Sky Clock
Chapter 10
The alarm clock woke Jack up in the morning with its irritating noise, he groggily sat up wiping his face with a hand. Monday, not his favorite day of the week. In fact no one that he knew likes Monday at all. He looked around the room, there was no decoration save for the guitar he bought the other day, perhaps he get something and hang on the wall. He yawned and got out of bed to do his morning routine.
Jack walked downstairs and saw the other two occupants already up and currently enjoying their coffee. The most common drink for those who liked to stay awake when the sun's still sleeping.
Usually Jack was used to seeing Hiccup alone watching the news on TV, but now Astrid was there with him.
He had learned that Astrid could consume more food than either him or Hiccup. She proved it on the night she arrived by quite literally, devoured every single piece of steak in matter of minutes. She had ate so much that the following day she didn't even eat anything until dinner; a quality shared by Jack's long time friend Merida.
From what Jack had seen, Astrid has a very confident personality and somewhat prideful, probably doesn't like to rely on others for help. Used to have a short temper according to Hiccup's story, always liked to hit his arm whenever she disagrees with something.
Astrid's sense of loyalty is strong, perhaps even more so than Jack's. When her mind is dead set on a goal, she would make sure that it gets accomplished; an admirable trait.
Aside from being a pilot, Astrid was knowledgeable in fighting as well. When not on air missions, she does field work like Jack. Busting anything related to the Syndicate or monitoring certain cities while assuming the undercover role of a student as her age dictates. From what he knew about the past year, nothing big really happened.
"Morning," Hiccup greeted as Jack went to get his own coffee.
"Morning," Astrid said.
"Morning to you two as well," Jack replied filling his cup and put some sugar cubes in.
Astrid was sporting the same jacket and boots she had worn the day she came, the new thing that Jack noticed was the scarf, it looked the same as the one Hiccup was wearing.
"Matching scarves? Really?" Jack looked at both of them.
"It was her idea," Hiccup said shrugging.
"Why not? It's not like we're strangers," Astrid said smirking. "Jealous that you don't have someone to do it with?"
"I was just saying and I'm not jealous," Jack said. "Never thought of having a girlfriend before so eh."
"Yeah right," Astrid rolled her eyes.
"What? You don't believe me?" Jack asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure all boys thought about some kind of girl after puberty," Astrid said sipping her drink.
"Well that's most people, this guy right here," Jack pointed to himself with his thumb. "Never did."
"Hey Jack," Hiccup spoke up.
"What?" Jack turned to Hiccup.
"Do you still have those dreams?" Hiccup asked.
"Uh, which dreams?" Jack said confused.
"The magical ones," Hiccup said.
Jack thought for a moment trying to remember any dreams that are magical, then he remembered what Hiccup was talking about. The ones where he saw Elsa and her winter power of some sort.
"Actually, no I haven't, "Jack responded. "They've stopped for some reason."
"Wait what are you guys talking about? What dreams?" Astrid asked looking confused between the two.
"He had dreams about the girl Elsa for several days straight," Hiccup explained chuckling.
"Really? You did?" Astrid had her eyes widened. "Hah! I knew you were lying about not thinking about somebody."
"What? I really didn't," Jack said out loud. "It was a weird thing. Don't know how but I didn't even know she existed until I came here."
"Well I don't believe you," Astrid waved her hand up and down. "I'm really curious about this girl Elsa though, I want to meet her."
"You will, since you'll be with us in History class and she's in there," Hiccup said.
"Alright sweet," Astrid said happily.
"You can actually see her in the morning, but that's hers and Jack's 'alone time', " Hiccup snickered as he finger quoted.
"No way," Astrid laughed. "I didn't know they're already that close."
"Yep, me neither since she is actually pretty cold towards everyone else besides her sister," Hiccup said.
"Wow, Jack must be really special to get her attention," Astrid commented.
"I was thinking the same thing," Hiccup agreed.
"You're just having fun with this aren't you?" Jack was leaning against the counter staring at Hiccup.
Hiccup just grinned at him saying nothing, Jack sighed looking at the clock. "I think it's time to go."
