A/N: Hello again! Sorry about the slight wait on this chapter. I like getting chapters out faster, but I've been working on applying for a big promotion which has consumed my life. But the application is done, and now I am distracting myself with this lovely story while I wait.
Ok, this one was hard for me to write. It's got a lot going on and it's the longest chapter I've written so far. I'm proud with how it turned out, I hope you all enjoy it as well.
As always, reviews are welcome and encouraged!
Disclaimer: Rise of the Guardians and Frozen are owned by Dreamworks and Disney respectively.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I never loved nobody fully
Always one foot on the ground
And by protecting my heart truly
I got lost in the sounds
-"Fidelity" by Regina Spektor
Chapter 7: Letting Go
Elsa stood stiffly on the sidewalk, hands clasped tightly around her waist in a desperate attempt to keep it together. Staring straight ahead, she breathed slowly, in and out, through her nose.
Come on, Elsa. You can do this. It's just a few more feet. Elsa shut her eyes tightly, focusing on her thoughts. Just one foot in front of the other.
Taking a shaky step forward, she moved slowly across the empty street towards her childhood home.
It had been two years since Fredrik and Annette Arendelle's untimely passing. In all that time, Elsa had not set foot in the place she once called home. Pained by memories, she had moved out after their funeral, opting to live in an apartment near her school. Anna, still too young to live alone, had moved in with Lydia and Pippa Frost next door.
Elsa had tried to return more than once. Each time she would visit Anna she struggled to travel the short distance to her own home. Anna had tried to help, encouraging her sister and offering to accompany her. But each time, Elsa found an excuse, a reason not to go. At the two year anniversary of their parent's death, Anna had once again pushed the issue, insisting that it is was the only way to move forward.
And so she found herself now, alone and terrified, walking towards the house where she had once upon a time felt safe and loved.
Abruptly, Elsa came to halt at the base of the steps leading to the front door. Somehow, these last few feet were the hardest. She found her breaths quickening, eyes clenching closed in an attempt to shut out the panicked feelings that told her to run. She wanted to leave.
I can't do this. Why did I think I could do this? Elsa was shivering now, fleeing thoughts swirling around her head.
"Need some help, Snow Queen?"
Elsa's eyes snapped open. That voice. She knew that voice. Whipping around, her gaze landed on the source: A tall, lean man with spiky silver hair, brilliant blue eyes, and a lopsided smirk.
"J-Jack?" Frozen in shock, she found it suddenly difficult to form words into sentences. "How...what...you're supposed to be in Europe!"
"What, you're not happy to see me?" Jack grinned, eyes alight with mirth. "You know I rarely do what I'm supposed to."
Breaking slightly from her daze, a smile spread slowly across Elsa's face. Forgetting her former distress, she quickly closed the distance between them. Arms open, Jack caught her in a warm hug, spinning her around as she gripped his body tightly. A happy giggle escaped her lips as she was twirled about by her best friend.
Jack set her down carefully, holding her shoulders as she held his in return to regain her balance.
"Miss me?"
Elsa beamed, catching her breath as she digested what was happening.
"I don't get it! You told me in an email two days ago that you wouldn't be back for three more months!"
"Well, I wanted to surprise you! What fun would it be if you knew beforehand?"
Elsa punched his arm playfully. "Not fair! We're not kids anymore and you're still playing pranks on me!"
"Stop falling for them and I'll stop playing them!" Grinning from ear to ear, Jack brushed a stray piece of hair off Elsa's face. "It's good to see you, Els."
"You too, Jack." Feeling a slight heat behind her ears, Elsa took a step back, breaking their physical contact. "How did you even know I was here?"
"Anna. I called her from the airport."
"Wait...from the airport? Jack, when did you get in?"
Sheepishly running his hand through his hair, Jack averted his eyes slightly. "Ummm...a few hours ago?"
