#pitch black fic

[iybms]

i wish we could go back, and remember what we were fighting for i wish you knew that i miss you too much to be mad anymore

[writingkeepsmewhole]

Looks Clear

This is part 8 of Snow In The Dark. I hope you like it :)

Fic Summary: Snow has never known who she was. Being raised in the streets made her strong but lonely. That changed when she met Jack them becoming as close as sisters. She thought she found her family. That all changes when she crashes on a planet with only one rule. Stay in the light.

Part Summary: Snow along with the others decied the best way to make it off the planet alive.

Riddick x OC Snow

Warnings: Language.

Let me know if you want to be tagged :P : @here4thespice @amarokofficial @backseat-serenade-dizzyhurricane @pinkcrystal44 @goblingirlsarah @shelbyteller @classyunknownlover

Part 1 Part 7

Knowing that light hurts the beasts trying to hurt us, everyone quickly takes inventory of everything that makes light.

Despite how bad it looked or not caring how it looked I stuck close to Riddick. He kept me alive more than once today.

Plus I felt calmer around him. More myself. More in control. Something about being next to a man you knew could handle anything that got thrown at him.

So I stood next to him as I stood around the burning cutting torch trying to figure out a plan.

“So we got one cutting torch, we got two hand lights. There’s gotta be something we can rip out of the crash ship.”

“Spirts.” Paris says leaning forward to fan himself.

I was humid and stuffy in this room but it was better than being eaten alive.

“Anything over 45 proof burns rather well.”

“Mmm molotovs my favorite.” I say earning a snort from Jack.

I wink at her and smile. 

“Look, it's better than nothing.” Johns says, glaring at me.

“It was a joke.” I say, lifting my hands up.

I don’t even react as I feel the warm body heat behind me. Johns eyes bouncing to the figure behind me told me who it was.

I don’t know what I did to have the killer of the group be my bodyguard but I would take it. 

“How many bottles you got?” Carolyn asks, getting us in order once again.

“I don’t know, maybe ten.”

“Okay.” She says, nodding and looking over at Johns.

“Johns you got some flares.”

“So, maybe we got enough light.” She says, nodding.

“Enough for fucking what?” Johns asks.

“How thick are you? Do you wanna tell him or should I?” I ask, looking at Johns then Carolyn.

She holds her hand up as to tell me to shut up or she has this.

“We stick to the plan. We get the four cells back to the skiff, we’re off this rock.” 

“Look I hate to ruin a beautiful theory with an ugly fact.” Paris says standing up.

“But that sand cat is solar. It won't run at night.” He says walking over to Carolyn.

“So we carry the cells. We drag them whatever it takes.”

“You mean tonight with all those things out there?” Jack asks, holding onto her legs rocking back and forth. She was scared but doing a great job of holding it in.

I move to sit next to her wrapping my arms around her.

“It’s better to go now then wait them out. We don’t know how long the eclipse is going to last.” I say gently rubbing her back.

“Alright, how long can this thing last?” Johns asks, making me bite my tongue from starting something with him. That wouldn’t help us survive.

“A few hours? A day tops?” He says, very matter of fact.

I clench my jaw ready to shut up but decide against it.

“Didn’t we have this conversation a few hours ago? These people wouldn’t have left everything they own or the ship for that matter if they only had to deal with these things for a few hours or a day tops.” I say spitting the last word.

“I had the impression from the model the two planets were moving as one and there would be a lasting darkness.” Imam says looking at Johns.

“Thank you.” I say, holding my hand out towards Imam.

“Maybe you can only understand men.” I say earning a glare but he doesn't respond to me.

“Mmm.. These suns gotta come up sometime. And if these creatures are phonic about light then we just sit tight and we let the sun come up.” He says, meeting my gaze, the look on his face like he figured it out.

“Okay, where is the water we are going to drink? Or food or oh yeah we’ll probably freeze because deserts get cold at night time and a few days without sun will most likely kill us. If the lack of water and food doesn't. That’s if I put up with you that long.” I say, clenching my jaw.

“Why you little-.” Johns says starting to stand up. 

“Okay enough.” Carolyn says stepping in the middle of the room blocking our line of sight from each other.

“I’m sure somebody else said the same thing, locked inside that coring room.” 

“We need to think about everybody now. Especially the kid.” He says pointing at all of us.

“How scared is this poor boy gonna be out there in the dark.”

“Oh don’t you bring him into this.” I say, clenching my jaw and standing up. 

 “Yeah, don't use him like that.” Carolyn says.

“Like what?” Johns asks, looking disgusted.

“As a smoke screen.” Carolyn says at the same time I speak.

“As a shield.” 

“You deal with your own fear.”

“Yeah it’s okay to be scared Johns.”

“Why don’t you shut your fucking mouth for two seconds and let me come up with a plan that dosn’t involve mass suicide.”

“You came up with one. It's sitting here waiting for the lights to go out so those things can eat us.” I say, the sounds of the creatures outside whaling making me take a breath.

Them clearly hearing us.

Breathing the breath out slowly I move to sit back next to Jack, wrapping my arm around her.

“I’m waiting.” Carolyn says, making me smirk.

I may have to change my mind about her after all.

“How much you weigh Johns?”

“What’s it matter Carolyn?” 

“How much?” She snaps back.

“Around seventy nine kilos.”

“Because you’re seventy nine kilos of gutless white meat.”

“And that’s why you can’t think of a better plan and you want to use Jack as an excuse.” I say joining in.

“Is that fucking right?” He says jumping up, snatching his gun out as he does. 

I don’t flinch.

I watch Riddick stand up stepping in front of him, blocking him from getting to any of us.

“Where are you going?” Johns asks, pressing the barrel of the gun into RIddick’s chin.

I have to stop myself from standing up. The anger I have towards Johns is starting to get to its boiling point. I wanted to hurt him but that would help any of us get out of this.

“This solves nothing.” Imam says, as if he was reading my thoughts.

I watch Riddick smirk, him lifting his goggles and looking over at Johns as the sound of tapping fills the air.

My eyes dropped to the sound seeing a homemade blade right on John’s crotch.

“Okay.” Johns says taking a step and sitting back down.

I couldn’t tell if he was smirking or giving him a fake smile. The look on Johns face creeping me out either way.

My head snaps to the right when Carolyn moves to crouch next to me and Jack.

“They’re afraid of our light. That means we don’t have to be so afraid of them.” She says calmly. Her eyes lifted up to meet mine.

I smile at her then down at Jack.

“You know I will make sure you are safe.” I say, rubbing her back. Jack nods, looking nervous but less scared.

“And you are sure you can get us there? Even in the dark?” Iman asks, looking over at us.

“No I can’t.” She says standing up.

“But he can.” She says looking over at Riddick.

I look up at him, his goggles still off him turning to look over his shoulder at her, the light hitting his face just right to show the silver shine in his eyes.

“That’s the smartest thing you said all day.” I say looking up at her.

She nods and bends down picking up the torch.

“Come on, I have an idea.”

Carolyn leads us back to the entrance of the ship. She uses the torch to shine under the ship in case there are any creatures hiding.

Sticking close together everyone starts to head out following her.

I’m stopped when a large hand grabs my wrist. Looking up over my shoulder I meet the face of Riddick.

Us being swallowed by darkness as the others leave out ahead of us.

“You know not everyone is gonna make it out of here.” He says, his low rubbing voice settling around me. It almost reminds me of the way a cat purrs. Something animal about it.

“Then let's make sure you, me, and Jack are on the list of the ones that do.”

“Is that all you care about?” He asks, sounding like a loaded question which I was trying not to read into.

“Honestly? Yes.”

He smirks, letting go of my wrist and heading towards the door. I stay close to him. The group of us stayed quiet as we walked outside up to the other side of the crashed ship.

