An announcement came over the loudspeaker, instructing the riders to make final preparations on their horses. Down the whole block of stalls, the sounds of jockeys and horses waiting for the race drifted down to the end, filling Blizzard's stall.

Jack pulled up his cloth mask, effectively covering everything but his bright blue eyes. When Bunny opened the stall door, he gently started to lead Blizzard out and down the stables. His completely white gear stood out against the colors the other jockeys all wore.

"Riders, mount your horses!" From outside the barn, the roar of the crowd could be heard. After taking a deep breath, Jack pulled himself up onto Blizzard's back. He led her into the gates. "Loading into gate 2, Jack Frost on A December Blizzard!" The crowd cheered as he, along with the other racers, was announced. There was a moment of silence as all the horses stood in the gate before the doors popped open and the race began.

Jack and Blizzard tore from the gates, quickly taking a comfortable lead in front of the rest.

"Pitch, please! I only need a few more things. It'll just be a couple of hours more," Tooth nearly begged the man as he stalked towards the truck.

"I'm not waiting, damn it! You all lied to me! He's in that race, and don't you deny it! I saw him on the TV!"

"We lied because he's doing it for you! We all want you to get better, and you wouldn't have let him go if you'd known."

"Of course not! She's pregnant! And he could get hurt! Damn it, Tooth, take me to him! Take me to my colt!"

Tooth nodded, hopping into the driver's seat and starting the truck. "She won't get hurt. He's healing her as they go."

"He's being an idiot and risking himself and her, and I'll be damned if I don't get there to see him win!"

"Love makes us do foolish things," she chuckled, quickly pulling away from the shop.

"If I wasn't in love with him as much as I am, I'd be furious with all of you. I might be anyway." Pitch glared out the window, a fist pressed to his lips.

"It was a risk we were all willing to chance. We care for you, Pitch. We're a family, and we take care of our own."

"Just take me to him," Pitch sighed, rubbing a hand over his eyes. Just let me get there in time.

Jack ducked when a blast of fire flew over his head, splintering one of the trees on the side of the forest track. He could feel the sweat dripping from his face both from riding and the sheer heat of that blast.

North and Sandy cheered Jack on from the side, Bunny very pleased to finally see Jack sweat. "Come on, Jack!"

Jack cried out when a larger horse suddenly came up next to him, pinning his leg between the two moving bodies. He looked up to glare at the jockey, only to see a cocky smirk on a familiar face.

"Long time no see, Overland! I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a race to win!" Jamie pulled ahead, boxing Jack in along the rail. "I'll give your regards to your parents!" The ice mage growled under his breath. Not caring how tired he was, he pushed Blizzard further. The mare put on a burst of speed and darted back in front of Jamie. Jamie only laughed and pulled up alongside him again. "There's the Overland I know and love! Either way this plays out, you're dead meat. Your parents will be thrilled to see you again!"

"My parents aren't coming anywhere near me! And i'll be leaving you behind to tell them so!" He shot a quick glare over at the other jockey.

"Too late, Overland! This race is mine!" Jamie smiled and pointed to the finish line. "See ya later, loser!" He gave his horse a smack with the crop, spurring his him a few lengths ahead.

"In your dreams, Bennet..." Jack closed his eyes, pouring the last of his magic into Blizzard. He ignored the blood dripping from his nose and the burning in his lungs as he gasped for breath.

As Jack approached the finish line, a voice rang out. "Colt! Don't you give up on me!"

Jack knew that voice deep in his heart. He would always be able to pinpoint that one voice no matter how big the crowd. The jockey knew nothing more than the finish line. He felt only the pounding of his horse's hooves and the wind in his face and not his body's protestations. He heard only that sweet voice and not the roar of the crowd. He saw only the finish line through his blurring eyes and not Jamie and his horse falling behind.

Blizzard tore across the finish line, knowing she had done her master well by being the first. What she didn't, couldn't, see though was Jack's body sagging with exhaustion or his eyes rolling back. She did feel it when he slid from her back, falling to the ground. The mare quickly slowed down and trotted back, standing guard over her master's unconscious body.

Pitch ran over to his mate, throwing his sticks to the side. He pulled Jack into his arms, kissing his face. "You stupid, stupid colt! What the hell were you thinking?!"

"He thinking he'd do anything for his mate." North and the others weren't far behind Pitch. The big man gently grabbed the worried mare's reins and started soothing her down again.

"Is he alright?" Sandy looked at the jockey worriedly.

