Jack and the rest of the Guardians had decided not to use a portal to travel back to the North Pole and instead rode the sleigh the whole way back, taking in the view of the Northern hemisphere and the clear night sky. On their way, there seemed to be stars twinkling both above and below them. Cities and towns with their dimly lit buildings and glimmering street lights glowed softly, lighting the way for people walking and driving their fancy modern motor vehicles with rubber wheels.

Santa Claus flips a few switches, engaging the cloaking device of the sleigh and then loosens the reigns on the reindeer to lower the altitude of the sleigh over the city below. "Hang on tight," he says as they glide down towards the cityscape. The Guardians fly undetected between massive buildings and gaze at the architecture in awe.

"You know if there's one thing that human do well, it's make big, beautiful building," said Santa in his thick Russian accent with a bellowing laugh as he gestured to Brookfield Place over the Hudson River. But the only thing Jack was concerned about was the icy chill of the river, the sound of the bitter cold water as it weaved downstream, the thin layers of icy snow that delicately lined every branch of every tree dipping over the river, and the blankets of white bliss that covered the ground untouched.

The wonderful wintry setting reminded Jack of Elsa and his features began to soften as he thought of her silvery blonde hair, her beautiful smile, and the silkiness of her voice.... but then he remembered what he had done and he kicked himself-metaphorically of course-for coming on too strong. If I had just waited and taken things slowly then everything wouldn't have gone so wrong, he thought. A guy like me might've actually had a small chance with a girl as amazing as her if I hadn't completely blown it.

Jack hated feeling like this, his heart was tearing him apart. He believed in every circumstance that there was always a glimmer of hope that would shine through the darkness. But in this case, Jack could find no light. It's hopeless, but it's probably for the better, he thinks wistfully, looking out the back of the sleigh as a single tear of remorse streams down his cold cheek.

As the Guardians were about through with their joyride through the cityscape, Bunny noticed Jack perched alone in the back of the sleigh looking off into the distance and was going to see what was up, but Sandy put a hand on Bunny's shoulder and shook his head. He knew Jack just needed some time to himself to think.

~~~

Meanwhile in Castle Arendelle, Elsa is sleeping soundly and dreaming. Princess Anna makes her way upstairs after orchestrating the cleaning up after the night's festivities. It is nearly 1 in the morning; all the staff were off to their quarters and Anna was on her way to her suite towards the end of the hall, past Elsa's room.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen Elsa much since before the fireworks display earlier, Anna thinks to herself. Just to check in on her older sister, she leans her head on the side of Elsa's bedroom door to see if she was awake. Hearing nothing out of the ordinary, Anna carefully twists the ornate knob of Elsa's door and peers into her room. Seeing Elsa fast asleep in her bed, Anna let's out a sigh of relief and gladness that she doesn't shut people out anymore like she once used to.

Now that everyone of Arendelle is more comfortable with Elsa's ice powers and she can control them better, Anna and Elsa have become a lot closer and made up for lost time. The gates of Castle Arendelle being open has been wonderful and there are regular festivities that take place within them.

~~~

As the Guardians continue their trek to the North Pole, Jack stares wistfully back in the direction of Castle Arendelle. If only I could have a second chance to get to know her. I know that she's amazing and I'd like to get to know her more... I just feel like I completely blew my shot with her.

"You really had a great time at the ball, didn't ya?" said Bunny, with a smirk. Jack couldn't help but begin to smile, thoughts of his time with Elsa flooding his memory once more, his eyes dazed like snow globes of glee. "Ahhh yes he did! His eyes are doing that sparkle thing when he's real happy," he continued, chuckling a little and nudging Sandy. Sandy, who was asleep, wakes up and gives a general nod of approval before going back to sleep.

Jack begins, "I mean sure I had a good time..." He pauses as the Tooth Fairy begins to examine his teeth. "Aha! The culprit!" she says as she holds up a dark brown crumb. "Chocolate cake. Jack, did you bring your party floss?" she scolds.

Jack's neck flashes hot and he covers it with his hand, laughing nervously. "I must have left it at the pole. But it won't happen again, I promise," Jack reassures her, holding up his hands in a defensive position. "Now, where were we again?"

"We were talking about girlfriend," Santa Claus chimes in, bluntly as usual. Jack turns a steaming red that almost makes the frost in his hair melt, and a cold chill runs down his back. He grins nervously. "Uhhh... ahem, she's not really my girlfriend, but thanks North," Jack responds through the nerves.

"Any time, Jack. We've got your back in this relationship. Conflict lasts but for minute in grand scheme of love," Santa replies. Jack just puts his hoodie up and turns back around, looking out the side of the sleigh as they continue to the north. Bunny and Tooth decide to leave Jack alone for the rest of the ride back. It was more than just conflict that was separating Jack from Elsa. It was oceans; waves of time and tempestuous waters trying to separate them. And somehow, Jack knew he had to figure out a way through it all just to see her again.