It's officially been a month since I first published my first chapter. The journey has been ardour for me, and for Jack and Pitch. I really hope you've enjoyed it ^^ Now the journey ends...

Firstly, thank you for your support if you're taking the time and effort and sat through all those chapters to get to this point. It may or may not have been difficult on your side, but I know it has been rocky, but a pleasure for me to write this. I can now rest knowing it is out there in the world. You may or may not be disappointed there was no more physical contact between Jack/Pitch, or smut, but I've tried to leave their touches and words as open as possible. Pitch's very affection for Jack can be interpreted as a little crush and obsession-like, but as I said before, that's how people who are lonely and socially inept love and show love. Be kind to them

Perhaps you could look back and see, or have seen the little symbolism, or foreshadowing I put in. But no matter, if you didn't or don't care, its fine. It is the story that matters and I thank you for enjoying it

Thank you to you who may have favourited, followed or reviewed this, and especially to those who have been with me since the beginning. This is especially so for Leviquin, who inspired the entire debate of Pitch belonging somewhere. I was especially thrilled when you informed me that actually, the developers were considering Pitch to be Jack's brother – which is like basically what I've been trying to write about the entire time - their connection to each other in a pure way.

Thank you for reading ^^ I hope to see Pitch and Jack and the gang again

Epilogue: Friendship and Love

'You watch me…when I sleep?' Jack croaked. His eyebrow was cocked as Pitch stared at him with slight amusement at his reaction. 'Don't… Don't do that Pitch…. That's just creepy…'

'I can feel your fear Jack…' Pitch smirked, his yellow eyes glowing with wicked amusement.

'You expect me not to get creeped out by that? Seriously?' Jack asked; laughter slipping his control

Pitch guffawed loudly, his deep throaty chuckle echoing of the dark stone walls. The walls were shadowed, but patches were bathed in sunlight, shining on the two spirits chatting away. Jack couldn't help but join in on the laughter, snickering with amusement. Two of them were sitting on a long comfortable bench, enjoying the sunshine. It was so unlike them to be in that patch of sun, the dark-haired Boogeyman and the white-haired snow spirit in warm sunlight. Jack had his arms behind his head when he threw his head back. He often got up and walked around, the hyper activeness of an eternal youth sparking in his veins, while Pitch sat and watched Jack move around, sometimes picking things up and examining them. He never seemed to sit still. Pitch on the other hand, was the calmer, more static one. He loved that Jack was so happy and at ease now. That was all he wanted.

'So… You wanna try this again?' Jack asked; turning to bend down and pick up a small furry creature which scrambled into his arms. He turned back to Pitch with the small rabbit he had rescued in the forest that day. Things seemed so different now. So much had changed in a few days, and so much had happened the past few weeks. Jack was blissful at the change, for everything was the way it should be

/

The Guardians had come looking for Jack, after the dark cloud of mass destruction had settled, and were so relieved and happy to see Jack alright. Tooth flew right into Jack's arms, and he caught her, spinning her around as she wrapped herself around him. When she started to pull back, he held her and kissed her on the cheek, making her blush so deeply, her feathers seemed to turn red too. Everyone laughed at the sight. Jack came and gave each Guardian a big hug, laughing and exclaiming in relief that they were all looking better. North chuckled a deep laugh and winked at him, Bunny patted him on the shoulder, and laughed when he winced. Sandy smiled and hugged Jack, a look passing between them.

When they all noticed Pitch standing behind Jack, all of them sobered and turned cautious and suspicious. But Jack held up his arms and stopped it from escalating. He explained to them in context what had happened in the past few weeks and the mutual understanding between the two past enemies. 'If anyone has a problem with Pitch, say it now; and I'll deal with it…' Jack said; his eyes darker and serious.

None of the Guardians spoke, but smiled at him. In truth they were happy that Jack had achieved what he had set out to do, at amazing odds. They were still slightly suspicious of Pitch, which was only natural. But when they saw him bow his head and apologise to them sincerely, and even offered penance for his sins; they knew to forgive him. They would give him the chance to prove himself. But all of them agreed that he still wasn't allowed in their bases, which Pitch accepted gracefully; he wasn't that thrilled on seeing any of them either.