“Riddick.” Carolyn whispers it is too risky for us to keep moving forward.

Riddick slides past me, his hand brushing my lower back as he does. I’m shocked by the shiver it shoots up my spine.

He walks to the front of the group, slipping his goggles up to look inside.

“Looks clear.” He calls back.

Johns pushes past me practically shoving me over as he sneaks up next to Riddick, gun in hand. Him having a light on the end of it.

I have to bite my lip to keep from snatching it out of his hand and beating him with it. Thoughts of stabbing him in his sleep enter my mind.

As soon as Johns light shines into the ship a monster comes jumping out towards them screeching.

Riddick drops to the ground, out of the way while Johns jumps to the right landing on his back.

The creature flies over our head away from the light. All of us ducking down. Jack’s grip on my hand tightening.

“You said"clear "." Johns says looking up at Riddick him slightly down a slope.

“I said it looks clear.” Riddick says back, making me smile at the sass.

“Well what’s it look like now?” He asks.

Riddick raises his head taking a quick glance before turning to look back shrugging.

“Looks clear.” He says, making me snort a giggle.

Everyone turned to look at me in a shocked horror.

“I’m sorry that wasn’t meant to be funny, I know.” I say, as Riddick and Johns get up.

Johns casually walked into the ship, everyone following behind. Jack rushed ahead to stay close to Carolyn’s light.

Riddick doesn't move until I reach his side.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to laugh. I think the exhaustion is finally catching up to me.” I say, feeling heat rise up my cheeks.

Riddick doesn't answer him, lifting a hand to grab my chin. I don’t speak as he moves my head to the left and the right, most likely looking at the bruises there.

Taking a shaky breath I let it out as his touch fell from my face, my skin almost burning from where he touched it.

“I thought I smelt blood.” He says, I almost feel like more to himself than me. But he didn’t seem like the type to talk to himself.

“Is my lip bleeding?” I question reaching up to touch my lip.

“Must have been something else.” He says, turning towards the ship, the clicking sound of the creatures starting to grow louder.

“We need to leave.” He says.

I nod following him into the ship.

[hamsterandturtlesoup]

"I keep the fingers of my left hand trailing over the wall beside me so that we keep going straight.  From the faint scraping sound I can hear every now and again, Leo’s doing the same on the right.  Seems like this corridor is just wide enough for a couple of turtles to have a nice evening stroll." - Underdark by Nekotsuki ( @plothooksinc )

Underdark got a sequel in May and I've been rotating it in my mind again <3

[reniculousart]

*Creepy Old Guy plays in the distance*

Pssst check out @9haharharley1 ROTG Beetlejuice AU fic plz and thanks

[gilly-moon]

Outfit Upgrade - Part 1

[lulublack90]

Prompt 8 - Silk

@jegulus-microfic May 8, Word count 486

Previous part First part

James finished what would have been his final loop of the quidditch pitch, before he went back to the changing rooms, when he spotted a figure clad in green rising to meet him. 

Regulus smirked at him as he flew closer.

“Going in already, Potter?” He drawled. James’s heart was pounding, and it wasn’t from the exercise. “Fancy throwing the quaffle around for a bit? I never get the chance normally.” He said as though he wasn’t bothered either way, but James had the feeling he really wanted James to say yes. 

“Sure,” He furrowed his brow. “This isn’t some clever ploy to take out Hogwarts’s best player is it?” Regulus’s face flushed red and his eyes widened in horror. 

“What—what do you mean?” He stuttered. James furrowed his brow further. 

“Is this a friendly practice or are you here to make sure I can’t play next week?” Relief washed over Regulus’s face and his patented scowl settled back in place. 

“Scared, Potter? Do you think I need to incapacitate you for my team to win?” A wicked glint flashed in his eyes as he suddenly sped towards James. James didn’t have time to react as he watched Regulus spin upwards at the last second and sail upside down over his head. He was so close his hair brushed against James’s forehead, it felt like silk. Soft and smooth and not yet drenched in sweat like James’s was. 

“Oh, it’s on!” He said to the wind and spun his own broom over and chased after the Slytherin seeker. 

“So has my brother said anything to you yet?” Regulus asked when they’d finished racing each other and were lazily tossing the quaffle back and forth. 

“No, not yet,” James replied. Should he say something about himself now? He felt rather nervous about voicing it and absent-mindedly chewed on his bottom lip. 

“What’s eating you?” Regulus asked when James hadn’t thrown the quaffle back. 

“Doesn’t matter.” He shook his head, “I’m quite tired, think I’ll call it a day, if you don’t mind.” He tossed the quaffle to Regulus and slowly descended to the ground. 

As he jumped off his broom, a hand grabbed his sleeve. He looked over his shoulder at Regulus. 

“What’s the matter?” If James didn’t know better he would have thought that Regulus was actually showing concern. He just shook his head again and tried to pull away, but Regulus had a vice-like grip. “Tell me what’s wrong.” 

James spun. The movement dragged Regulus against his chest. Regulus looked up and James stared right into his eyes, pouring everything he had into them. His chest was heaving with the effort. Regulus let out a gasp and his hand dropped from James’s sleeve. James felt his heart crack. 

He jumped on his broom and raced as fast as he could make the broom go back to the castle, leaving Regulus behind on the pitch.  

Next part

[9haharharley1]

for prompt requests - something involving Jack and Pitch admiring any scars/freckles/moles/etc. the other has? Or Nightlight and Kozmotis, if you so desire?

This is your fault, Gilly! You know exactly what you did, you can't keep doing this to me! I just wanted to write something short and cute!

---

The fingers of Jack's right hand tangled with Pitch's as they lay together in an empty Kansas field, snow falling lightly around them. He could feel the Boogieman's gaze on the side of his face, but his own eyes scanned over ashen grey skin, a stark contrast to his moonlight paleness. He brought his other hand up to trace rough knuckles.

"How'd you get these?" he asked curiously, noticing the faint scars there. Pitch brought their joined hands up to gaze at the back of his own hand.

"Huh..." he mumbled to himself, brow furrowing. "That... was a long time ago, I believe. Back before..."

"Nightmare King stuff?" Jack answered softly.

"Hm. Yes. Before that." Pitch gave a wry little grin. "If I recall correctly, I believe I punched a lieutenant in the face."

"What?!" Jack crowed. He tilted his head to grin at Pitch. "No way! You weren't military, were you?"

Pitch grinned back. "I was. A general, actually."

"You're lying," Jack said, but he was still grinning. "You were not."

"I absolutely was." Pitch's smile dropped a little, and Jack didn't push it. "This would have happened before that, though. I believe I hadn't even made commander rank when this guy mouthed off to me. I admit, I may have lost my cool and got into a nasty scrap with him. I was lucky I wasn't court marshaled."

"Military man," Jack muttered. "I should have known. You always hold yourself so straight-laced."

"I like to think I've relaxed over the years," Pitch murmured, scooting a little closer to mouth at Jack's ear. Jack giggled and shoved a hand in his face.

"Maybe over this past year," he said back. "You were still riding your high horse when we started really talking."

"As opposed to riding you?" Pitch murmured, dark and silky in his ear, and Jack's face flushed purple. He turned away.

"Wh-what about this one?" he tried to distract the Boogieman, running a finger along a long scar on the back of Pitch's left hand. Pitch looked, pursing his lips.

"Sword fight, I think..." His brow furrowed as he gazed at the back of his hand, bringing their joined hands closer to his face. "It was a... mission to weed out some dream pirates. One managed to nick me before I stabbed it."