"Hours?" Elsa gaped. "Have you even been home yet? My god, you must be exhausted! How are you even standing right now?"
Jack waved off her concerns. "Naw, it's no biggie. My mom picked me up and I was already home by the time you showed up. I've actually been waiting for you, I was worried you'd beat me here."
Laughing behind her right hand, Elsa gave Jack an incredulous look. "I can't believe you've only been back a few hours. You could've waited, you know, to give you a chance to rest. Actually, I wouldn't have known the difference since you neglected to tell me the whole truth!"
"Don't be silly Elsa." Jack gave her a brilliant smile. "You're the first person I wanted to see."
A blush crept across Elsa's face as she giggled nervously, unsure of how to respond. Since when had talking to Jack made her feeling so...giddy?
"So." He took a few steps towards Elsa's house, stopping with one foot on the first step. "Anna filled me in on why you're here." Turning, he extended a hand her way. "You coming in or what?"
Stiffening, Elsa suddenly remembered her previous struggle.
"I-I don't think I can." Her voice was barely a whisper.
Jack gave her a warm smile. "Come on, Els. You can do this. We'll do it together."
Elsa gulped, hesitating as she tried to push away her fears and doubts. Focusing on Jack's hand she extended a shaky one of her own. Gripping this new lifeline she crossed the distance to the porch and made her way up the steps beside Jack.
Elsa's fingers trembled terribly as she tried to pull her keys from her purse, the clanking sound of metal only serving as a reminder of her anxiety. Without a word, Jack reached out and steadied her hand, gently taking the keys from her to unlock the door.
"It's ok, Els. You don't need to be scared. A house can't hurt you."
Taking a deep breath, Elsa released Jack's hand and walked through the door.
She was prepared for the worst. She expected a wave of pain at seeing the home her parents had built. She expected it to hurt. But that wasn't what happened.
The room that lay before her was virtually untouched, a memory frozen in time. The furniture was the same, pictures still decorated the walls, there was even a small vase of flowers resting on the coffee table. It was clear that Anna had maintained everything beautifully. Elsa's breath hitched for a moment as her mind was flooded with images. Anna squealing in delight on the floor as their father tickled her feet; Her mother, seated at the bay window, quietly knitting as her daughters watched in fascination; Falling asleep on the couch beside her sister, the two girls nestled between their parents as night settled in.
A wave of emotions rocked through her as she took in the scene. Unshed tears glistened in Elsa's eyes as she brought a hand up to her chest, holding tightly to the space above her heart. Her other arm was held about her waist tightly.
"Elsa, are you ok?"
"Yes, Jack. I'm fine." Turning, she gave him a small smile, quietly allowing the tears to fall. "I thought I would be sad; that seeing this place would be like losing them again. But it's not, Jack. It's the opposite." Sniffing, she wiped a tear from her cheek allowing a weak laugh to escape her lips. "Being here is like finding them again."
Without speaking, Jack engulfed her in his strong arms, hugging her close.
"Told you you didn't need to be scared, silly. You worry too much."
Elsa chuckled in response, burying her face in his muscular chest. "Thank you, Jack. I really needed this."
"Anytime, Snow Queen."
They stayed like that for a long while, in a silent embrace, until Elsa's silent crying subsided. Stepping back, Jack wiped a few tears from her face.
"Ugh, I'm sorry. I must look like such a mess." Quickly making her way to a mirror, Elsa rubbed her fingers roughly under her eyes. "Thank goodness for waterproof mascara."
"Masca-what now?"
Elsa gave Jack a disbelieving look.
"You're telling me that you grew up with a sister and a mother, living under the same roof for more than 18 years, and you have no idea what mascara is?"
"Ummm...is it, like, something that covers things?"
"Huh? What would make you say that?"
"I dunno… 'mask' is in the title. Don't masks cover things?"
Elsa balked, laughter pouring from her uninhibited. "That is...oh my god…that's the best…" Unable to continue, she broke down in a fit of giggles, clutching the stitch that had formed in her side.
