vent his anger and frustration. Oh! He hated when she would do that! Toothiana had a way of being the most pleasing and the most aggravating person he knew! He was still panting in his anger as he settled into the bed. Of course the longer she was gone, the more regret crept in. Pitch didn't know how he always managed to find ways to fight with her. This argument was clearly her fault though! She just had to be nosy! Or maybe North had just blurted it out? Either way, what exactly did she expect of him? He lay there feeling uncertain now just pouting and feeling at a loss.

A heavy knock sounded at the door.

Pitch stiffened. What if Toothiana told North about their little argument? Suddenly he was feeling nervous for having gone off on Toothina so harshly. He pulled the comforter tighter now as he stated meekly, "Yes?"

"Is everything all right, Pitch?" North's voice came from the other side of the door.

Pitch cringed hunkering down further into his sheets as he stammered, "Uh… yeah! Fa… fine! Everything's great North!" His eyes were wide, and Pitch was praying the Cossack stayed on the other side of the door.

North opened the door and stepped in, looking around the door at Pitch. "Are you sure?" he questioned. "The reason I ask is Tooth came by my office a few minutes ago to pick up painting you gave her and she acted upset. Did not say word, only took painting and flew off."

Pitch's whole body froze hearing the whoosh of the door opening and North stepping into the room. Pitch was glad his back was turned as he swallowed hard his eyes shifting back and forth trying to decide what to say, "…Um… she was… she was a little unhappy about the news you shared with her… that I didn't."

North sighed, "I see," He looked at the floor, then back at Pitch. "So she told you?"

This response elicited a grumble of irritation from Pitch, "Was she not supposed to? Or do you two often talk about me behind my back?"

North glared, suddenly realizing that Pitch was in one of his moods again. "What Tooth does is her own choice. And for your information, we were not talking behind back. What we discussed is no secret."

"No, of course not. My business seems to be everyone's business around here. I'm not afforded any minute amount of privacy," Pitch snapped bitterly; although if he'd been looking at North to see the man's glare he might have held back any further comments.

North's glare turned dangerous. "Do I need to get switch? I can make that your business and your business only."

Pitch jerked at North's words quickly spinning around in the comforter so that he was facing North with wide apologetic eyes, "Wha? No!" He shook his head no vigorously in his adamancy, "I… I didn't mean… no, please don't." Pitch grew quiet hating the nervous flutter that instantly cropped in his stomach and the way the Cossack could instantly drain all the anger out of him with nothing more than a simple statement that gave him an ultimatum to curb his attitude or have it curbed for him.

North crossed his arms over his chest, still continuing to stare at Pitch.

Pitch shrank back from North's gaze as he gulped. He spoke hesitantly now, "I know I can't stop you from discussing… well… how you discipline me… or when you do, but… can… can you maybe just keep it between you and me? Please?" It was horribly humiliating thinking about the fact that they all knew North spanked him, but having them actively having conversations about it made his head swim to the point he felt like he was drowning in shame.

One of North's eyebrows rose. "I see no reason to keep it between us, especially since others know already. I have also given some of them permission to spank you as well, if I am not around to do it myself."

Some? Pitch didn't think this conversation could get any worse. He was very wrong. He'd heard North give Bunnymund permission in the warren when he'd left Pitch in the rabbit's charge, but he'd assumed it'd only been under the special circumstances and not as a going forward rule. "You… you what? No! Why?! Who?! There's no way I'm going to let any other guardian…" Seeing North's brow draw down, Pitch whimpered in self-pity as he hid his face in his covers moaning, "Oh stars! I hate my life!"

"Why is that surprising? You've already been swatted by Sandy." said North. "We are all here to see that you change, Pitch. It is job shared by all. I see no reason why disciplining you should be strictly my job. If others think you're deserving of it when I am not around, they have every right to do so. I will not stop them."

"I… don't you think… what you're doing to me is so unfair! There should be some boundaries! That… that task shouldn't be shared! I swear I'm going to have no pride left by the time you're through with me!" Pitch complained quite sullenly unable to fathom any of the other guardians actually taking him in hand like North did. Sure Sandy had struck him a few times, and it was enough to give Pitch a wakeup call, but actually having to submit to any of the other guardians to be spanked was unthinkable.

