A/N - since this can't be an interactive story - or at least, written in that format, I'm going to have to change this. However, you are still welcome to replace the character's name with your's an what not, if you would prefer. It's not like I can stop you.

~O|*|O~

Chocolate-coloured eyes shone brightly as they glanced at the snow that lay pale and crisp at her feet. She sighed. Overhead, the clouds loomed threateningly, staying put. As if one wasn't enough.

Winter was fortunately already in place, with bare trees and leaves that had long since fallen surrounding her. The grass was deep beneath the frost and snow, with only the very tips poking through resiliently. On any other day, this would have been a set of signs that would have cheered Emily up with the prospect of Christmas being just a few days behind. That day, the frigid weather did not sit well with her, nor the death that lay scattered in the white wonderland.

"Hey, Slowpoke, you coming, or what?" a voice asked.

She turned around to see a tall male with neatly-kept russet hair, standing by one of the trees. A faint blush spread across her face as she acknowledged the present. Oh, how could she have forgotten?

"C'mon, the place is this way," the male continued, with a handsome smile.

She silently nodded with a sheepish smile. She caught up with him, allowing them to link arms. Those little things counted most. Besides, he deserved her attention and her care. After all he'd done for her. And he'd been so sweet...

Soon enough, they arrived at the spot, a small clearing on a hilltop, overlooking a gorgeous looking valley. Yes, the snow covered most of what would have been visible at one point in time - and oh, would it have been a beautiful sight - but all the same, it looked just as stunning now. Besides the untouched, untainted snow would prove perfect for an afternoon of fun.

"Wow..." she murmured, stunned for the first time in a year.

"I know, right?" he chuckled. "I found this place some time ago, I thought you might like it."

"This is..."

"Perfect for snow angels? A great place for a snowball fight? Best place for building snowmen?" he said, sounding a little smug. "Or maybe for the summer season when..." he trailed off, silencing himself. Emily had been tempted to ask, but didn't want to seem too intrusive. Perhaps this best be kept a secret for now. He'll tell her when he feels like it and she wouldn't prod.

"All that and more," she agreed with a small nod. When it came to surprises, or when it came to almost anything - except cooking, she'd learned from experience - Darren was the best.

He pulled her into a hug. "So..."

"Snow angels?" she asked, showing just a hint of enthusiasm.

"Your wish is my command," he responded, with joking politeness. Pulling away from the embrace, he fell back into the snow. But he had ensured to drag her down with him.

Jack had been spreading snow all day, not regretting a single moment of it. Sure, Kangaroo wouldn't be too pleased, but he was proud of his work. His laughter now rushed through the air, as he dived into another brilliantly white scene.

Though as he neared a particular couple the laughter faded out. And curiosity sparked within him. Blinking slowly, he told the wind to lower him.

Down below, a young female human was busy messing around with another human of the opposite gender. Of course, only the female was of any interest to him. It was her smile that pulled him closer still, until he stood just a few feet from her, leaning against his staff, completely nonchalant about the fresh snowflakes that he'd called upon earth. Not that it mattered. It was winter, after all. His season. If Cottontail was bothered about it, he could go suck an egg, for all he cared.

"The snow's beautiful..." he heard the girl murmur softly.

Oh, he could definitely agree to that. It was his creation after all.

Then she frowned, taking a step back from the boy. "I should- I should probably go now," she stated, avoiding the boy's remorseful gaze. She looked up to the sky, seeing it darken.

"Well, your loss," Jack commented, aware that a spirit cannot be heard without belief. Unless...

The girl spun around, glancing in his direction. "Did you hear something, Darren?"

"Nope. Probably just the wind, Em," the boy reassured her, with a small smile. "Well, I'm glad you've joined me, Miss Parker," he joked, as she turned back to face him. With a small wave, she left both males standing on top of the hill.

"She's something..." Darren muttered under his breath and Jack found himself nodding, his lips parted just a little, in shock. He didn't know why she had overheard him. He didn't know whether she believed. But he knew the name know.

"Wind, take me home," Jack spoke, as he was lifted off the ground by an invisible force. He'd meet Emily again, that he was certain of.

So, asides from that minor alteration, I hope this chapter was alright.