Archive of Our Own ^beta

Pairing: Jack Frost/Pitch Black
Summary: Pitch spends the night at the Guardian’s Mountain settlement, ending up in the bed of the one Guardian whose affection he deeply desires. However, he believes his feelings will not be reciprocated. Thankfully, Jack was always the person who spoke his mind and was a bit of a wild card.
Fandom: Rise of the Guardian/Valheim
Universe: Post- ROTG, Valheim Universe
Words: 

Synopsis:
Several months after the Battle of Burgess, the Guardians and Pitch Black awaken to find themselves being carried by large bird-like creatures (known as Valkyries) to a mysterious world known as Valheim. Without their abilities and unable to reach out to Manny, the group must face horrors of the land and defeat the Forsaken if they wish to return to their own world. At first, The Guardians and Pitch are unwilling to work together as there is bad blood between them. However, after a year and difficulties taming the land (along with many deaths and resurrections later), they have put their differences aside and begun to work with each other. Over time, the Guardians have begun to trust the Boogeyman and vice versa.

❆~❆

“Jack, can you check if Bunny has arrived yet?”

The Guardian of Fun leaned over the rail of the staircase, setting aside the yule garland. He spots North carrying a large tree from outside, shaking the snow off his build. Thankfully, the Guardian was bundled from head to toe in the wolf armor, and it helped that North was used to the mountain’s frigid temperature.

“Bunny? I thought he was back now?” The Guardian of Hope had left earlier in the day, planning on checking their farm in the Meadows and gathering the crops that were ready to be harvested. Thankfully, it was the final batch for the year, as Winter has finally arrived over these lands. The supply should last them for the rest of the season, as they planned on splitting their time between their home in the Meadows and the new Mountain base North had finally finished constructing.

North placed the large pine tree on the floor. “Asked Sandy and Tooth. They haven’t seen him this morning.” For a moment, a flash of distress appeared on the man’s face, and Jack could not help but have the same thought. 

What if there had been a raid at the base and Bunny had been caught? What if he had been hurt or worse? They would have to find him immediately, as North had just finished securing the area for them to arrive at after revival. Everyone but Bunny had access and bonded with their spiritual essence.  But if Bunny had been defeated, he would have been sent back to the Sacrificial Stone. 

Jack leapt from the balcony, ignoring the pain shooting up his bare feet from the hard wooden floor. “I’ll go find him,” he said, already grabbing his wolf cloak and his staff. Already, he can hear the harsh winds growing outside and knows they are in for a blizzard. He heads to the large wooden portal, preparing to step through the gateway that will hopefully lead them to a secured, still-standing Meadow farm.

The threshold flared to life, as arcane energy erupted from within. Jack took a step back, and North immediately joined him in the room.

Bunny exited the portal, a large basket on his back, filled to the brim with carrots, turnips, and onions. Snow covered his fur, and Jack knew that Bunny was going to spend most of the night in front of the fire. “Oi, didn’t know we’re going to have a welcome party, or I would have brought more presents,” the Guardian of Hope joked.

Jack cannot help but roll his eyes. “Had us worried, Furball. Was about to send out a search party for your furry butt.” He then paused as his mind finally caught up with Bunny's statement. “Wait, we?”
Bunnymund just stepped off to the side as the threshold flared once more. Someone else was coming through.

The figure was dressed in fur, with snow covering the person's clothing. They were taller than Bunny and appeared lanky underneath the fur outfit.  A black fabric covered the lower half of the individual’s face, but familiar gold and silver eyes peered from under the leather brown hood. A hand reached up and pulled down the mask, revealing the Boogeyman in all his glory.

“Pitch?”

The boogeyman gave a snaggle-toothed smile as the arcane magic finally disappeared, shutting the portal down. 

“Jack,” he greeted with a nod. “North.” He set down the miniature casket onto the floor as Bunny removed the basket from his back. “I was near your Meadows home when I spotted Bunny packing up the remainder of your harvest. I offered my assistance, and Bunny spoke about how you’ve finished your Mountain base.” He took a glance around the area. “It looks very well constructed and polished.”

North gave a proud laugh. “Hah! Many thanks for the compliment, but this is only one feature of our fortress!” He pulled Pitch into a one-arm hug, already dragging the Shade from the room. “Come! I show the entire base.”

The pair left, leaving Bunny and Jack behind in the transportation room. Jack raised an eyebrow at the Guardian. 

“Really, Bunny,” he whispered. His hands tightened into a fist, not in anger but in frustration.

“What? I was just helping.”

“By inviting him over?”

Bunny shrugged. “He was in the area. He volunteered to help, and I thought since it had been a while since you both saw each other, maybe you would like to reunite?”

At least Bunny had the mindset to look nervous.

Jack folded his arms and stared at his friend.  While he enjoyed the company of the other Guardians, he discovered that he and Bunny enjoyed each other’s company. They had a bad habit of exploring the layout of the land and getting into trouble. Surprisingly, they ended up inviting (dragging) Pitch of all people into their shenanigans.

It still amazed Jack that when the Shade wasn’t trying to frighten children or destroy the Guardians, he was an interesting character to spend time with. Pitch knew how to work with his hands and enjoyed studying the various archaic scripts that they had discovered. 

Their friendship grew over time, and dare Jack admit, he began to find himself caring more for Pitch than just companionship.

Only for the Shade to leave and disappear for almost a year.

“Look, I get why you're pissed at me, but it's been over three years since we arrived here, and things have changed. We've changed.” His large paw reached out and grabbed Jack's hand. “Maybe he’s changed as well? Maybe he has a reason for leaving?”

There was a deep groan from Jack as he pulled away and began to scrub his face. “I know what you’re trying to do, and I really hate that you know about my feelings towards him.”

“I understand why you're apprehensive about this, but don't you think you deserve to be happy too?”

Jack released a frustrated sigh. Only Bunny knew about his feelings towards Pitch (though he had an inkling that Sandy might have guessed as well). 

“We don't even know if he feels the same way about me.”

Bunny shrugged. “Never hurts to be sneaky and find out.”

The younger Guardian gave his furry companion a death stare. “When did you become the matchmaker in this place?”

“Look, I have been without drama for almost three years. I have no television or radio for soap operas. I am taking what I can get.”

Jack laughed and shook his head. “Manny, you are worse than Tooth.”