North secretly doubted that anyone but himself and Sandy would be the ones to do it, but he wasn't about to say that to Pitch. If Pitch knew all of them were capable of it, then it might help to discourage some of his attitude and ridiculous behavior.

"Life isn't fair, Pitch. You already know this." North continued to glare. "Might I offer some advice? If you don't want spanking, then don't do things that earn it."

What kind of advice was that? Pitch harrumphed, advice indeed! He scowled beneath the sheet giving North his nastiest sneer only because he knew the man couldn't actually see it. This didn't do much to assuage the irritation he felt at North's words though, but it was the only defiance he could muster at the moment. Life really wasn't fair Pitch thought bitterly, but this to he kept to himself knowing to voice it would only make North more likely to scold him further. Instead he muttered quietly to himself, "Of course you'd say that."

North sat down on the side of the bed. "Pitch, you were doing so good up until today. Is there anything bothering you that you wish to talk about? Earlier you were coming into office to ask for painting supplies and were excited about creating something. Now you are back to being grump. I can't figure you sometimes."

Pitch pulled the sheet away to look at North with a pout, "I did like the painting… I still do. It made me happy, but I can't be expected to be happy all the time can I? I would have remained happy to, but Tooth surprised me with her… intrusiveness." His face soured remembering their argument, "I really don't like you two talking about me in that way… it's… upsetting and… humiliating."

North's face relaxed into a loving smile. "No, you can't be expected to be happy all time. But I don't think I have seen someone who can bounce between two in such short time, except for maybe Bunny." North gave a chuckle. "You need to learn not to let every little thing bother you. Believe me, you will be much more happy. You are going to have arguments and disagreements. This is also part of life. But you shouldn't dwell on them to point where it turns you bitter and hateful."

Noting North completely ignored his gentle comment about his feelings on them talking about him in such a fashion, Pitch huffed, "I'm not dwelling, and I'm not being hateful… well, maybe a little bitter I'll admit… but I'm also being expected to do a one eighty to change the ways I've always known. I know what you want for me, and you know I'm trying to change, but that doesn't mean that all the changes you want me to do I have to be fully on board with does it?" Pitch reasoned.

"No, I suppose not." North shook his head. "But if you want to change, then you're going to have to make effort and be serious about it. You're going to have to learn to start disciplining yourself."

"Disciplining myself? I thought that's what the whole training thing with Bunnymund was supposed to accomplish," Pitch snorted.

"That is part of it, yes, but it takes a lot more than just that. You have to train and discipline your mind, Pitch. You have to tell yourself, I am going to change, and be willing to accept that challenge. You have to set goals for yourself and work toward them. And when you find yourself veering off course and heading towards choices that will earn spanking, you have to stop, think it through, and choose to make right choices."

Pitch's frown deepened, "Yes, well I've done quite a bit of changing, and it doesn't seem to have lessened the degree of how many times I end up on your ...bad side."

"It only looks like bad side to you, because you refuse to admit you have done wrong and refuse to accept consequences for your own actions. You say it like it is my fault, Pitch." North sadly shook his head. "No, it is not my fault. I do not spank you because I am being mean or enjoy seeing you suffer. Like I have said in past, I do not want to spank you. I wish I did not have to. You force me to by your own actions and stubbornness. Whether you like it or not, spanking is part of helping you change."

Pitch hated listening to what North was saying, he'd heard it one too many times from the man, but North seemed to want to drill it into him. Of course he understood consequences! How could he not when he had to face them every time he turned around! He didn't need spankings to change! If the guardians would just work with him more; he was sure he could change of his own accord. Pitch didn't want to face the truth that the consequence of a spanking looming over his head did in fact make Pitch think twice before acting.

Pitch just stared at North as he spoke with a petulant pout refusing to comment neither willing to admit any truth to North's statement or get himself in trouble by saying something he'd likely regret.

North continued when he saw that Pitch wasn't going to say anything. "Consequences are never fun—does not matter if it's spanking or otherwise. You call it unfair that I use spanking on you. But I am certain that if I used another method that you would still complain and whine that it is unfair, because I will still look like bad guy." said North. "Spanking is not cruel. When done correctly, it serves to teach and also gives you an incentive to change."

Pitch perked at the opportunity that North presented, "You said I'd complain that another method is unfair, what other method could you use? Maybe we can try it instead and forego spanking?"