"Alright then, let's go," Hiccup went over to the sink to wash his empty cup.
"Sure, can't let you miss your alone time with her," Astrid smirked as she followed Hiccup.
"I still don't see why you two would just share a room," Jack said drinking his last bit of coffee. "I mean that's what couples do right? You two even wear the same scarf."
Hiccup and Astrid looked at each other before turning away with pink tint on their cheeks.
"And how long have you guys been going out? A year?" Jack continued.
"Y-yeah, but we're not that...intimately close enough for that yet," Hiccup said and Astrid simply nodded.
"I don't believe it, a year is plenty of time for sleeping together," Jack said.
"And how would you know? It's not like you have a girlfriend, yet," Astrid said.
"Hey, just my observation. Is that why I've never even seen you guys kissed before?" Jack shrugged his shoulders.
"Uh, we have kissed for your information," Astrid claimed putting her hands on her hips.
"Alright, alright. I believe you," Jack raised his hands in defense, he looked over and saw that Hiccup was staying quiet seemingly embarrassed the entire time. "No need to get angry. Let's just get to school yeah?"
Astrid huffed with satisfaction and went to the sink.
Jack shook his head chuckling and walked to the fridge and grabbed a certain bar of mint chocolate, then he noticed that there was another container of vanilla chocolate that made him curious. Pulling it out, he remembered that it was the one that Anna had gave him as a thank you gift for saving her that night, except she didn't know it was him. She had said that it was supposed to be really, he opened it and took out one of the 12 yellow-wrapped rectangular pieces. He opened it, put it in his mouth and chewed.
It was hard from being refrigerated, but Jack had no problem biting through before it soften and melted onto his tongue. Surprisingly, it was actually very good. The sweet flavor landed on his taste buds and it was delicious. The perfect mixture between sweet and bitter was incredible. As he was eating the chocolate, he wondered if this is the reason why the Anna and Elsa were so addicted to this stuff. He really had to admit it's good, but not to the point where it becomes a daily thing for him. He popped one more piece into his mouth before holding two others to Hiccup and Astrid.
"You guys should try this," Jack suggested.
Hiccup and Astrid stopped what they were doing and looked to Jack.
"Chocolate?" Astrid asked as she took the piece, Hiccup did the same.
"Uh huh, it's actually really good too," Jack said closing the fridge door as he had forgotten about it.
"Alright then," Astrid opened the wrapper and put it inside her mouth, Hiccup mirrored her action. She chewed for a moment before looking surprised. "Huh, don't think I've had any chocolate this good before."
"Not bad at all, and I'm not even a big fan of vanilla," Hiccup said. "Where'd you get it?"
"Anna gave it to me," Jack replied.
"Anna? Who's that?" Astrid asked.
"Elsa's younger sister," Hiccup answered.
"She has a sister too? You're not going after the both of them are you?" Astrid looked at Jack with narrowed eyes.
"What? No, she gave me this as a thank you gift, besides she already has a boyfriend," Jack said.
"Oh, but thanking for what?" Astrid asked reaching out for another piece.
"Hiccup hasn't told you? Well I saved her once from uh...being violated," Jack said uneasily.
"What do you mean violated? Care to explain?" Astrid said looking serious.
Jack looked to Hiccup but saw that he said nothing, he must've not mention this to Astrid.
"One night I was driving alone through some neighborhood, then I saw Anna at a chocolate store where she bought this from," Jack pointed at the container in his hand. "There was a gang of five that followed her and dragged her into a nearby alleyway. They were ganging up on a helpless girl, so I intervened. And guess who those guys were?"
"Who?" Astrid asked.
"They were members of Syndicate, same age as us," Jack answered.
"Figures it's them," Astrid said darkly. "Of course why wouldn't it be."
"But you know the funny part? After I saved Anna from them, she didn't even looked remotely scared at all," Jack said chuckling. "Instead she looked at me in awe and because of that gave me the chocolate, she even asked me to walk with her home."
"She didn't even look distress at all?" Astrid asked surprised.