North continued dragging Pitch around the first floor of the Mountain base, showing off the various areas that he was proud to have structured. 

“The main chamber, in my opinion, is the best feature of the base! Almost like the globe room back home, except no giant globe. HA!”

“That’s… interesting, North,” Pitch replied, and North either did not hear the hesitation or did not care as he continued. The room itself was constructed with wood and stone, a large, massive fireplace, and various furniture placed in each space.  The walls were decorated with colorful shields and banners. In the center of the room was a large yule tree, decorated with glowing spheres that shone from the light of the fireplace. 

The room indeed exuded comfort and companionship, making anyone who entered feel at ease and able to converse in peace, away from the outside troubles of this mysterious world.

But Pitch’s mind could not stay focused on North’s tour. As fascinated as it was, his thoughts continued to stray towards the object of his affections: Jack Frost. It had been months since he had spoken with the Guardian of Fun. They had parted the night after they defeated the Forsaken in the swamp biome. He felt awful leaving Jack, not saying goodbye, but old habits are hard to break. Pitch was not used to having good things last long in his immortal life, and the alliance he has with the Guardians was a good thing.

For the first time, they were not warring with each other (though the fact that they were all focusing on surviving was a major factor). And the Boogeyman found himself sometimes enjoying their company - mostly that of Bunny and Jack.

It was Jack that he ended up getting closer to, as they both enjoyed exploring the nearby forests and talking about the past. Not the negative events nor the Easter disaster, but the various sights of their former world. Pitch had lived longer than Jack, of course, so he had more stories to share, and the Guardian was eager to listen.  

The past three years had changed them.

Pitch found himself enjoying Jack’s presence when the other visited his small home in the Meadows. It got to the point where Pitch made a separate bed for the other to sleep in if he overstayed his welcome (though he lied and said that the bed was for either Bunny or Jack, as they helped tend his crops as well).

Their relationship was that of friendship, one that Pitch had offered back in Antarctica, but instead of being founded on pain and rejection, patience and kindness brought it forth.

It wasn’t until their fight against the Forsaken creature Bonemass that Pitch realized that his feelings towards the young Guardian had changed from friendship to something more.

❆~❆

They all stood at a distance as North dropped the Ancient Bones into the boiling acid-green liquid in the large skull to begin the summoning.  Bunny and Sandy had their melee weapons ready while Tooth, Jack, and Pitch himself stood at a distance with bows and arrows at the ready. Thanks to research, it was discovered that this monster was poisonous and large enough to pose a significant threat. They had just taken the resistance potion, praying that it would help protect them and give them an advantage.

A deep rumbling sound erupted from the small landmass that they were all standing on.  Bunny held his shield up as North took a step back, his sword at the ready. “When it appears, we attack immediately. No hesitation.”

They all nodded, not saying a word. Pitch glanced at Jack and noticed the other was shaking, and it wasn’t from the wet, cold environment. He nudged the young Guardian, silently promising to protect Jack. There was a moment when the two stared at each other, a silent conversation between them, before they both nodded. 

Suddenly, a large gelatinous blob appeared from the ground. Inside the mass were bones of all shapes and sizes, giving the creature a menacing appearance. Fire burned brightly in its eyes as its gaze set upon the party that dared to defy it. 

North gave a battle cry, and soon the group began to attack the creature. It smashed its large, massive tendril onto the ground, making North and Bunny stagger while Sandy rolled out of the way. The land was slippery, and the weight of the armor from the rain made them slower. 

Tooth brought out fire arrows along with Pitch and Jack. They attacked from a distance, hoping to inflict damage while the others distracted them.

“The flames are barely doing anything to him,” the Boogeyman observed. The fire died out as soon as it made contact with the creature’s gel-like flesh, at best, delivering a slight sting.  “We need to change our arrow.”

Tooth nodded and began to reach for the iron arrows, only for Jack to cry out. All three spotted Bonemass, who had turned its fiery gaze towards the trio.  It reached inside itself and pulled out a huge ball of goop and bones. For a moment, no one moved. Then the creature hurled it at them. Pitch managed to jump and pushed Tooth and Jack out of the way as the mass landed on where they had stood. 

“Are you alright?”

Jack nodded as he tried to stand up and search for his weapon. 

“Oh, Manny,” the tooth fairy muttered. The two spirits watched as she lifted her hand and pointed behind them. They turned to see that the blob had disappeared, leaving behind several armed skeletons who were preparing to descend upon the duo.

Tooth growled as she tossed her arrows to Pitch. “Focus on the bigger target,” she ordered as she pulled out her sword and dagger. “I’ll take care of the mob.”

“Tooth,” Jack tried to offer support, but she ordered him to help Pitch. The two stayed close to her as they continued to attack Bonemass, firing arrows over and over. North discarded his swords and instead took out the large stag breaker hammer, while Bunny smacked the creature with a club. Sandy did the same, grabbing his iron sledgehammer and joining in the attack. Bonemass threw more blobs filled with skeletons armed with swords and bones before breathing a poisonous miasma over the trio.  They rolled away, careful not to breathe it in. Though they had taken the resistant mead, better to be safe than sorry.

Unfortunately, they rolled into a mob of skeletons and had no choice but to fight them, causing Bonemass to lose interest and focus on a new set of targets.

Pitch was focusing on the skeletons that had surrounded Jack and himself, which meant he did not notice the change in battle till it was almost too late. He noticed a large shadow falling across Jack and looked to see Bonemass standing behind the Guardian, its arm raised high. 

Pitch said nothing, just reacted. He ignored the pain of arrows hitting his shoulders and the metal of a sword slicing down his back. By the time he reached Jack, it was almost too late for both of them to move out of the way. Pitch had barely a second to push the Guardian out of the way before the large burning tendril crushed his body. Intense suffering spread through his frame, sinking deep into his bones. He could feel himself melting away as darkness claimed his consciousness. 

The last thing he managed to hear was Jack screaming his name.

~

In the end, only Pitch and Sandy did not survive the encounter with Bonemass. Both were ultimately sent back to their place of rest. Such was the way of this mysterious world. Thankfully, the rest of the Guardians finished off the creature, destroying the third of the Forsaken. 

