Anger is not what he feels, she can tell. Clara knows that whatever she does or says, he will never leave her. But he has avoided her these last few weeks, that much she is sure of. Then, she finds him a warm summer evening, after having excused herself from a party her parents are hosting. The house is filled to the brim with guests, and she knows that she will not find him among the other adults.

She looks like a piece of melting snow, the tulle covering her blue satin dress creating a soft glow.

She wanders to the lake, where a family of swans have taken up residence since the early spring. The water is still and calm, the sound of early morning birds starting even now, because the warmth in the air has everyone confused and wide awake.

It is with a small gasp that she sees him, leaning against a tree, looking out at the lake. He seems unaware of her presence, completely still except for his chest that moves with each breath. He is wearing a uniform in muted green colors, his familiar black boots and kid gloves. But there is no hat, leaving his dark hair exposed. Just as she was that first time that she saw him, waiting for her under the christmas tree, Clara cannot help but feel like she is drawn to him – to turn away from the sight of him is almost unthinkable.

She steps on a loose bransch, which snaps easily under her weight. He slowly turns his head in her direction, blinking rapidly. He moves forward slightly as he sees who she is, the blue of his eyes piercing. And he looks at her like everything is going to be alright, like the mere presence of her is what makes it all possible. Like she is the one that is magical, a christmas present just for him. And just like that, her guilt overflows and breaks.

"Clara."

Her blonde curls shake as she starts to cry, her hands covering her face. Oh, she has behaved so badly towards him!

"I'm so sorry Nutcracker. Please..." she manages between tears. He is at her side in an instant, gloved thumbs wiping at her tears. She couldn't hug him before, when he was made out of wood – but now she clings to him, as his thin arms wrap around her securely. There is a real heartbeat beneath his ribs, and she closes her eyes to memorize its steady rhythm.

"It's alright, sweetheart. "