"Wow, stabbing. Damn." Jack gave an impressed whistled. "Never knew you were such a badass!" He chuckled, but noticed Pitch was holding his hand tighter than before. Jack's brow furrowed. "Pitch? What's wrong?"

"These..." His gold eyes were troubled as he gazed at the back of his own hand. His other rose to trail his own fingers over the scars. He swallowed thickly. "These weren't here before..."

"What do you mean?" Jack squeezed his fingers gently.

"I..." Pitch raised his right arm, the shadowy sleeve of his room receding enough that he could gaze at a large scar on his forearm. His voice was distressed as he said, "I'm not sure..."

Jack got his arm underneath him, propping himself on his elbow but refusing to loosen his hold on Pitch's hand. "And that one?"

Pitch swallowed thickly. "Nightmare Man."

Jack didn't linger on it. "Pitch, talk to me. What's wrong?"

Pitch rolled on his back, running long fingers over his scars. "When did..." he muttered to himself. "These... I haven't seen -" He cut off with a shaking breath. He let go of Jack's hand, sitting up abruptly as he shrugged off his robe. Jack wanted to make a joke, but the genuine distress on Pitch's face made him hold his tongue. He gasped as his own eyes went wide, Pitch releasing a shuddering exhale as he ran fingers over his chest.

A large scar ran diagonally down Pitch's right pectoral, cutting from clavicle to just above his nipple. It had long faded with time, but the wound had been deep, and it carved a deep gouge into the muscle. Jack stared at it in horrified awe, suddenly understanding Pitch's distress over the seemingly sudden appearance of his scars.

Jack had seen the man naked plenty of times now. He would certainly have remembered a scar like that.

"When did this appear?" Pitch murmured, his voice distressed as he gazed off into the distance. Snow fell around them, soft and silent, and Jack swallowed thickly.

"That..." Jack swallowed around a lump in his throat. There was an itch under his skin, almost a burning that felt at odds with his natural cold. "That wasn't there last night..."

"Dream pirates," Pitch muttered. "It was always dream pirates. Dream pirates and their Nightmare Men, always running and hiding, always chasing after them so they wouldn't target another child..." His hand rose to clutch the golden locket he only wore when it was just the two of them. "There seemed to be no end to them..."

Jack scooted closer. "Pitch?" He rose a hand to cup Pitch's cheek, turning the old spirit to face him, concern making his eyebrows shoot up as his skin tingled, gazing at his lover in horrified wonder. "Your face..."

Pitch's own eyes widened as they gazed back at him, a long scar that hadn't been there mere moments ago slashing down the left side of his face. It ran from his forehead down over his eye - a miracle it hadn't blinded the man - all the way down over his lips to Pitch's chin. It ran in the same direction as the one on Pitch's chest, no doubt from the same slash, and Jack couldn't stop staring.

There was something in his mind, something buried deep and clawing desperately to get out, that couldn't help but focus on that scar. There was a memory there, one that hadn't been unlocked with his box of baby teeth, and Jack reached up, lightly running his fingers over the cut on Pitch's lips. The snow glowing gently in the moonlight lit up Pitch's dark features, and Jack traced the scar to the one on his chest.

"I... think I've seen this before..." he muttered, more to himself than his lover, but the shaky inhale of air from Pitch had him looking back up. He met wide gold eyes, wild with awe and shock as Pitch stared back at him, and Jack realized the glow off the snow wasn't coming from the moon.

There was no moon out tonight.

Pitch's hand shook as it rose, long fingers touching Jack's cheek so reverently it made something in him break. Tears filled his eyes unbidden, Jack startled to realize he didn't know why he was crying in the first place, but as he gaze back at Pitch, he was shocked to see the man silently crying. His shaking hand cupped Jack's cheek, hot and soothing on his skin, and Jack leaned into it. He closed his eyes, pressing a kiss to Pitch's thumb, and when he opened them again, Pitch was looking at him like he was someone he had lost long ago, someone he had never expected to see again.

Someone he loved dearly.

His voice was broken when he spoke again.

"...Nightlight?"

[imyourbratzdoll]

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚

🌚guardians of the moon masterlist🌚

summary - logan howlett (the easter bunny) gets turned into a real baby bunny by an enemy, and her name is morticia addams (pitch black)

warning - swearing, dirty thoughts.

the gif and headers I use aren't mine, the gang is back!!

Warnings and Reminders - Please do not plagiarise, copy, repost/republish, adapt, or translate any of my work on any social media platforms, apps, or third-party sites. The only platforms I post my work on are: Tumblr and Wattpad. I do not own any character of any franchise (Marvel etc.) All my works are fiction and may be dark or triggering content: READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

“Turn me back, ya evil witch!” Logan screams in a high-pitched voice, throwing his fists toward the tall, mysterious black haired woman. His tiny bunny body hops up and down, moving closer to her until your hands swoop down and grab him, picking him up from the ground and holding him close to you. “Hey! Hey! Let me go! I can take her!” You scratch between his ears, causing his little legs to kick and his eyes to roll back. “S–stop, this is some witchcraft!” 

You giggle, shaking your head before looking up at the woman, giving her an innocent smile. “Hi! I’m Y/n or Mrs Claus! Who are you?” You ask with wonder, confused and slightly jealous of how beautiful this woman is. 

Morticia’s back straightens, and her eyes look you up and down before she gives you a slight smile. “Morticia, my dear. But many know me as Pitch Black.” You nod, subconsciously drooling at the slight of her red lips. “I see you know this… Pest?” 

“Hey! I’m no pest, you evil bitch!” Logan’s legs begin to kick again, fists waving in the air as he tries to punch. You cuddle him closer to you, placing a kiss on his head before looking back up at the woman and nodding to her question.

“Yes, this is Logan. He’s the Easter Bunny, but he, uh… He used to be bigger, I thought?” You look down at him, confused as to why he’s so tiny when not long ago he was large and splitting you open on his… Your legs squeeze together as you think back to that Easter, and you clear your throat, blinking the daze away from your eyes. “D–Did you do something?” 

Morticia nods, giving a soft smile. “Oh, yes. As I was saying, he’s a pest. I despise pests.” She waves his words off, no longer bothered to listen to his blabbering. “Why would someone as beautiful as you hang with this despicable creature?” Your cheeks heat up, choking on your saliva as the compliment slips from her lips so easily. 

Logan’s little eyes glared, his ears flopped, and his tiny fluffy white tail wiggled into your chest. You smile softly, continuing to scratch between his ears, unknowing of your husband and the elves entering the scene, standing to the sides. “Why, uh… Thank you, but he isn’t a despicable creature. He’s my friend, and I would really appreciate it if you turned him back.” You bat your eyelashes and pout, knowing that usually works on your men.

Morticia smirks. “Hmm, as cute as you are, my dear. I don’t think so. Goodbye.” She waves before disappearing in a cloud of black smoke, and Logan grumbles, hopping out of your arms and onto the ground.

“Great, fantastic. Now, I’m stuck like this.” Logan stands with his arms crossed, a grumpy look on his cute little face. You smile, cooing as you reach down and scratch his head, causing Logan’s eyes to roll back before he fights you off, swatting your hand away from him. “Okay! That’s enough!” 

Ari chuckles, looking down at his eldest friend. “Don’t worry, my friend. We will get you back to normal soon enough.” He walks over and wraps his arm around your waist, pressing a kiss onto the side of your head, watching with you as the elves stalk toward the tiny bunny. 

“Pfft. Why are you so fat?” Lee grumbles, challenging the bunny. The elves eyes widen, and Logan looks at Lee with a glare. “What? Just asking a valid question.” 

Logan hops toward him, puffing out his chest to the smaller man. “Why are you so fat?” Gasps can be heard from the other elves, watching with wide eyes as they wait for a fight to break out.