A lopsided grin spread across Jack's face. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he leaned casually against the wall, watching as his best friend tried unsuccessfully to compose herself. He couldn't help the warm feeling in his chest at seeing her laugh again.
"All right, Arendelle, you've had your fun. Why don't you put me out of my misery and just tell me what the hell the stuff is?"
Reaching into her purse, Elsa produced a small tube of mascara. Unscrewing the top, she brandished the wand teasingly in Jack's face.
"It's makeup. For your eyelashes." Smiling at his confused expression, she quickly reapplied a few coats to her lashes before replacing the top and tucking the item safely in her purse. Fluttering her eyelids at Jack mockingly, she said sweetly, "See? A brush of my magic wand and they're good as new."
Shaking his head in bewilderment, Jack muttered in return. "Man...girls use the weirdest things..."
Elsa watched as Jack pushed himself off the wall, making his way to stand beside her.
"So...you wanna look around the rest of the house?"
Worrying her lower lip between her teeth, Elsa cast her eyes about the living room. "I think...I think I'm ready to leave. Just making it in here was a big step. I don't know if I have it in me to go through more of that right now."
"I understand." Nudging her arm, Jack gave her a reassuring smile. "Whenever you're ready, I'm here."
Beaming, she felt an all too familiar blush creep up behind her ears. "Thanks, Jack."
"Hey, I have an idea. How about we go to Overlook Park?"
"That actually sounds great. I could use the fresh air."
"Awesome. Let's go, Snow Queen. I'm driving."
.
.
Elsa sighed peacefully as she looked out over Burgess, Jack seated beside her on their favorite bench. Despite the cold wind that whipped around them, Elsa felt a sense of warmth and comfort at being with him, in this place, once again. Turning slightly, she gave Jack's shoulder a gentle push.
"It's good to have you back."
He flashed her a brilliant smile. "It's good to be back."
Elsa shifted, directing her full attention to him. "I want to hear more about your trip. Emails and a few Skype chats can only do so much. Tell me everything!"
Jack chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well, I don't really know what to say. It was amazing. I learned more than I ever could've hoped. Not just about lore and myth, but about myself." Jack's eyes drifted outward, his face a mask of pensive serenity. "It's hard to explain but...I feel like I know myself better after studying others. The people I met along the way taught me to see what really matters in life. I feel like I'm a better person for knowing them." A wistful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Sometimes we forget how big this world really is. We can get lost in it, feel insignificant. It's important to remember that we're a part of a whole, and that if we didn't exist, the world wouldn't be the same. Each and every soul has value."
Elsa watched Jack carefully, unable to find the right words to respond.
Shaking his head, Jack laughed quietly, leaning back and casting his gaze upward.
"Sorry. I must sound like a sappy goon right now. I've just had a lot of things on my mind recently."
"You don't sound sappy." Elsa reached out, taking his hand in her own. "It was beautiful. What you said. I think I needed to hear that right now."
Turning to her, Jack gave her hand a quick squeeze.
"Well, any time you need a dose of philosophical mumbo jumbo I'm happy to oblige."
Elsa giggled, releasing his hand to give his shoulder another shove.
"Will you tell me about some of the people you met?"
Propping his elbow along the back of the bench, Jack leaned his head casually against his palm.
"Well, I'd say the people I spent the most time with were these doctors, Hugh and Isla Guarding. Or as I call them," Jack smirked devilishly, "Bunny and Tooth."
"Bunny and Tooth?"
"Yup. She's a dentist, so Tooth was a pretty obvious nickname there. Bunny is a more entertaining story. See, they work for this US based charity that sponsors doctors to travel around to other countries. Their goal is to visit poor neighborhoods that are lacking in medical resources. She offers dental exams and he's a pediatrician so he focuses on kids who need help. Well, I met them while I was in Ireland, right before Easter, and Hugh decided it would be a great idea to dress up as the Easter Bunny for some of the little ones. I have no idea how they felt about it, but let's just say, it was thoroughly entertaining watching a stocky, gruff Australian man hop around like a rabbit. And a fluffy pink one at that. Thus, the nickname Bunny was born." Jack laughed at the memory. "Here, I think I took a picture."