"Nope, not at all," Jack confirmed.
"Wow, I have to meet this girl. What's she like?" Astrid said.
"You could say that she's spritely, can be sneaky, optimistic, and really, really loves chocolate. Like it's her lifeline of some sort," Jack laughed slightly at the last part of the description.
"Can't blame her, this stuff is seriously good," Astrid took another piece of the vanilla chocolate and ate it with delight as the previous tense mood lifted. "Come to think of it, why were you taking out the chocolate in the first place?"
"Oh, this?" Jack held up the one with mint flavor. "Elsa and I usually have a chess game in the morning and I have to give her one of these if I lose."
"Huh, judging from the massive amount of them," Astrid looked into the fridge. "You must be losing a lot."
"Ouch, she's really good at it I tell you. Haven't won a single game," Jack admitted lamely.
"Well, I suck at chess so can't help you there," Astrid laughed taking the last chocolate piece. "But if you win, what would she do?"
"Hmm, come to think of it, I don't really know," Jack said dumping the empty container to the trash bin. "I don't know what it is that I want."
"What is it that you like?" Astrid asked.
"Uh, I'm not sure," Jack rubbed his chin with two fingers. "What does Hiccup usually ask from you?"
"Wait, what? Why am I in this conversation," Hiccup looked confused.
"He never said he wanted anything before," Astrid glared at Hiccup. "Especially anything that I cooked."
"Hey, hey, you even admit it before that you suck at it," Hiccup defended himself.
"At least I'm still trying, I rarely see you ever did anything," Astrid jabbed back. "All you do is watching TV all day."
"I'm not going to get better anyway so why bother and I'm not watching TV, it's called monitoring the city," Hiccup countered.
"Is there a difference? Since your eyes are glued to them either way," Astrid said.
"Yes it's different, this is actual work," Hiccup tried to reason.
"You're suppose to be a pilot, not a watch dog. I just came back and you still spend most of your time in your room," Astrid jabbing her finger to Hiccup's chest.
"Ow. Didn't you see the news the other day? Something is happening," Hiccup said rubbing the sore spot.
"Oh please, it's always the same with those guys. Can't you just take a day off of this stuff?" Astrid asked crossing her arms.
"But...fine," Hiccup sighed. "We can go out sometimes today."
"Good," Astrid huffed in satisfaction. "We're going on a dinner on Friday night."
"Yeah, alright," Hiccup nodded his head.
Jack was enjoying his time observing the short talk between the two. Obviously this wasn't the first time they had a disagreement. From how it looked, Hiccup is often too absorbed into his work that Astrid sometimes felt forgotten so she would knock some sense back into him.
Merida did the same to Jack, Hiccup, and Flynn when they were too lazy to actually go do training. Her head knuckles hurt a lot, but it worked miraculously. Possibly from the fear that they would get hit again from the fiery redhead.
"Is this why you two don't sleep together?" Jack snickered pointed one finger at the two.
"What?" Hiccup turned to look.
"No!" Astrid exclaimed.
"Just saying," Jack laughed at them. "Anyway, I think we have to go soon."
"Right, we should go, the traffic is going to get tight soon," Hiccup looked at the clock.
"Fine, I'll wait for you two in the car," Astrid went over to the table and slung her backpack over her right shoulder before leaving the room.
"Wow," Jack whistled.
"What?" Hiccup asked.
"Is this what it's like having a girlfriend?"
"Sometimes, I mean it has its ups and downs."
"If it's always like this then I don't think I'm ready for one yet," Jack chuckled.
"I wouldn't worry about it," Hiccup smiled to himself. "Cause in the end, it's all worth it."
"Well, I'll decide that for myself," Jack clapped Hiccup's back. "Come on, let's go."
"Of course, your lady is waiting isn't she?" Hiccup smirked.
"If I'm lucky," Jack grinned.
…
It's surprising how much a short delay could really affect the traffic in the morning. The roads were full of cars belonged to people who were driving to their workplace and students to school. Luckily Hiccup had managed to pulled some tight lane switch and they made their way to school with seven minutes to spare.