He heard later that it was Jack who finished the beast off, using Pitch’s arrows and not stopping until the creature was dead. It took Bunny to calm the Guardian down and help him escape before the rest of the swamp’s denizens retaliated against them. By the time the four Guardians returned to the Meadows, Sandy and Pitch were up and running. Jack had latched onto the Boogeyman, sobbing into his chest.

As Pitch held Jack to his chest, allowing the Guardian to listen to his still beating heartbeat, a terrifying revelation slammed into the Boogeyman's mind: he loves Jack Frost.

❆~❆

“Pitch, is everything alright?”

The Boogeyman snapped out of his stupor when he realized North had ceased moving and was now standing before him. Pitch almost leaped back at how close the large man was to him.

“Terribly sorry,” he replied. “Feeling a bit tired.” He mentally kicked himself for that weak justification. Thankfully, it seemed as if North believed him as he gave a laugh and slammed his arm on Pitch’s shoulders. 

“If that is all, then you should stay here! Spend the night!”

The Shade immediately began to veto that idea.

“I don’t think that is a good idea. Left my horse at your Meadows base-”

“Oh, Onyx is safe.” Bunny’s voice came from behind, and Pitch turned to glare at the Guardian. Bunny ignored it, used to the Boogeyman’s permanent scowl. “Besides, it's late, and your home is further away from the Meadows.” 

His lips curled, and Pitch opened his mouth to dismiss their offer, only to stop when Jack appeared next to the Guardian of Hope.

“Come on, Pitch,” Jack pleaded as he walked past Bunny and stood in front of Pitch. The Boogeyman's eyes softened as he studied his love interest in silence. He noticed that eager grin the Winter Spirit had when he was planning something. He saw the lone braid hanging over his shoulder and a sudden realization that he had gone for so long that Jack’s hair had gotten longer.

Jack grabbed his hand, calling Pitch’s attention to his voice. “We were about to have dinner and relax for the night anyway.” He tilted his head, giving him a familiar look whenever he questioned the Boogeyman’s intelligence. “Do you really want to take a chance outside while there’s a blizzard happening?”

Part of Pitch was tempted to say yes, just to be stubborn and to get away from the person who was making his heart beat fast. He was the Boogeyman, the Nightmare King! He did not get anxious; he caused others to fear him! Yet here he was, losing his mind over one of his former enemies.

But looking into the genuine fondness that was in Jack’s eyes made it impossible to say no. 

Pitch sighed in defeat. “Fine,” he mutters and then yelped as North grabbed him in his arms. 

“WONDERFUL! I WILL TELL SANDY TO SET AN EXTRA PLATE!” With that, he released the traumatized Pitch and rushed out of the room to the kitchen. Bunny slapped his knee and began to laugh his ass off while Jack tried to help Pitch. “Come on. Let’s get you out of those wet clothes,” he offered as he guided Pitch back to the Transport Room.

Plates were being passed around as loud conversations echoed in the Dining Hall.  Pitch stared for a moment as each Guardian took what was being offered. A whole roasted meadow boar sat at the center, the main entrée surrounded by turnip stew, minced meat sauce, carrot soup, and a buffet platter filled with sirloin steak.  

And of course, for dessert: Queen’s jam and bowls of ‘eyescream’.

If Pitch had to guess, it was Jack who named that last one. He eyed the young man next to him, who was enjoying a piece of boar while having a mock argument with Bunny. Sandy was sitting next to the Guardian of Hope, enjoying a bowl of Queen’s jam, barely listening or contributing to the conversation.

Unsurprisingly, North and Tooth were sitting at the end of the long table, quietly chatting while touching each other’s hands, food being ignored for the most part. It was no secret that the famous Saint Nick was in love with the Guardian of Memories. Although the gossip was not an if, but a when, the two would finally tie the knot and make it official. 

Pitch took another bite of the sauce, savoring the savory flavor. He had expected North to be the one to cook, but was surprised when it turned out that Sandy was an excellent cook when presented with recipes and ingredients.

The Boogeyman made sure to compliment the Sandman, which of course caused the Guardian to blush and give a sign of gratitude before returning to his meal.

“So, Pitch, where exactly did you go?”

His attention turned to Toothiana, who was watching him, surprisingly excited. Pitch’s eyes widen as he felt all the Guardians’ attention turned to him, awaiting patiently for him to finish his food.

“Well,” he began after he swallowed. “I’ve been sailing down south and towards the eastern part of this world.”

“Is that where you disappeared to?” Jack interrupted.

“Yes. I wanted to explore those landmasses that we saw when we ventured into the Swamp biome.” When the party traveled to explore the crypts of the wet marshlands, they noticed across the ocean small islands that seemed to lead to a wooded area on the mainland. 

“That was dangerous to go alone,” Tooth pointed out, though she was not scolding him. “I wish we could have gone with you, so if anything had happened, we could have supported you.”

He could see the concerned expression on her face, and it made him feel guilty. While not friends, Tooth had begun to trust him and even hugged him in gratitude after he saved Jack’s life. At the very least, she hated him less than before and was apparently worried about his safety.

“I will not take chances like that again,” he replied with remorse. He turned his gaze to Jack, who looked pleased with his answer. Pitch felt his heart skip a beat and decided to focus back on his meal. 

“I will say that I have discovered what I believe are two new biomes, though,” he explained as he took another bite. 

“Really?” Pitch glanced at Jack, who was now all bright eye and hanging off every word.

The Boogeyman swallowed a lump that was in his throat. “Yes. Possibly a third, though I was not able to sail past the mist without a powerful light source.” Soon, Pitch began to launch into his story about his travels. He spoke of the grassy plains, where he witnessed flying insects attacking a wandering troll and small, goblin-like creatures that wander around the land. 

He told the tale of sailing past more meadows and forests that seemed to have burial grounds and desecrated castles. Towers that held skeletons that dared to fire at his boat (thankfully, he sailed away from those areas). Even had to escape from long sea serpents that had tried to attack his ship. 

“SEA SERPENTS?”

“Hmm? Oh, yes,” Pitch replied as he was interrupted during his retelling about trying to outmaneuver the creature in the ocean. North was now standing, hands pressed against the surface of the table, with that familiar gleam in his eye. 

“Easy, North,” Bunny chided as the other hyperventilated. “The last thing we need is you trying to become the next Ishmael and his great Sea Serpent.”

Soon, the pair were bickering with each other, with Sandy and Tooth watching and enjoying the show.  