"I don't know." Pitch leaned down, nuzzling Jack's nose. "Please...don't leave me," he whispered. He moved his lips to Jack's, sending his shadows through their connection.

Tooth knelt down next to Jack, gently using the man's discarded mask to wipe the blood from his face and nose. "He looks fine. His breathing is normal, his heartbeat is strong. I think his magic drained him again. It must have been too much to heal Blizzard the whole way." She looked up when the track medics started to rush over to the downed jockey.

"I won't leave him!" Pitch held Jack close, glaring at the medics.

"Yes, you will." Pitch was forcibly dragged from Jack and pulled to his feet. Two cops held his arms as a man came up to them from the crowd. "This is my son, and I'm having you arrested for theft and kidnapping." Blizzard reared up with a whinny, her hooves shooting out to hit Mr. Overland and then kicking back at the two men trying to take her from North.

Another big man made his way through the crowd. "Excuse me. There is no need to arrest this man. I actually have written and legal proof that Jackson left of his own free will and that Mr. Black was not holding him against his will."

North let out a sigh of relief. "Phil. Thank goodness."

"And what proof do you have, Mr...?"

"You can call me Phil. But before we discuss anything further I think we should take this somewhere more private." It was only after the group had been ushered into room used for the officiating staff, Phil once again acknowledged Mr. Overland. "Jackson signed a written statement explaining that he left your household due to being the recipient of abuse and due to extortion. Your abuse has been witnessed by Mr. North himself. The extortion? Well, due to the number of races you forced him to enter and the sheer money gained from his wins, it's quite obvious."

"Regardless, the horse is mine. I have the documents that prove she's my property. I could have Jackson arrested for taking her." Marcus crossed his arms, grinning like a cat. "Are you his lawyer?"

"I am indeed. And I could have you arrested for falsifying a legal document. I had a feeling you would try that route and did some searching myself." He pulled a older from his briefcase. "I have a copy of the original document from your wife's mother. She gifted Jackson the horse, naming you the temporary caretaker only until Jackson turned 18. He is now 22 years old and has been Blizzard's legal owner for the past 4 years." Phil crossed his arms as if daring the man to try something else.

Marcus's frown disappeared. "All of that is dependent on if he is sound of mind. It murdered It's sister. You saw what It did! As It's next of kin, it is my duty to make sure It is cared for. Its property is also mine then."

"According to Jackson he lost control because you were beating his horse. It was an accident."

"And what proof do you have? Merely the ramblings of a rebellious boy with a temper."

North stepped forward. "I see you have forgotten me. I used to work for you. I was there. I quit that very day. Would not work for human and animal abuser." His eyes narrowed on the man.

"And your proof is what? I remember firing you, lousy employee that you were."

"Really? I remember me yelling at you for being an ass. You must have facts mixed. I am sure I could call up old coworkers and they would remember for sure."

"You won't take him..."

Marcus looked at Pitch with disgust. "Excuse me?"

"You won't take him from me. Not my colt. He's mine." Pitch's eyes turned a deep golden color as shadows began to ooze from his skin. "N-North...get everyone out of here."

North nodded in understanding, turning to his cousin. "Perhaps we take Jack elsewhere?"

"I couldn't agree more. I can handle the rest of our business with Mr. Overland. Mr. Black, you may take your mate to the infirmary to be sure he is alright."

"And charges?" Pitch fought to calm himself down, his body instantly fighting against the two cops to get to his mate.

"None as of yet. And I promise to do my best to see to it that there will be none at all. You may let him go. Clearly his mate needs to be looked at by the medics. He won't leave the track." He gave a nod of his head when the cops finally let the man go before leading the group away.

Pitch lunged for Jack's body, hunching over it possessively. "Jack? Jack, my darling? Please...please come back." He pressed his lips to Jack's again, the shadows more gentle as they flowed into the younger man's body. "Say something. Say anything," he whispered.

"Sir?" A medic tapped on pitch's shoulder. "If you could please come with us? We need to make sure that nothing is wrong with him."

Pitch nodded, standing up with Jack in his arms. "He stays with me. My mate stays with me."

The man nodded. "I understand sir. If you would just follow us? We can check on him in the infirmary." He turned and led Pitch down the halls to the infirmary. He pointed to a bed. "You can set him down there."

Pitch carried him to the bed. He laid a hand on Jack's chest and cradled his face fondly. "I love you. Do you love me?"

