... Oh, hey.

This is awkward.

Well... I'm back.

And if you didn't hate me for my disappearance... you'll hate me after you read this chapter. (I'm not even joking)

So... yeah... love ya!

Jack glared hard at his father. Manny sat there, taking the story in. For him, Jack knew it was unbelievable. Pitch was a friend and buisness partner. He wasn't a criminal or molester. He was an honest man who did good for Manny's company.

Wind glanced back and forth between the two of them. Jack had tried to tell Manny the truth many times, but the man never wanted to hear it. Now that he had finally been forced to, she was nervous of his response. Surely, he wouldn't continue to think that Pitch was a saint.

"You've known Pitch for many years," Jack said to Manny. His face had softened, seeing how hard Manny was trying to accept it as the truth, but not quite willing to shed the image he had of Pitch. "He's a good buisnessman and someone who keeps his promises."

"Jack," Manny struggled out. "He wouldn't... there... it's..."

"Pitch is a liar."

"But... He..."

"Father," Jack pleaded, "don't make me be forced to accept him any longer!"

"Now, now, Jack," Pitch interupted from the doorway. "Is that any way to speak about an old friend?"

"Stay out of this," Jack growled.

"How can I?" Pitch questioned. "You're ruining my image, here. It's only fair I be here to defend it."

"Is it true?" Manny asked. His eyes were locked onto Pitch, full of hope that this was just some wild story of rebellion. He didn't want it to be true. How could it be, his friend, all this time... To his son!

"I've kissed Jack, yes," Pitch answered honestly.

"Then-"

"Where I come from," he continued, "it is not unheard of for children of Jack's age to marry. By the time they are eight, they are normally wed. Of course, there were limits on things beyond that. It was a noble tradition. A mark of royalty."

Jack glared at Pitch. He was once again stringing his web of lies, waiting for even a moment of doubt to insnare his victim.

"So..."

"By now, I would've been long married," Pitch said. "To the gender of my choosing, of course. We would've lived together, and do things like kiss. I apologize. It was simply my custom."

"But why Jack?"

"He is the youngest I've delt with since I came here," he answered. "And as I said, men marry children."

"You should have said so when we met," Manny said. "I would've kept Jack away from you."

"Yes, but now the damage is done," Pitch sighed. "I'm interested in Jack."

"You can't... We don't..."

"I know it is odd in this country," he said. "I do apologize."

"Pitch, while I understand, I don't..."

"Manny," Pitch said, his tone humble, "may I please have your son?"

"What?" Jack shouted. Oh, no way in hell. He'd die before he became Pitch's! That man had caused him so much pain and chaos... Why would he choose that over Bunny?!

"Pitch, I can't just give him away," Manny said. "He's my son."

"I understand..."

"But I give my blessing."

Jack slammed his hands against the desk. "Dad!"

"He's in love with you, Jack!" Manny said. "That's why he did all those things."

"How come being gay is okay with him," Jack said, "but not with Bunny?"

"That ridiculous friend of yours probably just wants your body."

"You're kidding me, right?" Jack yelled.

"Don't take that tone with me, Jack," Manny said. "This is a good deal. It will strength our two companies."

"I don't love him!"

"Give him a chance, Jack."

"Like you gave me?" he challenged. Not once had Manny ever sought out the truth. Not once had he ever taken his word over Pitch's. Not once had he stood by his son's side!

Manny was hurt by the words, but didn't let it show. "Shall we move his things to your house, Pitch?"

Pitch grinned. He had won. Again.