North's eyebrow rose. "We are sticking with spanking." he said, flatly. "Since you dislike it and fight against it so hard, it proves to me that spanking is good punishment for you."

Pitch's brow drew down in frustration as he felt his temper flare; he of course said nothing on North's statement but twitched noticeably as fought the urge to spit out a venomous reply. It was obvious, Pitch could talk himself blue in the face, but there was going to be no talking North down out of this particular vein of punishment he'd so unwaveringly decided upon. It vexed Pitch to no end, but he had no other recourse but to submit to North's decision. Pitch sighed in defeat averting his gaze to the bed and doing his best to change the subject, "Toothiana mentioned you liked my picture?"

So be it, North thought. He nodded. "Yes, I did. It was very beautiful. I am proud of you for doing such good job."

Liking this topic much better, Pitch smiled, "I was surprised it came out so well. It felt familiar to paint, although I can't remember ever doing so. Maybe it's one of the things I used to do before… before I became the boogeyman." He was quiet a moment thinking on the bits and pieces of who he used to be and how much he still didn't remember. "What do you know about Mother Nature North? Have you ever met her?"

North turned a puzzled look to Pitch, thinking his question a bit odd. "No, I can't say I ever have. And I don't know too much about her." He stroked his beard. "What is it that you would like to know?"

Pitch's face contorted into a picture of concerned worry, "I… I don't know exactly. I just feel like there is something I'm not able to remember about her. I have mixed feelings that give me a sense… that I wronged her somehow? My memories are blotches of time between right before I was possessed, what had transpired up until I came to Earth, and somewhere in between then and now. I've lost gaps of time. All I know is that deep down I feel I should know her, but I don't know in what capacity… I can't even imagine what she looks like. It's rather disconcerting."

"Ah," North now understood. "I am sorry to hear that. But I am sure your memories will come back in full in time."

Pitch glanced back at North his eyes conveyed uncertainty, "I just hope they are something I want to remember," he pulled his pillow in front of himself crossing his arms on top of it and resting his chin on his folded arms. He stared ahead now pondering his memories and if what North had said were true when and if they might resurface.

After Toothiana had enacted the memories locked within his one tooth, it had opened his mind to see memories before his possession, and since the time that she had done it, he'd remembered bits and pieces of times before he'd been possessed in the nightmares that he would succumb to when he did sleep, but they were still only fragments here and there. He felt the pain and the joy the memory held, but he couldn't connect otherwise to who he had been. It was enough for Pitch to know that the man he'd once been was no longer the man he was now, and to look at those memories was akin to looking at another person altogether even if he was able to feel for the people in these memories, the man he used to be was a stranger to himself.

North put a gentle hand on Pitch's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "I wish I could help you."

Pitch let his eyes close as he took in a long full breath before looking back at North. His eyes reflected warmth at the consideration North afforded him, and Pitch gave him a small sad smile, "You have. Even if I'm too stubborn to admit it most of the time," he smiled a little wider thankful for the comfort North offered him without question and truly appreciative that he wasn't alone in times like these where thoughts of his past plagued him, and Pitch felt lost within himself needing help to become grounded once more.

A smile formed on North's lips as he peered down at Pitch. "I can drive that stubbornness out of you." he teased.

Pitch had to roll his eyes at that comment giving North a sour look. Even if the statement was true, it was one of the last ones Pitch would ever want to be reminded of, "Don't push it North." Pitch couldn't help shaking his head and giving a half smile at the audacity North had. He swore the man knew no restraint for the things he said to him.

North raised an eyebrow at Pitch's remark.

Pitch gave North a nervous chuckle running a hand through his hair hoping his comment was taken lightly and not too seriously.

"Just to let you know. You dance fine line sometimes." North said.

Pitch grinned sheepishly a faint blush coating his cheeks, "It… it was meant in jest not offense. I know full well that you can, without doubt, drive the stubbornness out of me, believe me!"

North gave a quick nod of satisfaction at Pitch's answer. "Good, I am glad you understand."

Pitch scoffed, "You know, you get more flies with honey than vinegar works both ways right?"

"This is true." North raised an eyebrow. "But if you are trying to get out of future spankings, the answer is no."