Steve pouts. “Well… I think he’s adorable.” He gives a little smile to Logan. “Now that you are little, w–would you want to play with us? We got these cool mopeds…” Steve bats his eyelashes, pouting until Logan grunts and gives in.

“Okay, fine! I’ll play with you guys!” Logan turns to Ari and glares. “You better find a way to reverse this!” He stalks off with the little elves following him with excitement.

You look up at your husband with a smile. “You aren’t going to do that immediately, are you?” 

Ari squeezes your side, looking down at you with a soft smile. “Of course not. I’m going to wait it out for a bit. The elves deserve someone new to play with.” 

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

[froggyfeetsies]

alright I’ve finally finished it, I’m now free (until the update or until I reread it again)

I’d suggest to go read this fic, I read it last week (?) but it’s been living in my head rent free the entire time. I’m glad I was at home when I read it simply because the fucking gasp I let out would have had someone call a first aider to me if I was outside 😂🤦‍♀️

spoiler version under the cut ✨

[writingkeepsmewhole]

Stay In The Light

This is part 9 of Snow In The Dark. I hope you like it :)

Fic Summary: Snow has never known who she was. Being raised in the streets made her strong but lonely. That changed when she met Jack them becoming as close as sisters. She thought she found her family. That all changes when she crashes on a planet with only one rule. Stay in the light.

Part Summary: Snow learns who her true friends are.

Riddick x OC Snow

Warnings: Language. Mention of deaths.

Let me know if you want to be tagged :P : @here4thespice @amarokofficial @backseat-serenade-dizzyhurricane @pinkcrystal44 @goblingirlsarah @shelbyteller @classyunknownlover @sparklingnightfox @murphy3691 @vvs-dlxodyd @goblingirlsarah

The next half an hour is spent rushing to get everything that makes light and putting it on a makeshift sled.

All of us join together only speaking when we have to. My heart pounded in my chest telling me how worried I was.

Of course I was. I was trapped on a planet with things that wanted to eat me and really no dependable way to defend myself.

I couldn’t help but worry about myself, worry about Jack. She was helping just as anyone else, her being brave and acting like she was fine.

I hate to admit she reminded me a lot of myself at that age. Always trying to fight to keep yourself alive. She was scared I was as well.

We were all scared. The only one of us that didn’t seem to be was Riddick. Him walking around the ship telling us all what to do like he knew exactly how this night was going to play out.

The thing is I knew he was right.

“I’ll be running about ten paces ahead.” He says, Carylon following behind him while I sat next to Paris making cocktails.

“I want light on my back but not on my eyes.” He says, holding his hand up to block the light as he walks past Paris holding the cutting torch.

“And check your cuts. These bad boys know our blood now.” He says, his eyes meeting mine.

I had a busted lip. Is that what he meant?

Looking over at Jack I see her frozen looking up at him with fear on her face. My stomach drops, oh no running through my head.

Standing up I ignore Paris asking me where I’m going. Dusting my hands off I walk over to her and crouch down in front of her, her snapping back to work.

“Everything okay?” I whisper, helping her roll up the cord of light.

Her worried eyes meet mine, her shaking her head.

“It’s that time?” I whisper again, not wanting anyone to hear us.

She nods, not looking at me.

“I’ll find something.” I say standing up once more.

Using a flash light I found, I ease back into the ship half remembering seeing a first aid kit back there. 

I stop hearing footsteps looking over to see Johns standing there.

“Where do you think you're going?” He asks, his gun pointed in my direction.

“To go pee, you wanna watch?” I ask glaring at him.

He flushed with embarrassment, and took a step back.

“Thought so.” I say, moving away from him.

Taking a breath I shine the light around in the darkness almost jumping out of my skin when the shine of eyes flash for just a second.

Without thinking I move closer to him, encasing us in darkness besides my flashlight. Keeping it aimed at the floor, I stop when I reach him.

The primal smell of him wrapping around me makes my stomach tighten. I take a breath, feeling his fingertips brush over my hand as he clicks the light off.

I open my mouth to say something, Riddick’s large hand coming up to cover it stopping me.

I try to ignore my racing heart or the urge to throw myself at him. I clench my fist as best I can, feeling Riddick bend down so our noses almost touch. I could feel his eyes looking deep in mine.

His arm wraps around my waist pulling me closer to him, making me bend into him as he leans over me.

If I could bite my lip I would, all thoughts of what I was doing back here are out the window. The only thing present is the bubble me and Riddick has created. Despite the darkness around us my eyes flutter close. The heat and pressure of him wrapped around me making me want to melt.

Dropping his hand from my mouth he places it on my back. Him dipping himself lower to run his nose over my neck makes me shiver.

My eyes snap open when I hear a sound, expecting a monster to come flying our way. I blush when I realize it came from me. 

A low rumble leaving my chest or was it my throat it sounded almost like a purr. Blushing, I pull away from him and shake my head.

“I need to go.” I say, stepping back.

Feeling my foot hit something I don’t have time to react before I trip over whatever it was. My arms are flying out to grab anything to stop myself. Strong arms wrapping around me once again. Riddick kept me from falling.

“Sorry.” I say pushing my hair behind my ear from being nervous.

“I really should go. We don’t have a lot of time.” I say, not moving, Riddick’s arms comfortable around me.

I hear a familiar rumble of him humming an agreement, him letting go of me and taking a step back.

“Thank you.” I say, starting to turn around. Stopping when I realize I dropped my flashlight.

“It’s broken.” Riddick says, him seeing what I was doing.

“Great. I was looking for something.” I say more to myself than him.

“I’ll never find it now.”

I blush when I feel his large hand wrap around my wrist. Him pulling me behind him as he walks back towards the others. Back towards the light. 

As soon as we reach the glow of the light both of us are still half covered in shadows Riddick’s touch leaves mine.

Him lifting a box in the air. It is clearly a first aid kit.

“Can you read minds?” I ask, taking it gently from him, a smirk dancing along his lips but quickly disappearing.

“We need to get going.”

“I’ll be ready in five.” I say, earning a slow nod. 

Slipping on his goggles he heads back towards the others, I right behind him.

After we get everything ready. Including me helping Jack with her problem we head towards the door ready to face the beasts outside. Riddick pushing it open the weird sounds of them filling the air.

“Are we actually going to do this?” Paris asks, holding the cutting torch up.

“Did you have any better plans?” I ask, ignoring the glares I get from the others.

“We stay together, we keep the light burning.” Carolyn says sternly.

“That’s all we gotta do to live through this thing.” She says looking around at all of us. Her leaving us to go get Johns.

I stand by the door, next to Riddick, anxiously ready to get off this planet.

I don’t bother saying anything hearing Johns talk just over our heads.

“You give him the cells and the ship and he’ll leave you all out there to die.” Johns says, making me clench my jaw.

Johns seemed like he was only looking out for himself.

“He’ll leave all of you.” He says.

Seeing Riddick’s jaw jump I look over at him, him looking dead ahead.

“And they call you the criminal.” I say, him not answering me.

“Just so we’re clear, if he doesn't make it I won’t be sad about it.” I say, hearing them come down the steps not caring if they heard me. The rest gather at the door of the ship.

“Here.” Johns says, handing me some of the glowing cord to wrap around me.

“I’m not putting that on me and being tied to you, no thanks.”

“Everyone needs to pull their weight.”

“And I will, I'll help drag the thing but I’m not being tied to anyone."

“Even if it was him?” He says, jerking his head towards Riddick.

“Knock it off. Just stay close to the sled.” She says, everyone shutting up when Riddick walks up to us handing me a giant glow stick.

Kinda confused. I take it from him and crack it, shaking it up making the bright neon green lighting up the space around me.