Jack used the elevator to ascend to the library's fifth floor, the bell dinged and he walked out. He looked at his phone to see that there was only five minutes until class starts, he was late today so perhaps Elsa isn't waiting for him any longer, but he'll check anyway.
To the usual spot, Jack saw that the table and the chess game were already set up and sitting across from it was Elsa sitting with arms crossed. She looked at him as he came into her line of view.
"You're late," Elsa simply said.
"Uh, it was traffic," Jack pointed a thumb outside. "Didn't expect for you to be still waiting for me."
"I still have the need to play a game today," Elsa moved her white pawn. "Come, let's play."
"Um, there's only like less than five minutes until the bell," Jack said.
"Don't worry, I'll make it short," Elsa assured him.
"Geez, I'm starting to think that you don't even think of me as a challenge anymore," Jack commented as he sat down.
"I never did," Elsa said simply.
"That's...kind of cold," Jack said.
"Well don't feel too bad, you're the only person I ever enjoy beating," Elsa's lip twitched into a smile.
"You just want the chocolate don't you?" Jack asked, decided to go for a trade.
"That's part of it," Elsa turned the trade into her favor.
"What's the other?" Jack asked.
"That's for me to know," Elsa replied.
"Fine, don't tell me."
"Checkmate," Elsa declared happily and put out her hand.
"I'm starting to feel discourage in playing this with you anymore," Jack chuckled handing her the chocolate. "I wonder though."
"Wonder about what?" Elsa asked curiously.
"About what I should ask of you if I ever win a game," Jack said.
"Well what would you like?"
"That's the thing, I don't know. I'm not sure what I want."
"You won't have to think about it too much since I'll never let you win anyway," Elsa waved him off smirking.
"We'll see about that," Jack chuckled and then organized the chess set. "We should probably go, class is starting soon.
"Yes we should," Elsa stood up and walked with Jack to the elevator.
…
As much as Jack enjoyed being an undercover agent, sitting through class's lectures isn't something he's rather fond of. Listening to monotonous speeches really puts him in forever boredom mindscape and wished he had the ability to daydream like Flynn. The routine is the same everyday and he never tried to start any conversation with other students either. At least he could keep himself entertained by playing a game with a silly bird that can't even flap its wings.
Jack waited for the bell to ring before going to his next class.
Astrid came into the room with Hiccup when the next period started. Jack saw that some of the guys in the class noticed their matching scarves and looked disappointed, some even looked at the latter in shock.
The seat arrangement was odd too as Astrid ended up sitting next to Elsa in front of Jack and Hiccup. Convenient, the three of them could now talk to each other with ease.
Jack saw that Astrid observed Elsa with curiosity in her eyes, they went up and down. She looked for a few more minutes before turning back to Jack giving him a thumbs up and a grin. He just shook his head and smiled sheepishly.
"Hi, as the teacher said I'm Astrid," Astrid said to Elsa.
"Hello, I'm Elsa," Elsa greeted quietly.
"I like your hair," Astrid commented.
"Um, thank you. yours is good too," Elsa said uncertainly.
"Are you always this formal?" Astrid asked. "You should lighten up a little."
"I don't understand what you mean," Elsa looked confused.
"You seemed quiet, are you one of those people that only focus on work and whatnot?"
"I prefer being alone that's all."
"You should lighten up a little," Astrid said.
Elsa didn't say anything as she giggled quietly.
"What? Was it something that I said?" Astrid asked looking confused.
"Oh, it's nothing. You just sound like my sister that's all," Elsa replied smiling.
"Her name is Anna right?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"He told me about her," Astrid jabbed her thumb pointing at Jack.
Elsa looked back to Jack, he simply grin and waved a small hello, then back to Astrid. "You two are friends I take it?"
"Well we've only just met like two days ago, but I guess we are, he's an alright guy," Astrid smirked looking at Hiccup. "I'm more well acquainted with the other one."
Hiccup just smiled shyly rubbing the back of his neck.
"What the heck do you mean alright? I even cooked for you," Jack said bewildered.