"Excuse me again sir. I know you won't want to, but could you please sit in that chair for just a few minutes so we can check him?" The man and a female medic stood waiting by the bed with plastic gloves on and their tools ready.

Pitch growled, his eyes turning that deep color again as tendrils of shadows oozed from his skin. "You do it with me here."

"You don't have to leave. We just need to be able to reach him."

"You can reach him fine," Pitch growled.

"No, we can't, sir."

Pitch moved away only slightly. "Any more, and you'll have to kill me."

The medics had to resist rolling their eyes but they nodded. The two worked around Pitch, checking Jack's vitals. After a good 20 minutes, they stepped back. "Well, besides a twisted ankle, he's just fine. He's just magically exhausted."

Pitch whimpered and kissed his mate's cheek. "Come back to me. Come back, my lovely, winning colt." Through every inch of contact, shadows moved back into Jack's body. Now that he was sure they wouldn't be disturbed, he closed his eyes.

"Just so you know sir, he may not wake for several days. I've seen it happen before. If you get things figured out with his father and the lawyers you can take him home whenever you want." The two medics left the infirmary, leaving the two alone with their friends.

"Screw the lawyers, screw your father and screw the doctors. Jack...my love? Can't you show me your pretty eyes?" Pitch sniffed, caressing a pale cheek. "Come back to me, colt."

North walked into the infirmary, Phil close behind him. "You two are free. Mr. Overland can't press any charges or touch Jack. I've also taken the liberty of filing a restraining order for his parents so they may never legally come near him again."

Pitch nodded. "I want to marry him. Publicly. We don't have to fear them anymore."

Tooth smiled, stepping close to hug her mate. "I'm sure he would love that."

North chuckled and pulled her into his arms. "Let us get him home, da? Let him wake up at home." Pitch took Jack in his arms, carrying him out to the truck. The whole way home, he never once released his hold on the other man.

When blue eyes finally opened, Jack rolled his head to the side with a groan, unaware of where he was or the fact it had been 6 days.

Pitch smiled down at his lover, giving him a soft kiss. "I am very angry with you."

Jack turned to look at him tiredly. "i'm sorry," he whispered.

"You should be, my precious love. Don't you realize how frightened I was for you?"

"I just wanted to help you."

"With what? What made you risk yourself...risk Blizz like that?"

"You needed money to fix your...your hand," he choked

Pitch pulled back and looked down at his lover. "I should be furious with you."

"A-are you?"

"Do I look furious?" To answer the question, Pitch licked the tip of Jack's nose before burying his head under Jack's chin.

"No..." Jack tiredly wrapped his arms around his lover. "I'm sorry for lying to you."

"You should be. Damn, I even knew you were lying." Pitch chuckled, rubbing his fingertips over Jack's stomach. "Now I'll always be suspicious of your 'wonderful nights'."

"You'll never need to be suspicious again. I'll never keep something from you again."

"Still suspicious, my love." Pitch smiled, lightly kissing along Jack's collarbone.

"I love you," Jack sighed happily.

"I love you too. But I mean it this time. No more secrets. Promise?"

"I swear." Jack nodded, running his fingers over his lover's face.

"Maybe I'll make you do some extra chores around here for a while to make it up to me." He grinned. "If you're tired, you can't keep secrets."

"I already promised not to keep any more secrets anyway."

"I have a right to be suspicious now. You lied to me, endangered your horse and yourself." He leaned down to give him a kiss. "Almost guaranteed I wouldn't be there to hold you when you fell."

Jack gently pulled away and cupped his lover's face with a confused look. "I'm not complaining...but why aren't you- well, why aren't you more upset? I was afraid you wouldn't speak to me."

"I was upset, initially. Furious, actually. But then I saw you lying there and I thought, 'what difference does it make? He did it for you, after all.' So then I promised myself that when you woke up, I would only kiss you and tell you how much I adore you."

The younger man smiled, his eyes starting to water. "I love you, Pitch."

"I think that's the first time you've used my name in a long time." He leaned forward, capturing Jack's mouth in a deep kiss. "I think I like it."

"I love you, I love you, I love you." Jack kissed his mate repeatedly.

"I love you too, my stallion." He smiled fondly.

"I'm a stallion now?"

"Of course. You've grown up, and quite beautifully, I might add."

"Am I beautiful?"

"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. You are the reason I wake every morning. You...I see heaven in your eyes." Pitch gently kissed those very eyes. "I want to marry you. Officially. I want to take you to bed and kiss your ring as I make love to you." The younger man nodded eagerly. "First, we rest. And then tomorrow I will make you mine."

Jack nodded, pulling Pitch down beside him with a tired smile. "I love you, Pitch."

"I love you too, my darling Jack." Pitch cuddled up next to the younger man, pulling him against his chest.

Jack happily nuzzled against his mate. "Thank you for everything. I know you didn't have to forgive me."

"I know, but I love you too much to stay mad. You did do it for me, after all."

"I did. I really did. I only want you to get better and racing is the only thing i'm good at enough to get the money you need." He gently pressed his lips to Pitch's neck.

"That's not all you're good at, but I guess the life of a rancher isn't a very...rich one, shall we say."

"No, it's not," he chuckled. "As much as I love it, I never would have been able to save up enough."

"It's a tough business. Not for the faint of heart," Pitch laughed. "Are you sure you're up for it?"

"So long as I always have my cowboy with me to help guide me." He smiled

"Make me an offer, colt." Pitch smiled, tracing Jack's lower lip.

"Stay with me forever, and I'll promise you will have my heart, body and soul to call yours and yours alone for every day of my life." He gently kissed that finger.

"A fine proposition," Pitch whispered softly. "I accept, with my whole heart."

"I'm glad." Jack smiled. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't."

"You would have tied me down and kissed me until I had agreed."

"Ah. Well then it's a good thing you agreed," he chuckled and nuzzled against him again.

"I think I'll take back my acceptance." Pitch smiled, silently issuing a challenge.

Jack shook his head. "Nope. Too late. You already accepted."

"I don't remember doing it."

"I do. And that's what I'm going by."

"You lie!" Pitch struggled to get away, smiling the whole time.

"Did not." He held on tightly. "Well I guess if you don't want my body, heart, and soul I can...go give it to someone else." Jack pulled away, slowly sliding away.

Strong arms wrapped tightly around Jack's waist from behind. "No..."

"But you said you changed your mind."

"Please, don't leave me," Pitch whispered. "Not again."

"Never again, love. I love my cowboy too much to do that to myself," he chuckled, gently kissing his lover's arms

"Come here." Pitch pulled Jack down and under him, his larger body caging him in. "Ranch nights can get lonely."

"It can indeed. It's a good thing we have each other to drive the loneliness away."

"I'm awfully lonely now, colt. What are you gonna do about it?"

"Hold you in my arms until you don't feel lonely anymore."

"I'll take it."

Under the blankets, Pitch put his leg between Jack's, tangling them together. "This is it, Jack. No more racing, no matter what. I don't care if I'm paralyzed from the waist down."

"Alright, alright. Though I make no guarantees I won't try to race you and that stallion of yours." He chuckled.

"And I'll always let you win. Know why?"

"Why? Because you like seeing my lovely ass in front of you?"

Pitch's eyes shot open. "Damn! Am I that obvious?"

"Of course you are. You're my mate. I'm supposed to know you that well."

"If you know so much about me...what's my favorite part of your body?"

"My eyes. Or is there really even just one thing?" Jack laughed.

"There is." He lifted Jack's hand to his mouth, his lips soft on each fingertip. "Your fingers."

"My fingers?" Jack looked down at him in slight shock. "I would have thought you'd say my ass."

"I'm not that horny, jerk. And yes, your fingers. So small and thin, and yet..."

"And yet?"

"They're full of power, and pleasure, and comfort. You can tame me with a mere touch." Pitch lifted his eyes, meeting Jack's gaze.

With a chuckle, Jack ran his fingers through the man's hair. "Then I should be able to tame you into a rest."

"You can try." Pitch smirked. "I am very wild, after all." Jack smiled, rolling to his side and holding Pitch's head close to his chest. His fingers continued their strokes even as he started to drift off. "Damn, I'm tamed." Pitch wrapped an arm around Jack's waist, pulling him close. He nuzzled against the soft skin and closed his eyes in innocent pleasure. "I love you."

"Love you...too..." Blue eyes closed, a blissful smile on the younger man's face.

Pitch opened his eyes to watch Jack drift off to sleep. When his mate was completely asleep, he reached out, tracing Jack's face. "I fear to fall asleep, lest my world disappear."

The End.

Sorry this took so long to get up on fanfiction. I know at the beginning I said there would be little continuation chapters of their life together but there will not. We lost a lot of the portions of what we wrote following the main plot and it's irrecoverable. So here ends A Ride to Remember.

As always, feel free to PM if you're interested in RP-omg any stories with me :)