“Let's move.” He says 

I take a breath and get into position as we all take off jogging out into the darkness.

I try not to think about the sounds around me, just keep my eyes focused on Riddick. On the lights on his back. I kept telling myself follow that and you’ll be fine.

Just had to keep up.

It wasn’t long before the cutting torch used its last bit of fuel. The sounds of the wild animals around us grew louder, as the space around us grew darker.

“Stay close.” Imam says. Paris starts to get antsy. I look at him, looking around, Jack mimicking his panic.

“Just breathe, Jack.” I tell her, her looking at me.

We start walking again pulling the sled with us. My stomach drops when I hear something fall off it.

“Wait.” Jack says, taking the lights off her and starting to grab it.

“Don’t.” I say, going to stop her before it was too late.

In a blink, everything erupts into chaos. The sounds of creatures growing closer, as Johns starts shooting his gun blindly.

I go to get Jack back into the light when Johns spins towards me and fires, a strong rough hand pulling me out of the way before the bullet lands in my face.

I don’t get surprised when I feel myself pressed into a hard chest.

“Shh.” He whispers to me, bringing me to the ground as he squats.

I realize he’s just watching them, to see what’s going to happen. My muscles jerk wanting to get Jack but his hold on me keeps me from moving.

I feel the cool of a blade, him pressing it into his own cheek as he thinks, the back of the makeshift knife touching my neck. 

I watch as the whole thing we spent rigging up is ripped from the sled, the glowing blue lights going out.

The only light around me is the green glow stick I tied around my neck with some string and the lights on Riddick’s back.

It didn’t take a genius to realize we were in a bubble of light the others now didn’t have.

I jump as a flash of flames a few feet away goes off, Paris blowing on a lighter, showing at least twenty creatures around him. As soon as the light is gone you hear the whaling of them along with his screams.

With the distraction I watch Carolyn light a flare, the green light brightening the darkness as she lights the few molotovs we have.

I stand up with Riddick, walking over to the group slowly.

“Well it’s good to see you're okay.” Johns says, looking at him.

I rush over to Jack and check on her, her looking up at me with fear. I hug her tightly and kiss her head.

I watch Riddick look out in the distance, where Paris was last seen.

“Do I even wanna know?” Carolyn asks, standing behind him.

“I don’t.” I mumble, holding onto Jack rubbing her arm.

Riddick looks at me then jerks his head to start walking.

I do as he commands us walking after him, us holding bottles of fire.

“Are we getting close?” Jack asks.

“Can we pick up the pace?” Carolyn calls out to Riddick ahead of us.

Johns gets mad as he throws down the strap he was using to pull the sled.

Not wanting to start yelling at him, I speed walk up to Riddick catching up with him.

“They want to go faster.” I say softly to him.

Him grunting in recognition he heard me.

“You wanna tell me what the hell is going on?” Johns asks, walking up to us, standing there.

“We crossed our own tracks.” Carolyn says, making me roll my eyes. Of course we didn't take that long to walk here in the day.

“Why have we circled? Are we lost?” Imam asks.

“Listen.” Riddick says softly.

I do just that, the faint roar of bodies and creatures around us, and even more in our path.

“Canyon ahead. I circled once to buy some time to think.” Riddick says calmly.

“I think we should go now.” Imam

“Oh I don’t know about that.” Riddick says, smirking, cocking his head to the side.

I clench my jaw, catching why he was being sarcastic now. We wouldn’t make it across the Canyon.

“That’s death row up there.” He says speaking my thoughts.

Without thinking I moved closer to him. Needing whatever power that radiated off him to soak into me.

I was brave, or rather stupid enough to get myself into danger but I wasn’t smart enough or rather had the gift of darkvision to get myself out of this mess.

“Especially with the girl bleeding.” He says, making my gut drop.

“Crap.” I say, softly to myself. Johns looking at me, fury lighting up in him.

“Where?” He snaps at me, making my own fury go through me.

“Not her.” Riddick says, calmly getting Johns attention.

“Her.” He says looking at Jack.

Everyone turns to look at Jack, her looking around scared and alone. I quickly move over to her, everyone having a light bulb moment.

I’m stopped by a tight grip.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Johns and Carlyn say in different voices to different people.

Her to Jack comforting her as Jack sinks to the ground.

Johns to me, glaring at me like everything that happened was my fault.

“Did the same thing at her age. It’s not easy being a girl on the streets.” I say glaring up at him.

He yells and jerks away from me storming as far off as he safely could.

“They’ve been nose opened for her since we left.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, they go off blood.”

“Of course they do.” I mumble to myself moving to roll my trying to hold back the part of me that wanted to snap and do anything it took to get out of here alive.

That part of me held down by protecting Jack but she was currently with Carolyn and the presence of Riddick seemed to make the part of me want to unfurl and bloom.

“Look, this is not gonna work.” Carolyn says standing up.

“We’re gonna have to go back.” She says, making me turn to look at her in shock.

“What’d you say?” Johns says.

“You're the one that got us out here in the first place.” He says pointing at her.

I watch them once again turn on each other, I can’t help but wrinkle my brow and cock my head to the side wondering when did people get so weak minded.

It made sense to stick together, keep moving. Do something.

With that thought in mind I turn around, seeing Riddick slowly walking to the ridge of the cannon I go up to stand next to him. Him turning to look at me.

“They're all losing it.”

“Not you?” He asks, softly. His low rumbling voice settled me in a way I needed.

“Not yet.”

He smirks looking down at me. He reaches to pick up my glow stick and look at it.

“Should keep you safe till we get to the ship.”

“We?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow.

He smirks once again and starts to walk.

I wait for a moment to follow, falling between him and the group.

When Johns joined Riddick I knew something was up. I was just outta ear, shot but close enough to catch a few words.

Sacrifice was the word I picked up on, that and when Riddick turned to look at us, his eyes met mine.

Something in them puts my body on alert. Told me to slow down, wait for him. So I did. I slowed my pace a few steps.

When I watched the green flare fly out of John's hands and a shot pop off I knew what was about to happen.

Despite the warning and the yelling of the others behind me, I race forward. I suddenly worried for Riddick so strongly I had to make sure he was alright.

I skid to a stop to watch the two men trying to kill each other. I get there just in time to see Riddick slice Johns’ back open, him falling to the ground groaning.

“You should’ve never taken the chains off Johns.” Riddick yells standing up, just as the flare gose out.

I was thankful for the light around my neck, the sounds of monsters hissing around me, them to dstreacted by the blood to really notice me.

“You were Billy Bad-Ass.” Riddick says from the darkness.

“The chains. The gauge. The badge.” He draws out as Johns stands up him trying to see with the light on the end of his gun.

“I told you to ghost me.” Riddick whispers taunting him.

I swallow the shiver of that act. It's like watching a cat play with a mouse. Johns was done for he just didn’t know it yet.

I jump but don’t scream when I’m spun around by strong arms and pinned to a rock behind me.

The crunching sound of bones behind me is forgotten as I feel the heat and hardness of Riddick being pressed into me.

“Did you enjoy watching?” He asks, his breath fanning my ear.

“Let’s find the others.” I pant out, knowing this wasn’t the time or place despite the want.

He hums but pulls away from me and starts to walk into the darkness. I stick close by keeping up with him, us finding the group quickly them barely moving,

Carolyn screams when she spins to face Riddick standing there.

“Back to the ship huh?” He asks, smiling.

“Just huddle together until the light burns out.”

“Get away from us.” She says backing up, I watch her eyes jump to me then back.

I couldn’t tell if she was scared of me or if she wanted me to come with her.

“Till you can’t see what’s eating you. That the big plan?” He asks them.

“Where's Johns?” Imam asks.

“Which half?” He asks, smirking, the rest of them gasping in shock.