Pulling out his phone, Jack slipped through his photos quickly, cheering when he found the desired image. He quickly passed the phone to Elsa.
"Tell me that isn't the funniest thing you've ever seen."
Elsa quirked a brow at the odd sight before her. A man she knew had to be Hugh Guarding was standing with his arms angrily crossed over his chest, forehead creased in obvious annoyance. He was dressed in a full body pink rabbit costume, complete with floppy ears, button nose, and a cotton tail. Hanging from one arm was a basket full of brightly colored eggs. The expression on his face gave the impression that he was about ready to beat someone senseless. Elsa couldn't help but giggle at how silly it all seemed.
"How can someone dressed so cutely look so murderous? What did you do to him Jack?"
Jack brought his hand to his heart dramatically. "My dear Elsa, you wound me! What makes you assume that I did anything to him?" He couldn't help the mischievous smirk that danced across his lips.
"Because I know you and can only imagine how badly you teased him for this." Handing back his phone, Elsa gave him a knowing look.
Jack winked. "You might be right about that." Stuffing his phone back in his pocket, Jack faced his body towards Elsa, leaning his shoulder against the bench. "Anyway, that's enough about me right now. I want to hear about you."
"Me? Oh, you know me, there's really not much to tell."
"Not much to tell? Els, that's nonsense. Aren't you graduating soon?"
"Well, yes, but a lot of people graduate college. That's not exactly breaking news."
Jack scoffed. "Elsa. You're graduating with an Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Not only is that an Ivy League school BUT isn't that one of the best Architecture programs in the country?"
A blush dusted Elsa's cheeks as she tucked that ever loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, when you put it like that, I suppose it's an achievement."
Jack laughed in astonishment at how casual she made it all sound. "You're really something, you know that Snow Queen?" He gave her shoulder a gentle nudge. "Be proud of yourself. You deserve it."
Smiling, Elsa shook her head. "I guess you have a point. To be honest, I'm a little nervous about graduating. It's scary, not knowing what comes next."
Jack nodded in understanding. "True. But I know you'll find something. There have to be some decent firms you can intern at, right?"
"Actually, there is one I really want. It's a firm in Philadelphia so I wouldn't be far from home. They do a lot of work in restoration."
"Have you applied for it?"
"Yes, but the firm's going through a lot of changes right now. A man named Jude Pitch just took over and he seems really different from the former management. Unfortunately, I sent in my application before he was hired." Elsa fiddled nervously with the hem of her jacket. "I'm just a little worried that I won't fit in with his new vision."
"Don't be worried, Elsa." Jack gave her a reassuring smile. "I'd bet my left arm that you'll get the job."
Elsa took a calming breath. "Thanks, Jack. I hope you're right." She cast her gaze absently outward. "I could use a win right now."
Jack's expression softened. Coughing awkwardly, he rubbed his hand through his hair.
"So...I was sorry...to hear about you and Kai."
Pulling out of her thoughts, Elsa turned her head slightly. "It's ok. I think I always knew it wasn't going to last." Turning her gaze downward, she wrapped her arms protectively about her waist. "Doesn't mean it still didn't hurt when he had a new girlfriend almost immediately. Some girl named Gerda." Elsa kicked the snow at her feet absently. "To be honest, I think he may have cheated on me. Not physically, but emotionally. They met while we were still dating and it was pretty obvious he had feelings for her."
"I know what you mean. You remember that girl I dated in high school, Rachel Anne Punzel?"
Elsa nodded. "How could I forget? I eavesdropped on your breakup."
"Oh yeah! Right. Well, I don't know I ever told you this, but barely a month after we broke up she started dating this guy Flynn who she always insisted was 'just a friend'." Jack let out a harsh laugh. "Now I find out from Jamie that she apparently had some spiritual awakening in college and decided to chop off all her hair and let it go natural. Oh, yeah, by the way, she totally dyed her hair blond. Anyway, as a result of this, she and Flynn, whose real name is apparently Eugene, are getting married." Jack shook his head. "Honestly, there's no part of me that regrets our breakup. But it still sucks to be cast aside so easily."
Elsa gave Jack a sad smile. "We're a pretty sorry pair, aren't we?"
Jack smirked in return. "Yup, but at least we can be sorry together."
Giggling, Elsa turned her head quickly to hide the pink on her cheeks.
"So what're you going to do now that you're home?"
"I got a job, actually."
Elsa's eyes widened in surprise. "That was fast!"
"Not as fast as you think." Jack laughed at her confusion. "Kristoff actually helped me out. Did you know his family owns a chain of used bookstores?"
"I think I remember Anna mentioning that. Rocktroll Book Sellers, right?
"Yep! Well, turns out their flagship store is in downtown Philly. They organize a lot of events to boost children's education and interest in reading. Kristoff made a few calls and voila! You're now officially looking at their new Education and Outreach Coordinator."
"Jack that's great!" Elsa beamed. She sat up quickly. "Wait! That means we'll actually be living in the same city again!"
"Exactly. Pretty soon, you'll be sick of me!" Jack grinned widely as she began to laugh.
"Maybe you're right. It's been five years since we lived in the same place. I don't know if my brain can handle such a drastic change!"
"Well, get used to it Elsie. I plan on staying a while this time."
Her laughter trailed off as she felt the heat rising in her cheeks.
"I guess I can handle that."
Jack gave her another wink before falling into silence. As the two sat side by side, taking in the view below, Elsa felt the all too familiar flutter of cold kissing her cheeks as snow began to fall around them. Tilting her head to the heavens, Elsa opened her mouth wide, catching a delicate flake on the tip of her tongue. Jack laughed beside her, taking delight in way her eyes seemed to light up when she caught another. She smiled sheepishly at her own childlike behavior, bringing her hand to her lips and giggling quietly.
After another moment, Elsa stilled, a troubling thought running through her brain. Turning her head slightly, she cast her eyes nervously towards her friend.
"Jack?"
"Hm?"
Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to continue. "Have you...told your dad about everything?"
Jack stiffened, eyes hardening. His jaw clenched at the sudden mention of Daniel Overland, a man he had once looked up to.
"No."
Elsa nervously picked at the fabric of her gloves.
"You should tell him, Jack. He'd want to know."
Silence.
"He'd be proud of you."
Silence.
"I don't really give a fuck what that bastard thinks."
Elsa swallowed at Jack's grim expression, the anger that seethed in his eyes.
"Jack I...I know you don't have the best relationship."
He snorted derisively.
"But he's still your father. You shouldn't shut him out."
"Els, I know what you're doing. But you can stop. I have no interest in talking to him."
She watched him carefully, hearing the pain behind his words.
"Pippa told me he's been reaching out, trying to make things better."
"Yeah well that's never gonna happen."
"Jack, please if you just-"
"Elsa, seriously, I don't want to talk about this."
"But I just know that if you talked to him you might-"
"I said I don't want to talk about this."
"Talking could make it bet-"
"JUST DROP IT! I AM NEVER TALKING TO THAT ASSHOLE EVER AGAIN!"
A tense silence hung in the air, unspoken words halted at his sudden outburst. Elsa's lip quivered. She had never seen him yell like that, especially not at her. Breathing heavily, Jack leaned forward, pressing his fingers to his temples. What the hell had he just done?
Elsa stared at him rigidly. "No, Jack" she whispered softly, unshed tears stinging her eyes. "I'm never going to talk to my parents again."
Jack's head snapped up. "Shit. Els, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"
She jerked her hand up, effectively silencing him. "It doesn't matter what you meant, Jack. I'm not angry with you, I just want you to listen to me, ok?"
Jack nodded, guilt gnawing at his insides terribly.
Taking a deep breath, Elsa pushed down the emotions that threatened to bubble over. She spoke, voice barely above a whisper.
"I know that what your father did was unforgivable. And I'm not expecting things to be magically fixed. I'm just asking you to try." Raising her head, watery eyes met his own. "My parents were ripped from my life when I was 19, Jack. I will never see them again, never hear their voices or feel their touch. Once day they were there and now they're just...gone. All because some other driver lost control on black ice." She turned her head away as tears silently began to streak her cheeks. "And you know what the worst part is? I live every day knowing I'm partially to blame."
"What?" Jack's eyes widened in surprise. "Elsa, what are you talking about? You have no reason to feel responsible."
"But I am." Elsa clenched her hands tightly against her lap. "I was supposed to come home that night for a visit. But I got caught up with my homework and asked them to come visit me in the city. They were on the way to my dorm when it happened. They died because I couldn't make time to come home." A sob wracked her body. "Because I was too wrapped up in my own life to make time for them."
In seconds Jack was beside her, pulling her to his chest as he wrapped her in a fierce hug. Elsa's body trembled as she cried into his chest, gripping the front of his shirt with all her strength.
"Don't ever say that. What happened to your parents was an accident. It was not your fault." He lifted her head, hands on either side of her face as his blue eyes locked with her own. "Do you understand? You cannot go blaming yourself for something you had no control over."
She nodded weakly, breaths shallow as she regained her composure. Jack brushed his thumb across her cheek, wiping away a stray tear that leaked from the corner of her eye.
"Jack, I...please. Promise me you'll just talk with him. You still have a chance to have a father again."
Sighing, Jack ran his fingers along her hairline, twirling a strand of her blond tresses between his fingers. His defenses were crumbling. He couldn't say no when she was like this.
"Ok, Elsa. I'll...talk to him. I'll try, for you."
She gave him a fragile smile. "That's all I'm asking."
Jack wrapped an arm around her, guiding her head to rest on his shoulder. He gently massaged her arm, silently digesting the result of their conversation.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?" She whispered.
Jack couldn't look at her. "I made you cry."
"It's ok," she whispered. "I pushed you too hard."
"Still. I never should've yelled like that." He clenched his jaw, teeth grinding together in frustration.
"Jack, really, it's fine." She sighed softly, relaxing into his side. "Can we just...pretend it didn't happen? I just want to sit here and forget everything for a little while."
Smiling, Jack rested his cheek atop her head. "Yeah, Snow Queen. I think I can do that."
They didn't speak for a long time as the snow fell about them. Elsa listened to Jack's even breathing, the sound of his heart steadily beating in his chest. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to relax in the warmth of Jack's arm around her shoulder. She felt drained after all the torrential emotions she had dealt with in the last few hours, and more than a little embarrassed at how much she had cried.
"Elsa?"
"Hm?" she murmured contentedly.
"Can I...talk to you about something?"
"Of course. What about?"
"I need…" Jack took a deep breath. "I need to talk to you about why I came home early."
Elsa sat up, something in Jack's voice making her nervous.
"Jack, is something wrong?"
Running his hand through his hair, he gave Elsa a hopeful smile.
"I hope not."
Elsa's brows knit in confusion. Jack stood abruptly and began pacing anxiously in front of the bench.
"Ok. So. Elsa. I'm going to say some things now. And I just need you to listen, ok? Because I think if you say anything, I won't be able to continue. And I have to get through all of this, ok?"
Slightly lost, Elsa simply nodded.
"Hoo. Ok, here goes." Shaking out his hands, Jack took a deep breath. "I haven't been entirely honest with you about why I came back. In truth, I was planning on staying until April. My return ticket was booked and everything. But something changed for me while I was there. When you told me a few months ago about your breakup, I had an understanding that I should feel bad. You are one of my closest friends and you were hurting. But I didn't feel bad, Elsa. I was happy. Ecstatic, even. And that led me to a lot of questions; mainly, why? I talked it over with Bunny, who only confused me more, and then with Tooth. And she made me realize something." Stopping, Jack turned to face Elsa. He steeled his nerves and looked into her concerned blue eyes. "Elsa, I think I'm in love with you. No, not think. I know I'm in love with you. And I have been for a long time. I've written it off as friendship all these years, convinced myself that's all it was because we've been in different places for so long. But that isn't true anymore. I came home because I had to see you, to tell you how I feel."
Kneeling before her, Jack gently reached out and took her hand. "I know this might seem sudden. And I'm not asking you to confess your undying love. I'm just telling you how I feel and hoping, just maybe, you might feel the same."
Elsa stared blankly into Jack's eyes, mouth gaping openly at his startling revelation. She sat, frozen in shock, all words completely escaping her. Suddenly she stood so quickly her head spun.
"Elsa?"
"I...I...I n-need to get out of here." Without hesitating she broke from Jack, speed walking away as fast as she could.
"Elsa! Wait!"
Her chest was tight, her breaths short and shallow. She could feel the panic attack rising inside her.
"Elsa! Please, stop!"
She pulled her arms around her body, trembling as she stumbled her way through the park.
"So that's it? I tell you I love you and you run away?"
Elsa halted abruptly, nearly losing her balance. Refusing to look at him, she tried fruitlessly to calm her breathing, eyes clenched shut. It took all her will to find the strength to speak.
"I don't deserve you."
Her voice was so quiet, Jack almost missed her words.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what I said. You're too good for me." She turned her head slightly. "I'm broken, Jack. A shell. But you, you're this amazing person with a huge heart. You're kind, thoughtful and you care about the people in your life. You deserve someone who can give you just as much love in return."
"And you don't think you can do that?"
Shaking, Elsa faced Jack, eyes still avoiding his own. "I can't, Jack. After everything that's happened in my life I just...I don't know how to love anyone. I know it's the real reason Kai left. It's like…" she shook her head sadly. "It's like my heart is frozen."
Jack stared at her, face an unreadable mask. Nervously, Elsa raised her cerulean eyes to meet his crystal blue ones. For a moment, they simply stood there, eyes locked. As he looked at her, something shifted in his expression, as if a decision had been made.
"Frozen heart, huh?" In seconds, he closed the distance between them. His eyes were ablaze as he took her face in his hands. "I can help with that."
Jack's lips crashed into her own. Her body stiffened instantly, mind a torrent of panicked thoughts. His lips were softer than she had expected, his hands warm against her cheeks. The kiss was fervent and yearning and sparked something inside her she didn't know existed. Without thinking, she brought her hands instinctively to his neck, pulling her body flush against his own. She felt herself melting into him, losing herself in his scent, the feel of his fingers as they tangled in her hair, his lips moving against her own.
When his lungs begged for air, Jack broke the kiss but kept his face a hair's breath from her own. Both panting, he stared deeply into her eyes and brought his forehead down to touch hers lightly.
"I know you're afraid, Elsa. I'm not asking you not to be. All I want is for you to give this a chance." His lips ghosted across her face, coming to rest gently beside her ear. "You just need to let it go. Let go of your fears. Don't let them hold you back."
Wind howled about them, mimicking the swirling storm that raged inside Elsa's mind. She couldn't find the words to respond. In truth, there was nothing she could say that would properly convey how she felt in that moment. As the snow fell harder, covering their bodies in heavy, cold flakes, Elsa did the only thing she could think of to give him an answer.
She kissed him.