 Pitch sighed as he held his chin in his hand and his elbow on the table. It seemed story time was now over, though he was pleased to share his travels with the others. It was nice being listened to for once, and though he would usually shy away from such attention, having the Guardians hang on his every word brought a new feeling of pride.

“Were there any other sights?”

The Boogeyman turned his attention back to Jack, who was now closer to Pitch. A blush spread across his cheeks as he studied the spirit next to him. He took note that Jack’s hair had become longer, and there was a small yet long braid tied with several blue bands from underneath his front mane. The freckles that he had noticed before seem to have taken on a silver shine, and Pitch could not help but wonder if they would glow brightly under the light of a fire in a dark room. 

“Earth to Pitch.”

The man snapped out of his stupor and began to sputter apologies, while Jack started to laugh. “Sounds like you’re getting tired. When was the last time you got rest?”

Now it was Pitch’s turn to chuckle. “There is no rest for the wicked, my friend,” he teased, and that brought out another laugh from Jack. 

“You did indeed sound busy, traveling all over the place without us.”

Was that a hint of jealousy in Frost’s voice?

He placed a gentle hand on Jack’s, carefully squeezing it. Pitch offered a subtle smile to ease the slight frustration in the other’s voice. “Well, next time I plan on exploring, I’ll make sure to bring you along.”

Jack raised an eyebrow. “You promise?”

Pitch looked down at their entwined hands and twisted their pinkies around each other. “I believe they call this a pinky promise,” he joked again.

Another laugh is shared, and Pitch found himself staring at Jack, silently begging to hear that sound again. Soon, majestic blue eyes peer into Pitch’s, and for a moment, it’s just them - alone in the world. 

“Ahem.”

The clearing of North’s throat may as well have been a gunshot, for how loud it was. Pitch looked away from Jack and noticed all the Guardians staring at the two of them. 

‘Well, shit…’

Thankfully, it was Bunny who broke the silence. “You look a little bit exhausted, mate. When was the last time you slept?”

Pitch honestly did not remember, nor did he trust his voice at the moment, so he shrugged. 

Shrugged!

What was wrong with him?

“Maybe we should finish up and get ready to rest,” Tooth suggested as she rose from her seat and began to clear her area. North also rose and began to help her, though he asked Sandy to help Pitch to the washroom. 

The Sandman gave a silent groan as if parting from his treat was such a hassle. Of course, Pitch tried to leave, stating that he should not impose on their home. That earned him a swift kick from Sandy and a hysterical laugh from Bunny.

‘Gods, the Guardians are more evil than I am.’

Jack released a groan as he walked down the stairs leading to the lower levels, where the hot tub and wash area were located. It was further away from the sleeping quarters, as those were on the second floor, but North explained that it would make sense to have the baths in the natural caves, both for practical and aesthetic reasons. 

Of course, Jack trusted the man who built the Guardian's headquarters with his own two hands, so he didn't question it. At least the open air didn't allow the area to overheat. Despite his body no longer accustomed to the cold weather, he still preferred the cool climates of the mountains. Sometimes the Meadows would become too hot in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, which made him groggy sometimes and unable to function unless he had some of Sandy's special mead. 

Jack giggled as he remembered the first time the Guardians tried Sandy's beverages and how energetic they were throughout the night. No one could fall asleep, and they actually accomplished a great deal in those late hours and the next day before passing out the following evening. Jack remembered Pitch stopping by the next day and wondering what the heck was going on. 

The lump in his throat came back, and he could feel his eyes water again as his thoughts strayed to the Shade.

Bunny was right; he was infatuated with the Boogeyman and not doing anything about it. 

That’s not like him.

Jack took pride in being free and someone who spoke their mind. Even with the title of Guardian, he never let that change who he was. 

So why couldn't he reach out to the one person he desired?

Yeah, they were enemies before, and it took the Guardians a while to trust Pitch, but it was different now. The Shade had proven himself to be reliable and trustworthy, so why was he hesitating? 

❆~❆

“Bunny, how do you feel about Pitch?”

It was late in the evening, and everyone had gone to rest after an eventful day, leaving the two Guardians outside surrounding the lone campfire.

The Guardian of Hope sucked his teeth and placed his bowl of carrot soup off to the side. “That’s a huge question you’re asking me, Jack?” He was looking at him now and tilted his head. “What brought this on? Is he bothering you?”

Jack quickly shook his head. “No, nothing like that.” He shrugged. “I just wanted your honest opinion about him.”

Bunny took a deep breath and grabbed a stick, poking it into the fire before he spoke again.

“Did you know that North invited Pitch to join the Guardians?” The expression on Jack's face showed bewilderment, which made Bunny laugh. “Trust me, it blew my mind when I heard North did that. I was against it as well as Tooth and Sandy. I didn’t even show up at the fateful meeting.”

He wrinkled his nose and tapped on the burning embers. “He didn’t fit the part of what Manny was trying to create, so we just dismissed him. And we thought we were proven right when Pitch rejected North’s offer. Didn’t even try to persuade him cause again, we thought there was no point.”

“That…seems unfair,” Jack pointed out.

Bunny scoffed. “Yeah. Yeah, I realized that. At the time, we were so sure he was going to be a problem, and when the Dark Ages became worse with Pitch at the center of it, we thought that his proves he was no Guardian of children, let alone humanity. So we had to stop him, and we’ve been enemies ever since.”

Jack stared at the fire and watched Bunny toss the now-burning stick into the flames. “Do you still hate him?”

Bunny was silent for a moment before sighing. “Jack, hating someone takes work and energy. I rarely have energy to spare on most days.” He closed his eyes. “No, that’s a lie. I can hate Pitch, but I just don’t anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because I am starting to realize how prejudiced I was. I had a blindfold over my eyes, seeing only what I wanted to see instead of sensing and understanding what was in front of me.”

He then gazed at Jack, but had a faraway look in his eyes. “Remember when we went to visit Pitch and discovered that there was a troll raid at his home?”

The younger Guardian nodded. The scene they came upon was destructive. Pitch’s hut was completely destroyed, and Pitch had lost everything. Even worse was that he died several times trying to fight the trolls back. In the end, the Shade had to watch from hiding until the raid was done, and the trolls retreated to the Black Forest.