"You can cook?" Elsa asked surprised looking at Jack.
"Sure you can cook well, but I can't judge you yet until I see how well you do on Saturday night," Astrid crooked her smile.
That's right, they had decided that the investigation would take place at midnight on Saturday. At that time the number of guards should be reduced to little and it would allows Jack and Astrid to have more time looking through the area while Hiccup be their eyes on the sky and street.
Jack could say that he was starting to feel excited since they would using Hiccup's jet. Normally a car would be more discreet, but Hiccup had said that the jet needs to fly once in a while to maintain top performance.
Their plan was that Jack and Astrid would rappel down on the south side of the seaport and make their way north. The whole operation should last no longer than 3 hours from start to finish and Sunday would give them time to sleep in.
"Heh, I've been at this longer than you, it should be me judging your performance," Jack snarkily responded.
"Wait, what are you two talking about?" Elsa looked between the two confused.
"Don't worry about it, just a little friendly competition, that's all," Astrid said.
"Yeah, what she said," Jack quipped.
"Oh, ok. And you didn't answer my question," Elsa looked at Jack. "I didn't know that you can cook."
"I'm alright with it," Jack shrugged.
"Alright my behind, those steaks were the best I've had in years," Astrid retorted.
"Oh, really?" Elsa turned to Astrid.
"Definitely, and I'm curious as to what else he can make," Astrid said.
"Well, I can make some seafood later this week," Jack suggested.
"No way, if they're good too then I'm making you my personal chef," Astrid said while staring at Jack.
"You'll have to wait and see," Jack smirked.
Jack looked to Elsa and saw that she had a surprised look on her face, and is that a little drool he spotted at the corner of her mouth? He was about to say something but the teacher interrupt.
"You three in the back, please stop talking and pay attention!," the History teacher crossed her arms looking impatient.
"Sorry," Jack said, Astrid and Elsa complied and turned back to the front. He chuckled at their little conversation and turned to Hiccup who looked amused like usual. He then stifled a yawn and put his head on his supporting palm closing his eyes.
…
The lunch table that Jack normally sat at now had a new occupant. Astrid sat next to Hiccup while he was on the other side. Astrid was impressed with the school for its size and what it has to offer. He noticed that several of the passing guys glanced at her, especially the sport jocks who seemed very interested.
Jack didn't blame them, Astrid carried around her a very distinct aura that really shows her personality; a strong, intelligent, and independent person. Unlike Elsa, she does not recluse herself. He had no doubt that some people would eventually come to her, but felt bad since she would simply flat out refuse them.
Astrid was almost a complete opposite of Hiccup from what Jack had seen so far. She was much more social and liked to do things her own ways.
Jack felt someone coming up from behind him and turned around to see Anna.
"Hi there, you're new here right? I'm Anna," Anna greeted Astrid cheerfully.
"I'm Astrid," Astrid greeted back.
"Ooooh, that's a cool name. Hey! My name starts with an A too!" Anna grinned.
"It would seem," Astrid grinned as well, clearly affected by the girl's spritely personality.
"So what do you think of the school so far?" Anna asked.
"I think it's impressive, this place is huge for a high school," Astrid answered.
"I know right! It makes me want to stay here forever," Anna said then noticed the scarf Astrid was wearing, her eyes darted to Hiccup's and back. "Oh, are guys going out?"
"Yes, we are," Astrid confirmed as Hiccup nodded.
"Awww! Matching scarves too, that's so cute! How long have you guys been together?" Anna gushed.
"About a year or so," Astrid replied.
"That long already? Well I hope it will last even longer and until you guys get married," Anna said happily. "Send me an invite when that day comes will you?"
"Uh," Astrid and Hiccup looked at one another with bright pink on their cheeks, she laughed. "If it does come to that, sure thing."
"I'll be waiting, and I'll send you one too to my wedding day," Anna cheered.
"Woah there feisty! Let's not think too far ahead now," Astrid laughed at Anna's respond.
"But life is about the future! There's no such thing as too far ahead," Anna stated.
"True, but you should probably focus on your study right now, that's more important for your future," Astrid commented.
"Aw shucks, you sound like my sister Elsa. Fine, but what's so fun about studying anyway? I always get bored," Anna complained.
"Well keep studying and you'll find out why," Astrid grinned.
"But I have like two more years!" Anna whined.
"Then you'll find out during those two years." Astrid said.
"Aww! No one ever tells me anything around here," Anna pouted.
"Well life is also about figuring out mysteries, it's more fun that way," Astrid spoke. "So don't give up on anything."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll keep trying to...do whatever it is that I'm meant to do," Anna grinned brightly. "You're awesome! And pretty too."
"Thanks, you look beautiful yourself," Astrid commented.
"Really? Thanks a lot," Anna said happily. "Well I gotta go somewhere, it was nice meeting you."
"Same here," Astrid nodded.
"Okay bye Jack, Astrid, and Hiccup," Anna waved and giggled at the last name before running off.
"Later," the trio waved back at Anna's retreating form.
Jack looked at Astrid who was smiling widely, he chuckled. "And you've just met Anna. Quite different from her sister huh?"
"That's one cheerful girl, really friendly," Astrid replied. "She got one infectious smile I'd say."
"I know right? I'm curious about what she said," Jack said.
"About what?" Astrid asked.
"The marriage thing, are you guys planning on that eventually?" Jack smirked pointing at her and Hiccup.
Astrid looked to Hiccup who had his head staring into the snowing sky with pink cheeks. She put on a serene smile and shrugged her shoulders. "Still way too early for that stuff, but who knows?"
"No need to worry about that, I can see that it will happen eventually," Jack chuckled at the pair. "Well lunch's over, you lovebirds can go on your merry way."
"That girl Elsa is good for you Jack, I can see that too," Astrid commented as she stood up with Hiccup. "See you later."
"Later," Jack said smiling and turned the other way.
…
Jack was sitting on his couch with a bowl of popcorn sitting on his lap watching a movie in the living room. He was home alone as Astrid and Hiccup have gone out with each other. He noticed that the past days after she came to their place, the house had gotten more lively.
Surprisingly, Astrid was quite organized as she pretty much took on the role of an older sister, often berating Hiccup for spending too much time in his room and Jack for being too lazy. She would definitely get along with Merida, or maybe not as they might fight each other.
It occurred to Jack how these people that he knew gradually came into his life. They're all part of the Ranger Corps, trained to be special agents in order to protect innocent people, but somehow it's now more like a family as their bonds grew over time. Some shorter and longer than others, but it happened. Though they were taught that the closer they worked together, the better results they would get. He was glad that he had joined, he had found a place to call a home now, despite not being permanent ones.
If everything somehow ended here in Arendelle, when time was up and Jack would have to move to a new place according to his next assignment, they would get split up again. Is this how he wanted to spend his life? To always go places and never settle down anywhere? He's still only 18, but Anna was right, life is about the future, there's no such thing as too far ahead.
Jack was interrupted from his thought when he heard the front door's lock opened, he looked at the clock and it was already midnight. Astrid and Hiccup walked in together rubbing their stomachs and laughing with each other.
"Oh Jack, you're still up?" Hiccup asked.
"Didn't want to sleep, so I decided to watch something," Jack answered. "Had a nice night?"
"It was great, it was really fun at downtown and the food was amazing," Astrid sighed.
"What place did you guys go to?" Jack questioned.
"A French restaurant named Gusteau's," Hiccup replied. "That famous Ratatouille dish was really good."
"I've got to try that sometimes," Jack said scooting over to one side of the couch. "Wanna watch this movie? I just started it."
"Eh sure, why not?" Astrid said casually pulling Hiccup down to sit on the couch.
Jack passed the popcorn to Astrid and she accepted it happily.
Author's Note: Here we are with chapter 10 already. I would've updated this a day earlier, but been too busy playing Watch Dogs and the new LoL mirror mode xD. Anyway, all of you who reviewed have my undying appreciation forever and always so tell me what you think of this chapter.