So this story isn't as done as I thought it was….I'm adding this chapter in just before the epilogue, so if you've finished it already, pretend you haven't :)

This is basically for Jumpingjamie332 because your (extremely helpful) criticism is absolutely right, and the more I think about it, the more I want to fix it before it's been complete for too long! So thank you very much; this is for you and all after who would think the same thing but not mention it :)

This probably won't be very long, but think of it as a deleted scene if you will :p

Of Soft Breezes and Wintry Nights

Chapter Twelve: Not Your Fault

Jack sat on a windowsill at the North Pole, convalescing as promised. North said that he and Claire could stay as long as needed, and Claire intended to keep him stationary as long as possible. He smiled softly as he watched her outside the open window, practicing her dips and turns with her newfound powers. Every once in a while, a harsh breeze would send her body careening in a direction she clearly did not intend, and she would squeal with surprise and a little delight.

She'll get the hang of this soon, I think, Jack mused, refraining from shouting pointers and only helping when she asked. His smile disappeared as his thoughts turned to why she had to learn, and that she didn't really have a choice. She shouldn't have to do this, he thought, blue eyes betraying his tormented guilt. I should've been stronger. I should've been able to hold off Pitch's attacks so she would still be safe at school, living the life she wanted…

Jack was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear Claire calling out to him. "Jack~!" Claire called, facing away from him and deep in concentration. "How do I send out a burst of wind without flying backwards?" She turned around, confused by his lack of response. "Jack?" she questioned, flying over to him. As she got closer, she could see the sorrowful and angst-ridden look in his eyes.

She flew back into the window and sat beside him, automatically taking his hand. "What's wrong?" she asked, "Are you feeling alright?"

"You shouldn't have to do this," Jack said dejectedly, abruptly pulling his hand from hers and turning away. "You should be at school studying for a Spanish test."

"Jack…" Claire said deliberately, "We talked about this already; it's not—"

"The more you say it's not my fault the less I believe it!" Jack exclaimed, balling his hands into fists. "You had a bright future as a normal human being. You were about to graduate college, get a job, have a family…and I took that all away!"

Claire reached tentatively reached for his hand again. "You didn't take that away from me, Pitch did," she said softly. "And besides, my life stopped being normal the instant some guardian wrote 'sorry' on my window shield," she joked, squeezing his hand.

"I should've just left you alone," he said forlornly, trying to pull away again.

Claire held her grip. "No, that's not what I meant! Before I met you, I was stressed and living a solitary monotonous life at college. When I met you, things became so…magical. It's true that I had a bright future as a human being, but!" she pointed out when Jack's shoulders slumped, "Who says I don't have a bright future right now?"

"What do you mean?" Jack questioned, a small spark of hope visible in his weary gaze.

"As my future stands now, I get to spend eternity with special powers protecting children with the man I love," she pointed out, "that doesn't sound bad at all to me."

"What—" Jack said, locking his gaze with hers in surprise.

Claire realized what she said and blushed heavily. "Might as well say it now rather than hold out a hundred years or so," she murmured. "I love you, Jack Frost."

Jack couldn't help but smile as he pulled her into his embrace. "I love you too," he murmured into her ear. "Thank you."

Claire smiled and kissed him tenderly, and the two looked out the window in a companionable silence.

"Jack?" Claire asked hesitantly. Jack looked down at her, eyebrow raised. "Do you think he'll be able to see me?" Claire asked softly.

Jack knew who she meant. "I don't see how he couldn't," Jack said, gripping her tightly his arms. "Just give him some time."

Claire rested her head on Jack's shoulder. "You're right," she said as she closed her eyes. The two continued to sit there for a while, before Claire pulled away and hopped out the window again.

"Back to work!" she said, grinning. "Now Jack, I can't get this one move right…"

-((To Be Continued!))-

There, that makes me feel better.

Let me know what you think!

~freaky-hanyou