“We tried to help Pitch, suggesting maybe he could stay with us, but he was being so stubborn.” Bunny shrugged. “I didn’t understand his mindset. Here Pitch was, standing in wreckage, and all he could think about was repairing his hut.”

The Guardian grabbed another stick and began to poke at the fire again. “But he said something that had been staying in my head since that day…”

“This is not the first time I have had everything torn down around me.  And it won’t be the last.” Silver and golden eyes stared at the duo as Pitch began to pick up the pieces of broken planks. “I am not afforded time to spend weeping and sobbing over failed dreams and schemes. I dust myself off and start again. It’s all I have and all I know how to do.”

Jack remembered those words, and it made him wonder how many times Pitch had to start over after his defeat.

“Anyway,” Bunny interrupted, “I questioned if things were different, if we actually had tried to reach out to Pitch, what would our future have looked like?” He huffed.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s still an ass, and some of the things that happened to him, he asked for it because he tried causing trouble.” Bunny took another breath. “But, maybe we didn’t help the situation and actually made it worse.”

Jack was silent for a moment before he chuckled. “Alright, who are you and what did you do to the real Bunny?”

The Guardian of Hope snorted. “Oh shut your hole, you little tyke.” He shoved Jack, which led to a mock fight between the two.

“Wait, why are you asking about Pitch?”

Jack immediately clammed up. “No reason.”

“Come on. I spilled my guts, time to spill yours.”

Jack groaned as he covered his face and leaned back. “Fine, but you can’t make fun of me.”

Bunny sputtered, as if he was offended. “Jack, scouts honor.” He was holding up his paw. “I would never make fun of you.”

Jack took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. “I think… I think I care about Pitch?”

“Okay? And?”

The younger Guardian gave Bunny a deadpan gaze. “No, I don’t think you understand. I *really* care about Pitch.”

Bunny stared at Jack for a moment before the realization finally dawned on him. “Oh Manny…”

❆~❆

Jack began biting the inside of his cheek, only to stop the destructive habit. Tooth would be disappointed if she caught him wearing down the flesh inside his mouth. However, it helped ground him whenever the young spirit began to feel overwhelmed.

Jack took off his clothes and entered the stall. He pulled down the rope and allowed warm water to trickle over his body as he cleaned his skin from the grime of the day. It was a makeshift shower North created when they were too tired to return to the Meadows’ base for a bath in the nearby lake. There were no bodies of water in the Mountains, so they had to melt large amounts of snow for the water reserves. 

Hence, the shower and hot tub arrangement.  

They wash the dirt off their skin and then use the hot tub to soak away the exhaustion of the day. If Jack remembered correctly, it was Bunny’s turn to gather fuel and make sure the water was heated enough. While the youngest Guardian did not enjoy the heat, the hot tub itself was a nice addition that he used when he needed a moment to himself.

Once he finished rinsing the mire from his body, he gathered his towel and his dirty clothes, stopping at the barrel that was for the soiled garments and tossing them in. Once the storm passes, they’ll wash and dry the clothes in the Meadows.

Humming a small tune, Jack reached for the door that led to one of the hut tubs. He noticed that there was steam coming from inside, but assumed it was because Bunny had fed the stove earlier with wood. He stepped inside, eyes burning as he tried to get used to the condensation.

“Jack?”

He froze as he heard his name being called out from within the room. His knees began to buckle, and the only reason he did not immediately dart out of the room was that Pitch Black was watching him from inside the wooden hot tub. A pair of golden, silver-flecked eyes stared up into his as the sound of roaring fire filled the room. 

“Uh, I didn’t know you were in here,” Jack spoke quickly. Suddenly, all the bravado he had disappeared, and he turned around, preparing to leave.

“Wait, Jack.” Sounds of splashing echoed behind him, and he looked to see Pitch standing, reaching out for him. “You don’t have to leave.” There was uncertainty across his face, as if trying to figure out his next words.

“I’m sure we can share the tub - together?” 

Jack almost stuck his finger into his ear to see if there was dirt clogging his hearing.  Did Pitch Black ask if Jack would join him in the hot tub, of all places?

The hesitation seemed to send the Shade into a mild panic as he began to backtrack the offer. Jack was not going to allow that to happen.

“Well, hell yeah, we can share. North made the tub large enough so that more than one person can relax inside.”

He shut the door behind him, leaving just himself and Pitch inside. He tossed the towel on the nearby bench before placing one foot inside the tub. “Oof, that is extra hot tonight.” He stuck his other foot and sat on the edge of the tub, sighing in relief. His feet hurt from having to constantly wear shoes. As much as Jack desired to travel and fight barefoot, North pointed out that he no longer had the elements to protect him from the cold and harsh ground. He didn't even have the wind to carry him anymore. 

Thankfully, most of his shoes were designed with comfort in mind, and despite the hard sole at the bottom of the shoe, there was cushion to protect his feet from the firm ground.

Opening his eyes, Jack noticed that Pitch had returned to his seated position.  He had settled back into a relaxed pose, eyes closed and for once at peace. 

“Hope you’re not falling asleep because of me,” he teased the Shade. There was a soft smile along with a chuckle from Pitch as he looked at Jack.

“No, just enjoying your presence at the moment.” Pitch shifted his position in the water before throwing his arms over the edge of the tub. “Better you than Sandy, to be honest.”

Jack scoffed. “Sandy? Really?”

“Oh, don't be mistaken. Sandy likes to spend these moments airing out grievances,” Pitch explained as he waved his hand in the air. “Always about humans and their dreams. He will not shut up when he gets going.”

“Wait, Sandy can speak?”

“Not how you and the others can.” Pitch touched his throat and temple. “Sandy and I were created before written and spoken language. We communicate by…vibrations? Signals?” He shrugged. “Not entirely sure how to explain it, but I can understand Sandy without him throwing up sand gestures.”

Jack tilted his head. “Huh. You learn something new every day.”

Pitch gave a sound of agreement before leaning back and closing his eyes again. 

There was silence between the two, besides the roaring fire and the sound of water. Jack took his time studying the Shade, taking note of the muscles and the length of his hair that passed over his shoulders. He noticed a few scars, including a large, faint one that was on the side of his forehead. But other than that, Pitch looked well. He didn’t seem starved or sickly, as he had when he first appeared over three years ago.

“You should take a picture, Jack. It will last longer.”

