Jack had decided to walk Claire into town the next morning, since she was usually up well before anyone else. When she walked out of her front door and saw Jack she smiled. Jack returned the gesture, "Happy to see me?" He asked when she walked down the driveway.

"Yes." She returned enthusiastically. "Call me crazy but I was a little afraid that you were a dream." Jack nodded.

"Sometimes I feel the same way about you." He replied before even realizing what was out of his mouth. Claire blushed deeply.

"Thanks." She muttered before changing the subject. "So..." Claire gestured to the abundance of snow around the neighborhood. "Have some fun last night?" It was Jack's turn to blush, which was really only his cheeks turning slightly pink, hardly noticeable.

"Uhh… Had a run in with an old friend- er, coworker." Claire raised her eyebrows.

"Another Guardian came to see you?" She asked him. Jack nodded.

"We had a little argument but don't worry about It." he said, not wanting to drag Claire into Bunnymund's mess.

"Okay." Claire agreed, clearly seeing that he wanted to let it go. "5 days until the festival!" She said excitedly. Jack grinned back.

"You excited?" He asked, a little surprised she wasn't focusing on messing up during her performance.

"Yeah, I actually am. I figure if I believe I'll mess up then I will. So I think I'll stay in denial until the show." She said with a grin that said she found herself hilarious. Which wasn't far from the truth. When they arrived in town Jack could see people already setting up a stage in the town square for the festival. He guessed this morning he and Claire wouldn't be the only ones in town. Jack bid Claire goodbye as she got her coffee and went to work.

When Jack came back to see Claire around noon he knew exactly what he wanted them to do together. He had taken some of North's ideas to plan out a subtly romantic "date" for the both of them. Not to mention he had talked to Jamie earlier who now seemed to be an expert on all things girls. It wasn't hard to believe, Jamie was now a strong 13 and had turned into quite the stud. Jack strolled into the shop only to be greeted by an empty counter where Claire usually sat reading. Curious, he wandered through the crowded labyrinth of books. He hadn't traveled more than a few feet before he heard a faint voice reach his ears.

"They're singing Deck the Halls

But it's not like Christmas at all

I remember when you were here

And all of the fun we had last year."

Jack smiled as he continued to creep through the store searching for the source of the familiar melody. He recognized the song from being surrounded by Christmas and winter all his life. When he reached the back, he found Claire organizing comic books while serenading her work. As shy as she was Jack was surprised at the volume of her voice. She was even dancing around a little which caused a slight blush to rise on Jacks cheeks as he watched her hips sway. He contemplated making his presence known but knew that would embarrass her. Jack wished he could have stayed until she finished her song but once the comic books were in their place he rushed back to the front of the store. Jack made it look like he had just come in when Claire emerged from the shelves. Jack grinned as he watched her freeze and blush a bit.

"Hi." She said, a little skeptical. Jack grinned at her unease. He wasn't trying to embarrass her, but she was too darn cute when she blushed at nothing.

"Hey" Jack grinned back a little flirtatiously. Claire raised an eyebrow.

"You just get here?" She questioned warily. This only caused Jack to grin larger.

"Yup." He replied with a sly smile, popping the "p". This only made Claire more frustrated as to whether or not he had heard her. Jack almost laughed aloud. Figuring he had caused Claire enough stress, he stepped toward her. "Ready to go?" He asked. Claire's look of frustration turned to curiosity.

"Where are we going?" she asked. Jacks smile never left his face.

"Just trust me."

"This is incredible!" Claire exclaimed. Jack couldn't help but feel on top of the world right now. Here he was, a Guardian, walking along the brightly lit streets of New York City next to a beautiful girl whose eyes were shining. He had flown them down behind some old warehouses on Staten Island, so they wouldn't be seen, but Claire didn't seem to mind, she was still in awe over flying. Jack had flown Jamie once but he didn't seem to like it very much. Claire, however, got the same joyous feeling as Jack when they were riding the winds. They had walked a few miles on the Brooklyn Bridge, laughing and having a good time. Jack was amazed at how long they could talk to each other with out getting bored. Whenever he pictured him having a conversation with anyone he always saw himself getting bored after a while and throwing a snowball. It was now late in the afternoon and the two teenagers were leaning over the edge of the bridge eating pizza from a local vendor while watching the sun set over the water.

"Today was fun." Claire said turning her head to look at Jack. "You really didn't have to do this."

"Hey." Jack replied with his usual cocky grin, "I had to get you your proof somehow." Claire grinned back and took another bite of pizza.

"I guess you're not too bad of a person to spend my first day out of 'smallville' with." Jack playfully shoved her.

"'Bout time the world saw some of you." He retorted. Claire ducked her head and blushed. Earlier they had passed many guys who had the pleasure of wolf whistling at Claire, causing Jack to protectively place an arm around her slim shoulders, not that he knew if they even saw him. But that wasn't what he was referring to. Jack was talking about how Claire admitted to dreaming about performing on Broadway. Jack had teased her a bit, but in reality he believed more than anything that Claire would be perfect on that stage.

"Yeah, well." Claire spoke up, "not every small town girl can make it in the big leagues." Jack looked at her genuinely.

"Not every small town girl is you."

"Talk about cliché." Claire responded back quietly not meeting his eyes, but he could tell she appreciated the flattery. He honestly wondered how many people saw her like he did. Claire was more than a nice and pretty dancer. Anyone who could truly understand a Guardian had to be special, and by the way she talked to Jack he knew she understood him. The way she carried herself and talked to others. She was so shy and gentle, yet seemed to always have something important to say, if people were willing to listen. She was a star in more ways than performing, and Jack hoped people saw her as more than pretty. Because Jack knew her beauty was even more stunning on the inside.

"I- uh. I should get you home." Jack said. Breaking out of his thoughts. "Don't want to keep you out too late." He stood up straight and threw the rest of his pizza crust into a nearby trashcan. Claire followed his example with a slight smile on her face.

"Always the gentleman." She said fondly. Jack grinned back and bowed deeply.

"Why thank you ma'am." He stressed in a slight southern accent. Claire giggled and let him lead her behind a support beam where they flew off into the night.

They arrived back at Claire's house not too late. Jack would never admit it, but he hoped to meet her family some day. He didn't want her father thinking he was an irresponsible thug that brought his daughter home late, especially if Jack would one day be asking the same man an important question. Jack shook his thoughts as he touched down gently on the ground. Claire lingered in his arms for a moment before dropping onto the snowy yard. Things were quiet for a moment and Jack was about to say something when all of a sudden Claire leaned toward him and planted a kiss on his parted lips. It was quick, but Jack had no doubt in his mind that it was real. The warm feeling Jack usually felt when hanging out with Claire spread through his body, originating from her touch. This time however, it was fast and thick, a fire instead of a warm glow. It was the most passion Jack had ever felt, similar to the thrill of riding the winds or creating the flurries that cascaded to the ground. Claire, who seemed just as dazed as Jack felt, turned a deep red color.

"Uh, thanks. Bye." She muttered and ran into her house through the back door. Jack was left touching his lips and feeling the fire of a thousand snowstorms.