Happy New Year everyone!
Ch 9
Elsa
I felt myself sit up and take a deep breath, like when someone's drowning and has risen from the depth of the harsh waters. The first thing I saw was Jack by the window, getting ready to take flight.
E:"Jack…?" I called out to him and he turned around and his eyes went wide with surprise and I could have sworn they even watered a bit. He walked back and was about give me a hug when someone cleared their throat, I turned towards the sound startled to see four other creatures in my room.
E:"Umm Jack who are these people….? And why are they here?" These strangers weren't really people, one was short and gold, and he looked like he was made of sand. He waved and smiled, and I returned the gesture. There was also some kind of kangaroo bunny hybrid with leather wrapped around his feet and boomerangs strapped around his chest. The other one was a girl, I think, with pink and purple eyeshadow and all sorts of green feathers covering her entire body except for her face and fingers. The last person was huge! With a muscular body and he was very all, wearing red pants, black boots, a white shirt under a red jacket and he had white hair and a beard, he also had the words Naughty and Nice written in black on his arms.
J:"Elsa these are the other Guardians" he said pointing and telling me who they were. I couldn't believe my childhood stories were living flesh and blood. Then again I was friends with Jack Frost so what kept Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Sandman from being real?
E:"Well it's very nice to meet you all, I'm still confused as to why you're here, and how did I get back to my room Jack?" Everyone looked around nervously not knowing what to tell me, finally North decided to speak.
N:"I think you should get some rest princess, we will back in the morning to see how you are doing. Jack may we have a word with you outside please?" He said the second part in a more stern voice.
J:"Uh yea I'll be right out, I just need to talk to Elsa"
North nodded and they all left out the window, leaving me and Jack alone.
I got up from the bed and walked towards Jack who was looking out the window.
J:"I'm glad you're alright Princess… I was really worried about you…" He was still looking out the window, as if in a trance.
E:"Jack…I… I'm sorry I don't know why but I'm sorry for all the trouble I've…" he suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.
J:"Elsa I promised to make you make you happy, and to keep you safe…. I do it because… I care about you alright?"
I nodded against his chest and we just stayed like that for a few minutes, and I had never felt safer than when he was holding me in his arms.
Jack
I held her in my arms, not because she needed it, but because I was utterly relieved that she was alright. In a sense I needed this embrace far more than her. Although I'd known her for a few days, I'd grown attached to her. I had no doubt that that was the reason North needed to talk to me. Her hair was soft, and smelled of lavender. I pulled away from her and walked her back to bed. I tucked her and walked to the window when she called my name.
E:"Jack will you… will you stay with me…? I feel safer with you around…you can sleep on the bed or the window seat…"
J:"It's alright Princess I don't sleep very much, but I'll stay if you wish, I just need to talk to North I'll be right back…."
She nodded and watched me fly out, I closed the window behind me and descended towards the others who were waiting in a circle.
J:"Hey guys what's up?"
N:"Jack what is going on? You and the Princess are… closer than we expected…" said North who was no crossing his arms. He wasn't angry but he seemed like he was close to it.
J:"What? No! I… no you're crazy…" I was nervous I mean could you blame me? I didn't know what I was feeling towards Elsa, yeas I cared for her and she needed me but
T:"Jackk we're not mad we just wanna talk, if you have feelings…"
Bunny interrupter Tooth at that moment
B:"Christ's sake mate! You know attachments with mortals is dangerous! Are you stupid? Bloody hello! You barely even know the girl!"
J:"Bunny can you shut up?! All of you shut up!" They all looked at me in anticipation, and a bit surprised by my sudden outburst.
J:"I… I don't know what's going on… I just know I care about her and I want to protect her alright? I know having an attachment towards her is pointless but you said she was the next guardian to be picked so maybe…"
N:"And what happens if she refuses Jack hmm? An eternity without her, are you willing to do that? Maybe it's best if another one of us watches her…"
J:"No you don't understand, she needs more than just a guardian, she needs a friend, someone who won't give up on her, someone who understands her feelings… she needs me…."
N:"I understand that Jack, we just… want you to be careful…"
T:"Jack we're worried about you is all and if you need help we'll be here…" said Tooth while putting her arm on my shoulder.
J:"I know guys, look I'll keep in touch, and I'll see you all later."
I flew back up towards her room, not once looking back at my friends. I knew they were worried but they didn't understand. I was too involved now, if I left or one of the others replaced me she'd be heartbroken. As I flew in her room I watched her sleep for a few minutes, she looked peaceful, not like before where she looked too serene, in a deathlike sleep. I set my staff on one of her nightstands and then sat on the bed next to her, trying to lay carefully as to not wake her up. She stirred a little bit and her eyes opened.
E:"Jack…?"
J:"Shh it's alright, you can sleep I'm here"
She got closer and wrapped an arm across my torso and laid her head on my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her and held her, somehow knowing that this is where I was meant to be.