The Guardian rolled his eyes. “Just making sure you haven’t fallen asleep yet.”

Pitch snorted before opening his eyes. “Trust me, you’re the last person who could put me to sleep.”

Jack chuckled for a moment before he went back to staring at the other man. 

“Pitch, why did you leave the next day?”

The silver golden eyes of the Boogeyman stared into the water, and for a moment, Jack assumed that Pitch did not hear him. The Shade took a deep breath as he watched his reflection.

“The day we fought Bonemass…” He took another breath. “The day I saved your life brought clarity to a dilemma that had plagued me for quite some time.”

Jack moved into the water, wanting to give Pitch all of his attention. “What was the matter?”

The Shade opened his mouth, then closed before opening again to speak. “When I watched Bonemass prepare to hurt you, I didn’t scream your name or warn you. I did not hesitate, I just acted. And I saved your life, in the process of being mortally wounded.”

The Guardian said nothing, sensing that Pitch was feeling anxious as he explained his thoughts and reasons.

“In my entire existence, I believe I have never done something like that before.” He looked into Jack’s blue eyes, and the younger spirit noticed some type of emotion within those silver-colored orbs. “I am a cautious creature. I do not act unless I am one hundred percent certain the situation will go my way.”

Pitch brought his knees to his chest as he returned his gaze to the water, almost as if he were ashamed for the truths spilling from his lips.

“Saving you that day was the first time I acted without a plan, without delay. If this were an actual life and death situation, I would have actually died.” He took another deep breath. “But I didn’t care. All I cared about was making sure you were alive and safe.”

Jack blinked, his face passive, but inside, his heart was beating loudly in his ears. 

“Was doing that a bad thing?”

Pitch quickly shook his head. “Gods no. I would do it again and again if it means protecting you,” he answered quickly. “I was glad you were safe, and you survived.”

Jack was worried about the confession, but curious about the Shade’s confessions.

“It was when you all returned from the fight, and we were celebrating our victory that night. Something happened.” Pitch paused for a moment before continuing.

“Tooth hugged me and then thanked me for saving your life.”

The Guardian almost laughed because to anyone else, it would not have been a big deal. But Jack knows that out of the entire party, Tooth was the last one to accept Pitch since they arrived in this world. He tried to imagine Pitch’s expression at that moment, the Shade’s eyes widened as Tooth's arms wrapped around his mid-waist to thank Pitch.

Why was Jack feeling a bit jealous at that?

“The fact that even she was worried about me after everything made me realize that things had changed,” Pitch explained.

“Well, we have gotten closer after realizing we need each other to survive.”

Pitch shook his head again. “Maybe for you all, but for me, it's different.” He looked up at him. “Jack, I spent centuries hating the Guardians and planning their downfall. And by extension, I should hate you as well.”

Jack’s heart skipped a beat when he heard that admission.

“But I don’t,” Pitch continued. “I don’t hate any of you.” He gave a mirthless chuckle. “I actually find myself losing sleep wondering how the five of you are doing. And that destroyed me when I realized it that night.”

“So, you want to hate us?”

Pitch shrugged. “I don’t know anymore. I’ve changed, Jack.” He shifted in the water again, almost sitting closer to the Guardian. “It was so easy to hold onto my hatred and suffering back in the real world because it was always about Manny and the children—the need to be seen and believed in.”

He looked back into the water, face burning with embarrassment. “But here, there are no distractions. No causes for my hatred.” His hands clenched and unclenched underneath the water.

“So yes,” Pitch continued. “I had to leave. To travel away from here to see if I still resented all of you. But the further I traveled away, the more I started missing you all.” He rubbed his face and sighed. “I despised this fact during my journey - hated that you all now have power over my emotions. But as time went on, I found myself almost going down that same path I had traveled down so many times.”

Jack reached over and grasped one of Pitch’s hands, and thankfully was not pushed away.

“I thought about it. About not coming back, but realized I didn’t want to be alone anymore.” Pitch’s finger traced the back of Jack’s hand, and it took everything within the Guardian not to react to the wanted touch.

“You, more than anyone, know what it's like to be alone. The difference is, I’ve made my share of mistakes and have come to accept that this is just my life. I’ve never cared that I was alone and hated.” Pitch chuckled softly. “Of course, I kept everything to myself, and it sometimes came out in the worst ways.”

Jack offered a sympathetic gaze at Pitch’s explanation. It did not excuse the Boogeyman’s past actions, but the moment in Antarctica made sense now. Pitch, in an ignorant way, was trying to gain friendship with someone he believed was the same.  Except Jack always had the children’s love, even when they did not know him. Pitch had no one. 

“You know, we did miss you when you disappeared,” Jack replied, moving closer now. “You left a note and most of your supplies and asked us to take care of Onyx while you were away.” He began caressing Pitch’s hand in return. “Bunny was a bit upset as he missed his gardening buddy, and North complained about how the translations were ten times more difficult without your expertise.”

A snort came from the Shade.

“And I was agitated with you as well.” 

“Really?”

Jack nodded. “Yup,” he replied with a grin. “Was prepared to ignore you the entire time you were here till you left.”

Pitch huffed. “What changed your mind?”

“Bunny of all people.”

There was a snort. “I guess I owe him, then.”

Jack chuckled. “You do. I was really tempted not to speak to you and even tell North you shouldn’t stay.” 

The Shade laughed as he pressed his shoulder against Jack. “Fair enough.” He lay his head against Jack’s, enjoying how the young Guardian’s hair tickled his face. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

“You’ll just make it up to me,” Jack teased as a blush covered his cheeks. “No more disappearing for months on end. Next time, take one of us.” 

Take me instead.

Pitch lifted his head and stared down at Jack. Their faces so close to each other that the Guardian could see the many golden flecks in Pitch’s silver eyes. 

“Pitch?”

“Yes?”

It was just them, in this steamy room. Silent except for their hearts beating in unison.

Jack reached up and wrapped a hand around Pitch’s neck. He pulled the Shade closer, ready to press his lips against his and show how much the other means to him.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and the thunderous laugh of North filled the room. Pitch pulled away, quickly distancing himself as the larger Guardian entered inside.