The only one truly contented was Jack. He was utterly thrilled that now there was a peace between the two sides. He had known it in his heart that it was possible, as long as you held that belief. And Pitch was more than happy to agree with Jack. When Azazel came dashing up to his master, Pitch was completely surprised at the new appearance of his first creation and happy that he was alive. A sloppy wet kiss amidst razor sharp claws was placed on Pitch, and Pitch only accepted it, while glancing at Jack, who was laughing at the scene. Jack always visited and hung out with Pitch as often as he could, and Pitch was happy that Jack came to see him. Pitch still was intensely jealous of the relationship he had with the Guardians. But he was content and proud with what he had with Jack.

'Don't follow me around Pitch. I can see you in the shadows…' Jack said, glaring at the taller man when he hung out with him at his lair one day. He had taken to redecorating it absently, sometimes freezing a pillar here and there, and the area was dotted with frost which Pitch quite had taken a liking to. It was a sign of Jack's presence in his home, and he loved it.

'But, I like to watch you do things. And I like the way you speak to people. I like to watch anything you do really… I just want to see and know everything that you do.' Pitch declared blankly. 'Forgive me… It is hard to let go of that feeling…'

Jack realised that Pitch was so entirely new to the whole 'friend' thing, that he probably did not realise how creepy that entire statement sounded. Stumped, he paused and sighed. 'Okay…fine. Just, not all the time okay? I need a little 'me' time… And you should try to do it less. Please, Pitch?' Jack said, slightly amused at this old spirit being schooled in ways of being a friend

''Me' time… Isn't any moment of the day your time?' Pitch asked, a twinkle in his eye

Jack narrowed his eyes at him, 'You know what I mean…' Jack laughed, and patted Pitch on the back, which still looked a little stunned and pleased by it.

Jack went back to Jamie and the children, and explained to them roughly what had happened, and the change that had occurred. All of them were surprised and were unaccustomed to Pitch being Jack's friend. But they understood that that was what friends were for; to forgive and to help each other, even if that friend was a previous enemy. They were still more than happy to help out at the Warren, mostly because it was an excuse to get out of homework. But Bunny had shooed them away, disturbed that the children had produced hundreds of delicately painted eggs, but still preferred to do them personally.

The Guardians went about their duties as per normal. The monthly meetings went by with all 5 of them sitting around the table to discuss the state of the world. This time, there was an essential change in tone. This time, fear had a place in it. For balance to be achieved, Pitch was there, to remind children that the dark was not a good place to be. They would then turn to hope and wonder; an escape and inspiration. Of course, Pitch never harmed them or was intentionally malicious. An understanding had to be reached between Sandy and Pitch. The two stood together at a special meeting, with Jack standing worriedly between them, his staff glowing in his hands, as they discussed matter of dreams. They both understood that Pitch may be the embodiment of fear, but he wasn't the source. Children had nightmares even without Pitch's influence. Occasionally Pitch would plant a hint of fear, but Sandy was to allow it. Pitch also sometimes darkened alleyways, made shadows in the forest appear sinister, a warning for children to stand clear. The little golden man was not happy about it. He hovered with his arms crossed, frowning as Pitch held out his hand. Jack placed a hand on Sandy's shoulder, his eyes pleading, and Sandy sighed in resignation. He understood where Jack was coming from, and actually felt enlightened by it. None of the Guardians felt comfortable with it, but the way Jack described his epiphany, the way he gestured with his hands in excitement, like he could form images of his own like Sandy. That little feature about Jack, Pitch loved. The two spirits of the dream-world shook hands and got to work.

Pitch took to himself to do 'good' as Jack saw it. The shadows showed him the evil which happened in the darkness, and he would be there to protect those who were innocent. A young girl cornered by her stalker in a dark alley, was met with the shadows reaching out for him and grabbing him, slowly engulfing him. The fear on both sides, on the girl's horror, and the stalker's terror fed Pitch, but he allowed the girl to run away. He let the stalker go, screaming in fear, and smiled at his work, as he watched that pathetic and despicable predator run for his life, destined to go rambling of killer shadows out to get him. All of a sudden, a slick patch of ice flashed across his path, unseen by the screaming man, and he slipped and fell, his head thudding to the floor. A hissing laughter echoed, which only Pitch could hear. And the man kept slipping and falling as he tried to scramble to his feet and run. Pitch smiled, and looked up to find a boy in blue, his staff tapping the floor absently and cheekily as he gazed back at the Boogeyman. His smirk was like the sun's rays through the frosted woods, and he laughed at Pitch's expression. He flipped gracefully off the ledge he sat, unto the roof and guffawed as he disappeared into the night.

Pitch loved that Jack approved of his actions. When Jack praised him, entirely delighted at Pitch's change in outlook and behaviour, he thought he could never ask for a better gift. Jack's smile, his laugh and his pleasure at Pitch's new purpose, was all he needed. Often, he would watch Jack, but as promised, he left him alone when he was with children or when he wanted to be alone. Pitch was truly blissful. He had found peace at last. Through a friend.

/

Jack took Pitch's hand, and slowly brought it to the tiny animal. The space had been cleared of fearlings, just in case, and the rabbit was calm enough. 'Remember Pitch, respect and kindness.' Jack said, as he slowly moved Pitch's hand onto the rabbit's back

'Respect and kindness…' Pitch repeated after Jack. Jack placed Pitch's hand gently on the rabbit, and started to move it slowly up and down, their fingers interlinked as he held him, and slowly moved their hands together as one. Pitch was very aware of Jack's cool fingers, but also thought kind thoughts towards the rabbit, mindful of being gentle. Slowly but surely, the rabbit relaxed under the touch; and Jack slowly removed his fingers from Pitch's hand. Pitch continued stroking the fur gently, and he broke into a smile

Jack's smile widened as he watched Pitch stroke the rabbit on his own. 'You did it, Pitch. You're doing it…!' Jack exclaimed, laughing out loud. Pitch found himself laughing too, and being appreciative of his fingers. He looked up and stared at Jack's clear blue eyes, feeling very happy and very thankful towards the young boy.

'Thank you, Jack…' Pitch said. He owed Jack his life. He owed Jack this new feeling. He owed Jack for having a friend, and teaching him out to feel. He owed him so much….

'You did by yourself Pitch. I'm only someone who helped you along. You don't owe me anything.' Jack replied, as if he was reading Pitch's thoughts. 'This is what friends are for'

Jack turned and placed the rabbit on the ground. A hole appeared in the wall; a tunnel which led to the surface which was the rabbit's home. It scrambled away, after Pitch gave it a carrot to nibble on.

'Jack…' Pitch said when Jack turned around. Jack gazed at him curiously. Azazel emerged from the shadows, and bounded up to Jack, giving him a sloppy wet kiss. His eyes were the same unusual violet, shimmering with happiness. His body shone with the diffused blue glow, light reflecting of the glass sections of his body, so he looked like a crystal in the darkness. His black fur contrasted with the glass, but his claws which were sharp and shiny….so they somehow matched? He nuzzled Jack lovingly, and he stroked his chin, laughing at him. Pitch presented Jack with his staff, which was damaged before. He said he was responsible for Jack breaking it, and had insisted on repairing it. Pitch had repaired Jack's staff with a bit of magic, and it glowed good as new. It shone even brighter when Jack touched it and he smiled at the new look.

Pitch walked to stand before Jack, and gave him a tender hug, surprising Jack. They were both still uncomfortable with these physical touches from the other, but Jack returned the hug. 'I cannot thank you enough for this new life Jack… You have given me my purpose…. You are my purpose… I cannot say enough of how much I feel towards you….' Pitch whispered in his ear, holding him tightly to his body.

'That…sounded really much like a confession… Which creeps me out a little bit… But…my pleasure Pitch.' Jack smiled shyly. 'Friends, right?' Jack said, patting him on the back.

'My friend…' Pitch echoed, smiling happily for the first time in centuries.

Both of them smiled at the other, grateful and happy for a new friend and family.

THE END