Pitch looked offended, "I didn't even! Gah! You are unbelievable!" Pitch fumed kicking indignantly in his sheets to vent his frustrations with North as he grumbled, "I get it! And you call me stubborn! Can we not talk about spankings anymore please? It makes me feel uncomfortable," Pitch pursed his lips sulkily.

North marveled at the tantrum the man threw. He says he's no child, yet he throws a child-worthy tantrum. But North didn't say anything. "Alright," he chuckled. "What do you wish to talk about?"

"Anything except spanking!" Pitch groused hating just the mention of the word because it elicited entirely too many bad feelings and memories especially with North. He sighed, his mind going back to Toothiana and wishing he hadn't said what he had to her before she'd left. Pitch had to wonder how long it would be before she came back again, "Was Toothiana really upset when she left?"

"Afraid so. She just flew into my office, grabbed painting, and left. She didn't even respond to me calling her."

Pitch stated softly, "Oh," before growing quiet as he looked down at the bed. He was glad she hadn't filled North in on all the details though as the Cossack and he may have been having a very different conversation. He would have to find a way to make it up to her he decided, he just was unsure in what capacity to do so.

"Pitch, I would not get hopes up to visit Tooth Palace anytime soon. Unless Tooth gets over whatever happened between you and her."

Pitch sighed deeply, "I know. She and I always seem to be riding a roller coaster; one minute we're doing well, and the next minute we couldn't see eye to eye if our faces were glued together." He grimaced, "I can tell she doesn't really want me to go to her home… she thinks I'm going to do something, or maybe she's still resentful for what I did over sixty years ago," he shrugged, "I can't take it back; she knows that. Even though I'm here trying to make amends, I have to wonder if I ever can make it up to her, or is she always going to think I'm going to hurt her." His face reflected a mixture of sorrow and regret as he thought on this.

North wanted to say, 'I wonder why?', but thought better of it. "Tooth is timid and delicate. She can be easily hurt, and it can take while for her to trust again. You just have to give her time."

He turned back to North giving a slow understanding nod. He brightened, "Maybe I could paint her another picture? Do you think that would help her to forgive me?"

"That could work." North smiled. "But make sure you apologize with mouth, too."

He grinned, "Yeah, that to." He chuckled splaying a hand out dramatically, "I'm thinking a canvas filled top to bottom with teeth of all types; does that sound like something she'd squeal her heart out over?" Pitch was beaming now propping himself up on his elbows and looking wistful at the thought of Toothiana's reaction to his idea.

It didn't sound appealing to North, but he knew that Tooth would probably love it. "Yes, it does sound like thing she would like."

His smile widened thinking of her smiling, and of course in his mind's eye her forgiving him right away and maybe even giving him one of her gentle hugs. Pitch really liked these thoughts, and it motivated him into action. He scrambled out of the blankets excited at the prospect of seeing her happy with him again and climbing off of the bed, he started frantically looking through the art supplies to pick out what he would need, "I should get to making it! Never know when she'll show up again!"

North's face shone with pleasure at seeing Pitch excited again. He enjoyed seeing this side of Pitch. It helped to encourage him and remind him that Pitch was capable of change. There were still a lot of rough edges to smooth out, but with time he felt it could be accomplished.

"You know," North said, "I think I have book of teeth in library that you can use as reference if you need to. It was gift from Tooth long time ago. She insisted I needed it in library."

Pitch laughed mirthfully as he gathered all the supplies he would need to paint this particular picture, "Why doesn't that surprise me at all? That would be helpful; I think I'll need some sort of reference as I have a feeling she'll notice any inconsistencies!" Looking back at North, he smiled appreciatively, "Thanks. I'll head over to the workshop and set up, if you want to meet me over there with the book, or I can swing by your office for it after I get everything together."

North got up off the bed. "I think I will get book and meet you over there. I just hope I remember where I put it." He chuckled. "It is not book I read often, as you can imagine."

Pitch feigned mock shock as he gasped, "No! But… it must be a riveting read! I can't imagine putting it down," he promptly giggled giving North a smirk.

"Oh, shush,'" North said with a chuckle, waving Pitch off. He walked to the door, opened it, and disappeared into the hall.

Pitch was still beaming as North headed out of his room. He continued to gather the supplies he would need feeling rather confident his idea to please Toothiana would play out in his favor; how could she not love a painting of teeth? Yes, he was quite assured this was going to please her and win him back her favor.