“Ah, Jack! Pitch! Did not know you two were inside.” He then looked between the two, and Jack, at that moment, wanted nothing more than to sink into the bottom of the barrel. “I can come back later-”

“No need, North,” Pitch interrupted as he quickly grabbed his towel and stood up, wrapping himself. “I spent enough time in the hot tub.” 

Before Jack could say anything, the Boogeyman was leaving the area. 

“Check with Sandy about a bed to sleep in for tonight,” North called out as Pitch disappeared. He then turned to Jack.

“I hope I was not interrupting a conversation between the two of you.”

Jack just allowed the water to overtake him as he sank deeper into the tub.

Pitch stormed away from the washing area, face flushed with embarrassment and shame. 

What the hell was that? Why did he try to kiss Jack? And why did he want to return, throw North out of the room, and finish what they were trying to start?

Yes, he wanted to be with Jack, but not this way. Not when he, the Boogeyman, was a mess of a creature. He meant what he said back there. All his hatred for the Guardians had evaporated, and he was not sure what his next moves were. 

He should leave, hang the thought of spending the night here.  Getting close to the Guardians - hell, getting closer to Jack would end in a disaster if and when they return to their own world. He’s changed, yes, but will this… whatever he has with his former enemies last forever, or will he revert to the bitter, hateful spirit he has always been? 

He felt someone running into his legs, and he snapped out of his musing to look down at the perpetrator. Lying on the floor was Sandy, with clothes tossed on the side from the accidental crash between the two figures. 

“Oh shit. Sorry, old man.” He knelt to help pick Sandy up and grabbed the clothing, handing it back to the Sandman. The Guardian dust himself off, making the familiar signals that only Pitch understood.

“Oh, North is with him,” Pitch answered as he cocked his hip out and folded his arms over his chest. The cool air made his skin tighten, and he wished to finish this conversation so he could get dressed. “He appeared suddenly, and I decided to vacate so he and Jack could finish.”

More signals were being thrown up, and Pitch nodded along as he listened to Sandy once again begin to complain and gossip. Again, he wasn’t lying to Jack about how he and Sandy could communicate. They existed before humans and the idea of oral communication. Pitch actually repeated grunts and phrases before he could understand the spoken language of the two-legged mortals. Sandy also knew how to communicate the same way, but actively chose to continue their special language of signals. 

As Pitch watched Sandy continue to tell the story of North using the serving trays as sleds, he found himself missing the early centuries when Sandy and he were young spirits exploring and learning about the world around them. Their relationship was that of a friendly rivalry before all the bad blood between them turned their friendship sour. When Pitch allowed envy and bitterness to taint everything he touched. 

“Sandy…”

The other continued to grieve, this time about Bunny shedding all over his nice kitchen and how he couldn’t deal with that anymore. Pitch called out the other’s name again, but the Guardian was still making a fuss about his kitchen being his personal domain.

“Sandy!” This time, Pitch managed to gain the Sandman’s attention as the signals ceased. “I would like nothing more than to hear what you have been through in the many months I have been away, but I wish to get dressed and then go rest for the evening.” 

Sandy gave a signal of apology before handing over the clothes he carried. Pitch accepted, in awe at the fact that the Guardian created clothes for him.

“Thank you, Sandy.” He looked over the articles of clothing the other man provided and then raised his eyebrow. “Wait, you made this?”

Sandy nodded enthusiastically.

“How did you get my measurements?”

A cheeky smile appeared on Sandy’s face, and Pitch rolled his eyes. “Fine. Keep your secrets, old man.”

The Guardian made a gesture of locking his mouth and tossing the imaginary key away.  

Pitch rubbed his face, tired of Sandy’s antics. “Is it possible that I can find a place to rest for the evening?”

Sandy cupped his chin, as if thinking for a moment, before he snapped his finger and beckoned Pitch to follow him.

“I swear it better not be in a cave, Sandy. You may be heavy, but I think I have enough muscle to toss you off the mountain.”

~

Pitch stood on the balcony of the large room, enjoying the snowy scenery in front of him. The mountains were large and foreboding, but there was a mystical beauty in the quiet nature of the landscape. Since the invention of the mortal’s flying machines and other crafts that float amongst the stars, the skies have never been the same.

He closed his eyes, enjoying a moment of peace, ignoring the blue eyes that had been haunting his mind since he arrived here. He knows that he cannot stay; he’s not ready to confront his true feelings with Jack. In the morning, he will leave and hope that the Guardian will forgive him. 

So focused on his thoughts, Pitch does not hear the door behind him open and someone entering the room.

“Pitch? What are you doing in my room?”

The Shade froze before immediately turning around to see Jack standing in the threshold of the doorway.

“Y-Your room?”

Jack nodded. “Yeah. This is my room. I requested it to be facing the mountains.” He did not sound angry, instead curious. “What are you doing here?”

Pitch cleared his room. “Sandy explained that North only made a few rooms so far, and the others have already been taken over. So this was the last one.”

Jack gave an awkward cough. “I mean, he’s not wrong about that-there are only 3 rooms. North and Tooth share one of course, then there’s Bunny and Sandy, but Sandy rarely sleeps. And then there’s my room, but that’s because I really don’t want a fireplace in here.”

The Boogeyman raised an eyebrow. “So, Sandy basically put me in your room…”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

He’s going to toss the Sandman off the cliff tomorrow, and no, Pitch will not apologize.

“I see.” He stepped away from the Balcony, closing the door behind him. “I will find another place to sleep then-”

“You can stay,” Jack interrupted quickly. “You can stay and sleep with me- in my bed. Next to me.”

Pitch opened his mouth, then closed it. He opened it again before nodding. “O-Okay,” he finally replied. “Uh, which side-”

Jack closed the bedroom door behind him. “I enjoy sleeping near the windows. There’s still a cool breeze that comes from underneath the door, and I enjoy it hitting my back.”

There was a snort, but Pitch wisely said nothing. He and Jack were the ones who did not mind the cold temperature. The extreme coldness of the mountains could harm them, but thankfully, the stone walls were thickened enough to keep the room mildly cool compared to the rest of the building.

After a few minutes of them fiddling around, they stood on opposites side of the large King-size wooden bed. 

“North did a good job setting this up,” Pitch commented.

“Yeah. I think he was just tired of sleeping in those tiny straw-covered beds.” 

Pitch agreed with that statement. 