“WHere gonna lose everyone out here.” Jack says.

“Not if we leave. Now before we run out of light.” 

“We should have stayed at that ship.” Jack says tuning to look back the direction we came.

“He died fast.” Riddick says, walking past them.

“If we have any choice about it, that's the way we should all go out.” He says stopping to stand next to Jack.

Since I was following him I saw the tears in her eyes.

“Don’t you cry for Johns, don’t you dare.” Riddick says walking past her.

“How are we going to make it?” Jack asks, whimpering up at me.

“We are going to listen to Riddick, we are going to make it to that ship and I’ll find you someplace safe.” I say smiling at her.

She nods hugging me as we start to follow once again.

“Why do you trust him?” Carolyn asks, walking next to me.

“I’m good at reading people. He won’t kill us. We’re not a threat to him.” I say honestly, they look around scared every time something makes a noise.

I keep my eyes ahead focusing on walking.

“He killed Johns.” She says in a way I can’t tell if its a question or a statement, so I shrug hoping that gives her my answer.

“Can you talk to him?”

“About what?” I ask, looking at her.

“I…I don’t know. He’s…”

“Scary?” I offer her a suggestion.

“He doesn't scare you?”

“No.” I say leaving it at that. Quite the opposite I keep thinking about everything but being scared of him. Well maybe I was a little but not in the way everyone else was. My fear stimmed more from if I could survive a night with him.

Riddick was not a beast I was trying to tame. Oh no I knew if we made it off this rock and if something did happen between me and Riddick. I would never be able to turn back.

[fferthe]

40 YEARS.

[sstormyskyess]

Pitch Black - Prologue

author's note: hello hello everyone!! welcome to my first long form series on this blog! i'm excited to share this story i've been cooking up since summer last year and i hope everyone likes it as much as i've had fun brainstorming it 😊 this is gonna be a little short prologue to set the mood and give a little context for reader so things make sense later on! please enjoy 💜

cw: descriptions of injury, mentions of vomiting

word count: 1400+

Everyone and their mother knows that Russian winters were ruthless. It was a widely accepted fact, even for those who hadn’t personally experienced one of said agonizing winters. Snowfall was common for six months out of the year, and the temperatures could reach —44 degrees fahrenheit.

Cold air seeped in from under the door of the tiny room you were confined in. You shivered while you sat on the old, flimsy cot against the back wall of the solitary prison cell. Your vision was unfocused and blurry, though it was hard to tell because it was too dark to see anything. The walls were made of dark concrete and half-rotted wood slats. It smelled musty and stale, the air circulation in the room severely lacking.

You wince when the door suddenly opens, squeezing your eyes shut and trying to block out the blinding LED lights beaming into the room out of nowhere. Your breath catches in your throat from the surprise, your chest stinging from the feeling. You peek an eye open when a metal food tray clatters to the floor. The sound was deafening as it cut through the murky silence you had been wallowing in, making you bring your hands up to cover your ears. The man that dropped the tray barks something at you in Russian before slamming the door shut once again.

Konni Group.

An up and coming Russian private military company, the target of your squad’s operation, and the people that had taken you prisoner.

The stated goal of your team was to clear out a known Konni base and to capture or kill the colonel they knew was posted up there. The POI had led a recent attack on a U.S. arms convoy and taken a number of highly lethal weaponry from the wreckage. The weapons were likely hidden somewhere in the base, and it was imperative to locate them before they were used anywhere.

The operation had gone less than optimally. It was doomed to fail from the start; the intel your squad was given was faulty, you had your cover blown by an ambush, and to cap it all off, the chaos allowed for Konni to get their hands on you and whisk you away.

 The only thing you could think of was time. How long had it been since you’d been thrown in here? Days, weeks, months? You couldn’t tell. Just thinking about it made your head hurt.

The only measurement you had was how long it was between the miniscule amount of food you were granted by your captors on a seemingly random schedule. You were practically able to feel your body consuming itself, your stomach growling at you angrily. You would cry, but the waterworks had run dry ages ago. You couldn’t afford to lose any more water; you didn’t have that privilege anymore. 

Years of active service in the U.S. Marines had gotten you used to grueling conditions, but nothing like this. Even out in the field, dispatched from whatever base you were stationed in, you knew you’d be able to secure some kind of sustenance. Food and water felt like a luxury now.

Despite the cold, the hunger, and the wear and tear on your body, both internal and external, the worst part was the lack of contact. You couldn’t even hear anyone moving outside, no matter how hard you strained your ears. There was no light peeking from under the door, so you couldn’t track shadows moving. The only indication that someone was behind the door was the meager rations being put into the cell. Between those meals, for all you knew, no one was present in the facility anymore.

Too much time had passed for anyone to still be looking for you or trying to rescue you. It hurt, at first. The feeling of being forgotten or being considered disposable had been crippling for a while, so painfully debilitating that it had you weeping endlessly for days, maybe even a week or more. The muscles of your stomach ached afterwards. Mixed with all the kicks and punches you suffered from interrogations, your heaving sobs had you nauseous and throwing up bile frequently.

You ruminated over what could possibly be the reason you were still being kept here instead of being executed. You weren't being interrogated anymore by now. You were just left with the wounds that you sustained from hours upon days upon weeks of interrogation. The bruises had healed, but the cuts were infected from the shoddy cauterizing job they had attempted. It felt like the bones that were broken were healing incorrectly.

You sigh shakily, your perpetually shivering body getting uncomfortable, so you try to shift a bit. The only thing you accomplished by trying to roll over on your tiny stone cold cot was falling face down onto the floor. You wince and give a weak groan, curling up and holding your stomach. You try your hardest to just close your eyes and get some sleep, no matter how restless it was.

When you woke up, you were finally back in the present. You were finally back in the little old house that you found after escaping that Konni facility, the sun just barely rising over the horizon.

It had been two years since you were abducted. The realization hit you hard. Two years you spent in that dark, cold, suffocating cell. Two years you spent withering away, slowly but surely. Two years you spent in your own special hell, alone, battered and beaten, left scarred for years and years to come.

You roll over and get out of the bed, a headache already springing forth in your head, making you rub your temples. You sigh and amble over to your rucksack full of all the essentials—well, most of them at least. You frown at the sight that greets you. Only a few MREs left and all of them were your least favorites. But, you’ve been through worse.

You pace around the room as you eat, reading some of the files you pulled off the rickety table in the corner of the tiny one room cabin. You scan the files and run a thumb over the insignia on the front of the manila folder containing everything you needed for your next job.

Al Qatala.

A terrorist organization based out of Urzikstan, the current boogeyman of the western world, and your current contractor.

The life of a freelance intel agent was an interesting one, to say the least. You had been around the world making problems for a countless number of political and military bodies, but the money was worth it. Not to mention the anonymity that came with not being tied down to any one organization.

You went off the grid after you escaped from Konni. You wanted to go back to normal life, but something in you told you to stay away from it all. Maybe it was the fear of being found and captured again. The logical side of your brain told you that there was no reason they would want you back, but it was hard to reason with a brain torn apart by the sort of trauma you went through.

You hadn’t cared to check up on any of your old teammates. There was an underlying resentment present in the back of your mind. You were betrayed by them, after all. They left you for dead and didn’t look back. Thinking back on it made you frown. You watched them leave you behind with no hesitation, run away without looking back. So much for no man left behind, right?

By the time you snap out of your frustrated thoughts, you’re already finished with your food. Your headache has gotten worse. You groan and pinch the bridge of your nose. You would really have to invest in some painkillers.

Based on how high the sun has gotten, you figure it’s about time to get moving. At least focusing on this job would keep your mind off the events that led you here. You flip through a folder and look at the location that was printed on one of the papers. Then, you take a peek at the pictures of the people you were meant to track.

Task Force 141.

A multinational task force recently founded, a team dedicated to making the world a better place, and ones that had been causing problems for your current contractor.

You take a deep breath and pack all your things away, ready yourself for the trek to the task force’s current location, and leave the cabin with the determination that kicks in whenever you set out on a mission.

𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

[onelonelyghost0]

Does that character really need to be redeemed or do they just have similar traumas, responses, and behaviors as you, and bc you are fighting to get better, they should too?

[harleyshahas]

If you're taking requests - Blackice for the touch prompts? 👀

33. Tasting their smile Or 45. Feeling their temperature

(Or 58. "Forever Mine" kisses from the kiss list, I'm indecisive and like giving options lol)

(Also I (platonically) love you too ♡)

33. Tasting their smile for @gilly-moon

Jack's smile was always so bright, so welcoming, so warm.

Maybe that didn't really make sense for a creature of ice and snow, but he was warm. His eyes sparkled like the rising sun with his fun and mischief, and his smile was just as blinding.

It pissed Pitch off.

It pissed him off because he had watched Jack from the shadows, had seen that smile waver and fall, had seen those eyes grow hazy with tears that never fell, had seen the cloudy storm of emotions play out, and it was all just as beautiful. Jack's moods could affect his winter if he wasn't careful, and more often than not, especially in the beginning, Jack would forget this. He would bring his fun and snow, the children would play, but the moment a child walked through him that fun would shift, darken. Clouds would roll in, and what had once been a soft flurry perfect for sledding would grow and grow until fat flakes nearly blinded all who were caught in the blizzard. Parents were left confused, children fearful, and Pitch loved nearly every second of it.

But that damn smile always came back.

Even before Pitch attacked the Guardians he wanted to see that smile wiped off that pale face, wanted Jack to let loose with his power, watch the world be covered in ice. But instead he had to watch Jack prance around with those damned Guardians, had to watch as they took his best chance at reclaiming his power, had to watch as Jack smiled and laughed with them.

It made him sick.

Even now, after three years of quiet exile, he watched as Jack played with the children in the little town they shared, smiling and laughing and throwing snowballs. The kids here actually saw him, they played with him, going so far as to tackle him to the ground and pile snow on his head. Jack laughed all the while.

Pitch watched. He watched every day that Jack was around, tasting his deeply buried fears ofThis won't last andThe next time they'll walk through me like the rest andWhen will they leave?

Jack's fear continued to sustain him even after all these years. Pitch wasn't sure how he felt about that.

It wasn't until one day close to Christmas after a rather exciting snowball fight that Jack finally noticed him. The sun was setting, casting an orange and fiery glow to the snow and Pitch marveled at the way it didn't melt. The children said their good-byes to Jack as their parents called them home, all of them giving the winter spirit a hug as Jack gave them a near teary smile. As the last one left, the boy who had stood against Pitch that fateful Easter weekend, Pitch had sneered, his low growl echoing in the following silence. Jack whirled around.

He saw Pitch at the base of a nearby oak tree, Pitch contemplating briefly if he should run, but he decided against it. This confrontation had to happen sooner or later, so why not sooner? With that in mind, he stepped out of the shadows, crossing his arms as he leant against the tree.

Jack's eyes were wide as he stared at him, mouth dropping open slightly.

Pitch smirked. "What's the matter, Jack? The rabbit got your tongue?"

The younger spirit shook his head, but his eyes remained wide. "You're alive..."

Pitch snorted. "Course I'm alive. It takes more than some Nightmares to kill me. Did you really think you'd seen the last of me?"

"No - I didn't..." Jack trailed off. His staff was held loose in his hands in his shock.

"Fear is a powerful thing, Jack," Pitch continued. "If left to itself, it grows and festers. It survives."

"Is that what you do?" Jack asked. His bright eyes cleared, his brow rose, but still he did not raise his staff. He took a step towards Pitch.

"It's what I've always done," Pitch stated quietly. He watched as Jack came to a stop barely three feet from him, watched as Jack watched him. "There will always be fear, therefore there will always be me. I didn't lie about that."

Jack's brow furrowed and his grip finally tightened on his staff. Pitch did not move. "Then what did you lie about?"

"What use did I have in lying?" Pitch said. He pushed off the tree, Jack tensed his grip, but the Boogieman only placed his hands behind his back, gripping one wrist with the other hand as he brushed past the small spirit. "I laid all my cards on the table that day and everything I said, everything I offered, was true. It's your choice to believe it."

"Choice..." Jack muttered. Pitch glanced over his shoulder. Jack stared down at the snow with a bitter twist to his lips. "You chose to attack the Guardians, the kids, even if you can never fade away?"

"What use is living if you can't share your life with someone?" Pitch watched as Jack's head jerked up, staring at him once more with wide eyes and mouth open. Pitch took a step to half turn to him.

"Family..." Jack whispered near brokenly and Pitch could only nod.

"I definitely didn't lie about that."

Silence fell over them. Jack watched him with that heartaching expression, his eyes hazy with tears that could not fall, and Pitch didn't comment on it. He stared down at Jack, gripping his wrist so tight his nails were starting to break through his skin.

Jack was... achingly beautiful, even in his melancholy. He had seen the rage, the bitter anger and resentment, the fearful turmoil, every time those bright eyes looked at him back then, and every time he was so, so beautiful. All the love and light and laughter was meant for everyone else, but this, Jack's most deeply buried feelings, all the ugly faces he wouldn't dare show the children, those were meant for him.

Pitch turned away. Something bitter and vile was clawing up his throat, his nails digging into his skin. Shadows roiled around him, the darkening night darkening further.

He didn't want those ugly feelings. But he did deserve them.

He took a step away, the nearest shadow wrapping around his foot as he prepared to return to his lair.

"Hey, wait a minute!"

Pitch stopped. Jack darted forward on the wind, stepping down just in front of him. He chewed his lower lip between his teeth, something shining in his eyes Pitch had never seen before, not to him.

"What?" he asked. Pitch wasn't sure if he sounded tired... or confused.

Jack chewed his lip some more. His grip tightened and loosened on his staff. "Do you wanna... I don't know, have some fun?"

More silence was swallowed up by the snow around them.

"What?" Pitch was definitely confused.

Jack snorted lightly, covering his mouth. Pitch blinked down at him. "Sorry! I mean, you just... seem like you could use some fun in your life, I guess." His eyes were sparkling in a way they never had before at Pitch.

Pitch loosened his grip on his wrist. "I think your idea and my idea of fun are two very different things, Jack Frost."

Jack was definitely grinning behind his hand. "Maybe, but I think there's a way we can meet in the middle. There's a Christmas horror movie playing at the local theater." His hand dropped and his grin was mischievous. He looked up at Pitch from under his lashes. "Wanna help me scare some humans?"

The smile that tugged at Pitch's lips was slow, menacing, and positively delighted. He bowed with a flourish, holding a hand out dramatically. "Lead the way."

Jack laughed and hopped in the air, Pitch followed from the shadows. He was led to a cinema, popping up from the shadows behind a small crowd of humans already in their seats and waiting for the show to start. Jack landed next to him. He gestured to the back row where no one was sitting, and Pitch followed him. From there, they had a decent view of the movie goers. The audience was silent with anticipation, the title card played, and the tension was palpable.

Jack leaned in close to him, as if anyone could hear him, and Pitch indulged him, leaning down to meet him. "Wait for my signal," was all he said. Pitch nodded, then sat back to enjoy the show.

The first five to ten minutes of the movie took place indoors, but any time a character stepped outside Jack would tap his staff to the floor. The temperature in the theater dropped, and the audience visibly shivered. Some looked around themselves, their nerves lighting up and Pitch breathed it all in. Pitch caught on quickly, his shadows roiling in the dark corners of the theater everytime a character entered a dark room. Tension rose as the humans muttered amongst themselves. One even pointed at his shadows.

As the movie went on, Jack worked a breeze through the room. Someone yelped. At another point, Pitch encouraged his shadows to dance at peoples feet. More than one person jumped. At the next jump scare, a shadow tugged on a woman's hair and she screamed. The rest of the audience jumped and the tension had reached the ceiling by the time the third act had started.

Jack was shaking in his seat. Pitch glanced over, worried for half a second that this wasn't actually what he'd had in mind, that he had messed this up somehow, that he was scaring Jack away.

To his absolute shock, Jack was laughing. He was laughing so hard he was shaking, near doubled over with a hand clamped over his mouth. Delighted tears clung to his lashes and his feet practically stamped the floor through his giggles. A smile twitched at Pitch's lips.

Jack had never laughed for him before.

He leaned down. "Ready for the big finish?" he whispered against a pale ear, his voice husky with the power he had fed on, and maybe with something else he didn't want to name just yet. Jack looked up at him with shining blue eyes, sparkling like the sun on a chilly winter morning, hand still clamped over his mouth as he nodded vigorously. Pitch smirked back. "Then watch the master at work," he preened.

He instructed the shadows to calm a little, relegating them back to the corners. The audience seemed to calm with them, the tension still high, but enough to make them relax and enjoy the final moments of the movie. As they watched, Pitch moved his shadows out of their sight, snaking them up through the aisles to wait at unsuspecting feet. Pitch lifted a finger, tapping Jack's staff and Jack got the hint, providing a final chilly breeze that immediately had the audience on edge. Anticipation was thick.

And then, as the music swelled and the killer was revealed, the hero screamed and the audience screamed with him as shadows brushed against revealed skin, pulling on hair and brushing against cheeks and hands, tugging feet and poking their backs sharply. Pitch cackled as someone broke down into sobs.

As the credits rolled, the humans cheered, clapping and laughing and crying in equal measure. Pitch shadow traveled to the front of the room, standing before the humans on a pedestal of shadows, and taking a low bow. When he looked up, not a one of them was looking at him, and he expected that, and he expected the hurt that inevitably came with it, but he did not feel it. Instead, he felt warmth as there in the back, perched upon the tip of his staff, was Jack Frost, clapping wildly along with the audience and smiling that blindingly bright smile right down at him.

Jack had never smiled at him like that.

But there he was, clapping and cheering and smiling just for him and Pitch felt warmth fill his insides, felt a lump lodge in his throat. He looked away as the audience left, followed them out quickly through the shadows. Jack joined him not too long after.

"That was amazing!" the younger man cheered excitedly. "That was so cool, I've never been able to get a reaction like that! I can usually get a few shivers and some laughs, but man! I've never gotten them to scream like that! You have to teach me how to do that! How do you know how to time it so well? I've seen that movie like five times now and I still can't get it right, but you - that... that was awesome!" Jack continued to ramble, arms waving wildly as he gestured back to the theater, to Pitch, to the humans who walked by still gushing about their experience. His smile was so bright, so welcoming, so warm, and Pitch couldn't stop himself from leaning down, from tasting that warm cold with the barest brush of lips against the corner of Jack's mouth.

Jack froze.

Pitch pulled away. He looked down at Jack with a softness he hadn't felt in eons, smiling gently down at the now wide eyes gazing back at him. "I had... fun, Jack," Pitch muttered. "I'd love to do this again sometime. If you'd like."

Jack swallowed, his throat visibly bobbing with the action and Pitch wanted to taste that too. "Um... okay... Yeah, we should - we should definitely do this again..." He smiled again, slowly, softer this time, his cheeks flushing a pale purple. "Thanks, Pitch..."

Pitch smiled back. "Anytime, Jack. See you around." And then he sunk into shadow.

From a darkened alley nearby, he watched as Jack stood there a moment longer. The boy reached up, pressing his fingers to his lips. Another smile tugged at them slowly, bright and happy, and he laughed in a way Pitch had never heard him laugh before. It was gentle. It was shy. There was a joy in it that didn't come from snowball fights and sledding with children or from spending time with the Guardians. Pitch smiled.

That was his laugh. That laugh was for Pitch and for Pitch alone.

And he couldn't wait to find out what it tasted like.

---

I've never done a prompt like this before so I hope I did it right!! Thank you for the ask, you're always so good to me so I hope you like it!!

I am accepting title ideas!

[gilly-moon]

I was thinking of the bird form in Howl’s Moving Castle and became possesed by the idea of an AU for these two:

Jack left home looking for adventure, but stumbled into the wrong place at the wrong time and became cursed with frost that creeps along his skin, slowly freezing him to death.

Pitch is an ancient wizard of sorts, with his own curse - the more power he uses, the more monstrous he becomes. He was banished for using dark magic on people, and now resides in a winding maze of underground caverns.

Knowing only that Pitch used to be one of the most powerful magic-users around, Jack seeks him out in hopes the ancient wizard can reverse the spell on him before it’s too late

[gretchensinister]

Daily Fic Highlight: A Draught of Light

Today's winner of the kudos email is:

A Draught of Light is a Pitch/Sandy epic fantasy AU. I think the summary I used on Ao3 works pretty well:

While investigating the troubled past of the light and shadow adepts, Pitch Black, the last shadow adept, is accused of a crime he didn't commit. He flees from the law and takes refuge with Sandy, the last light adept. After almost five hundred years, it is time to solve the mystery of their solitude and immortality.

It's difficult to know exactly what to say about this work. It's an alternate world fantasy novel. The ties to Rise of the Guardians are obvious, but it's right at the edge of standing alone. An image I had in a dream was an important inspiration-jumping-off-point. I thought it was going to be 10,000 words when I started and I was very, very wrong.

For one character, it's about being unable to give up the magic he loves despite the institution that surrounds it and the hurt it does to the person he loves.

For another character, it's about leaving everything he was told was right and discovering so much more about his own power and the nature of the world.

And it's about that's always persisted between them.

It's about the need for light, and the need for darkness.

It's a story about how loving someone you're not supposed to can fix the world's magic.

200,099 words, M, M/M and F/M.

Sample:

Sandy watches as Pitch tips the light into his mouth, watches his adam’s apple move as he swallows. How long has it been since he was offered such a drink? Ages and generations. Pitch’s eyes close and his mouth curls into a smile after the first sip, tongue darting out to collect any drops that might linger on his lips. Pitch sighs. The last time he drank light was hundreds of years ago, when he was not yet a shadow adept, but merely a shadow apprentice. He had been in the city with Sandy…he lets the memory flow past. There would be time to talk of that later. Now, he will enjoy the starlight. It flows cool and smooth down his throat, far thinner than water, tasting ever so faintly of lilac and lavender, with even fainter undertones of ozone and gunpowder. It does not warm him, as sunlight used to do, but as he drinks he feels the intoxicating well-being that light brings to all (save, usually, shadow adepts) spreading through him, easing his aches and pains and telling him ever so persuasively of what joy there was in still being in the world. Yet for all it is light, it is of the night as well, calling to mind such joys that are wonderful and terrible and hidden and may yet, under the right star, be. “It’s very good, Sandy. Very good, and very strong. Perhaps it is strongest for me because of my unique situation…” He trails off, opening his eyes again and looking at the remaining starlight. “I hoped it would be so.” A smirk pulls at Pitch’s lips. “Certainly there must be more important uses of starlight than as a means to get a shadow adept light-drunk.” “It’s just one glass.” “I’m not used to it anymore.”