“Well, I’m tired.” Jack grabbed the heavy quilt and pulled it back, revealing a stuffed mattress underneath. He began to climb into the bed, and Pitch did the same. Their backs were towards each other, and trying their best not to touch. 

“Good night, Pitch.”

“Good night, Jack.”

The Shade closed his eyes and began to try to drift off into a deep sleep. Rest did not come easily to him, and the predicament he was currently in did not make it easier. Still, he had to try, if only for his sanity.

“Pitch?”

The man took a deep breath but kept his eyes closed. “Yes, Jack?” He could feel the Guardian shifting in the bed and felt the cool air hit the back of his neck. Jack had turned and was now watching him, and Pitch did not know how to feel about that.

“Pitch, why did you really leave?”

His eyes opened, and he stared at the wall. “I already told you my reason-”

“But that’s not all of it, is it?” Jack inquired.

Now it was Pitch’s turn to change his position. He stared into those blue eyes, trying to figure out what Jack was trying to get from him.

“Are you seeking a specific answer?”

Jack shrugged. “I think there’s more to it, and I think it's deeper than you want to admit.”

Pitch chuckled. “Really now? And what gave you that idea?”

The Guardian raised an eyebrow. “We almost kissed in the hot tub, Pitch. I don’t think you were trying to check my temperature.”

The Boogeyman closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could lie. He could say he wasn’t thinking clearly and that it was a mistake.

“Don’t lie to me, Pitch. It's because of me you left, wasn’t it?”

Pitch groaned. “Maybe.”

“Why?”

He opened his eyes to see that Jack was holding his head, elbow on the pillow, looking down at Pitch. 

“Why do you want to know, Jack?” Pitch raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you think we shouldn’t ruin what we have? Stay as friends and allies?”

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Don’t do this,” he retorted. “Don’t hide behind the sass and snark.” He reached over and cupped Pitch’s face. The Shade almost closed his eyes again at the desired, cool touch of Jack’s.

“I want you to speak your mind, Pitch. It’s not fair to us- not fair to me if you’re hiding again.”

Pitch snorted. “Hiding? Is that what you think I’m doing?” He removed Jack’s hand and was sitting up, now looking down at the Guardian. “Maybe I want to protect what we have by not chasing after something that might not even last.”

Jack quickly sat up. “Is that what you think will happen?”

“It’s what I know.” He was almost yelling now, and Pitch’s chest hurt when he noticed Jack flinched. He sighed before speaking.

“What we have is good enough for both of us. I stated before that we were enemies once, and while we may not want that anymore, that choice may not be ours to make.”

Jack furrowed his brow. “Says who?”

“Says everyone else!” He wasn’t looking at Jack anymore, instead staring at the wall, his knees pressed against his chest. “If and when we finally defeat these Forsaken creatures and are sent back to our world, do you think they will allow us to be together?”

Jack raised his hand and placed it on his shoulder. He’s tempted to shrug it off, but allows the physical contact. 

“What are you afraid of, Pitch? Do you not want to be together?”

The Shade shook his head. “No, I do,” he corrected, feeling hot tears trail down his cheeks. “But I’m scared.”

Pitch licked his dried lips and could feel his throat tighten up, but he had to continue. Has to make Jack understand.

“This place, despite all the dangers surrounding this world, is peaceful, and it's so easy not to remember what it was like back in our world. Here, I’m not this hateful, bitter man trying to frighten children or attack the Guardians because of grudges and pride. Here, I’m a warrior fighting and building.” He chuckles. “Having adventures with people I enjoy being with.”

Pitch stared at his hands, not daring to look up. Every word that drops from his lips is true. He had started to care for the Guardians and began to look forward to spending time with and fighting them. 

“But what if we go back to our world and nothing changes? What if I go back to being that horrible, miserable man whose only goal in life is to make others just as miserable as he?”

He realized he didn’t want to go back to that. He didn’t want to go back to being disconnected and suffering in solitude. Pitch would rather cease to exist than lose what he had now.

Jack was sitting in front of him, now cupping his face with both hands.

“We won’t let that happen. I sure as hell won’t let you go back to being alone in a cave.”

Pitch gave a depressing laugh. “It's easy for you to say. But how do you know that we won’t go back to being enemies? How do you know that one day we’ll wake up and hate each other?”

He could feel his heart racing, and everything within him screamed to either run or allow whatever this was to happen.

Jack licked his lips and leaned forward, pressing his mouth against Pitch’s. The Shade’s brain stopped functioning, and for a moment, a stray, cruel thought passed through of pushing Jack away. To run out of the room and never return.

But instead, he pulled Jack into a deeper kiss, wrapping his arms around the Guardian and basking in the sensation of fulfilled desires. 

~

“Can’t believe we just did that,” Pitch muttered while his arms were still wrapped around Jack.

The Guardian chuckled as he threaded his fingers through Pitch’s hair. “I enjoy kissing,” he admitted as he snuggled closer to his-lover? Boyfriend?

He’ll work out what to name this later.

After they shared their first kiss, they shared many more before lying side by side, just holding each other. Pitch was playing with Jack’s braid while the Guardian was caressing the back of the Boogeyman’s head.

“Should I worry about what the others will say when they find out?”

Jack shrugged. “Probably only North and Tooth, as they were out of the loop.” He shared a sneaky smile towards Pitch. “Surprisingly, Bunny and I think Sandy are on board with us being together.”

Pitch reared his head back. “Bunny? That Bunny?” At Jack’s nod of confirmation, Pitch looked astonished. “I would think he would be the last person to support this.”

“Oh, he’s in this for the drama. Something about this is the best thing since he doesn’t have access to his soap operas?”

The Shade snorted. “He’s getting thrown off the mountain with the Sandman as well.”

Jack laughed as he cupped Pitch’s face. “Let’s not think about them,” Jack offered as he pressed another kiss to his love’s cheek. “You can go torment them later.”

Pitch chuckled as he turned his head and kissed back. “Alright then,” he replied. “Only for you.”

The two settled next to each other and closed their eyes, drifting off into a peaceful slumber.

As the sun began to rise over the mountains, welcoming a new day, the rays passed through the glass of the windows and shone upon the sleeping duo who were curled against each other.

In another room, the Guardian of Hope and the Guardian of Dreams clinked a cup of mead together, toasting their matchmaking skills before taking a celebratory sip from their drinks.

[FIN]

~BONUS: