Chapter 9- It's You

"Elsa!?" He screamed out in panic. Immediately he was down on the ground beside her, placing one hand under her head and the other on her shoulder, slightly shaking her just by instinct, hoping that she would awaken. "Elsa…?" Jack muttered shakily, left only as a bundle of nerves.

"Let's set her on the table." Kapono said, his voice showing his attempt to stay calm. Jack nodded, barely holding back his burst of panic and emotion. He gently slipped his arms underneath Elsa, lifting her up and holding her bridal style. Her arms and legs dangled limply, and not a puff of air was breathed.

"She…is she…she's not breathing!" Jack exclaimed, nerves etching his voice. Jack put his ear to her chest, hoping for only the slightest thud of a heartbeat. And for what seemed like forever, that thud didn't come. "Can't you do anything?!" He screamed.

"Son, I am deeply sorry to tell you, that I cannot, if she has-"

"NO! She hasn't!" Jack blurted, not wanting to hear the rest of that sentence. "Elsa saved my life! I can't just let her die now! You have to help me!" He pleaded, tears brimming his eyes. Kapono could only feel sorrow for the heartbroken boy, crumbling in front of him. "I can't…it's just not fair!" He spoke, half mumbling half shouting. "She… she has to live. She can't leave me, not now-" But to his relief, he was cut off by a sudden gasp below him. "Elsa?" His voice quavered, yet sounded hopeful. Elsa's eyes remained closed, but she began to twitch and shift in Jack's arms. "She's ok!" Jack cried. As his tears began to fall they suddenly felt happier.

"Well, we don't know if she's completely ok…" Kapono muttered shyly, trying not to trigger the boy's suddenly fragile emotions.

"She is." Jack assured, even if he wasn't completely confident himself. Kapono came closer to Elsa, and laid a hand on her dangling forearm.

"Princess?" He whispered. "Are you awake?" Elsa flinched under the touch, and soon her arm flung up and around Jack's neck, twisting her body so she turned more towards Jack. Before long her other arm wrapped around his neck also, and their faces were left about five inches apart.

"Umm…" Jack hummed awkwardly, glancing from Elsa to Kapono. But suddenly all his attention was drawn to the 'sleeping' Elsa.

"You…" She whispered, so quiet that Jack could barely hear her words, let alone Kapono.

"What?" Jack muttered, confused.

Elsa's eyes shot open in one, quick motion, not sleepy-like at all. Her eyes held open wide, staring into Jack's. But they weren't like her normal eyes, or anyone's eyes, really. She had no pupils, only glowing, literally glowing, electric blue orbs. Once he looked into them, there was no looking away. "It's you…" She spoke softly again, in an alluring tone, as she leant closer and closer, soon enough they were so close their noses touched.

"Wha…what…are…you talking…about…?" Jack whispered, breathless.

"It's you. You. It's you…" She repeated those two words on and on.

"I don't get it, what…what is she talking about…Kapono?" Jack managed to say.

"I…I don't know. It doesn't make any sense to me, but obviously she's out of it. She's not herself." Jack mentally rolled his eyes at his comment, because he couldn't actually roll his eyes. They were locked on Elsa's, and it seemed there was nothing he could do about it.

"What if she… if she… you know…gets any closer…"

"You mean kisses you? I wouldn't doubt it happening if she keeps acting like this…" Kapono shook his head, observing every little action and movement Elsa made. And just as they mentioned it, Elsa gently slid one hand into the crook of his neck and pushed Jack just a little bit forward, their lips only a centimeter apart. Her breath, ice cold, was all he breathed.

"It's you… you're the-" but she cut off midsentence, suddenly shutting her eyes and falling limp once more. Jack took a gigantic sigh, letting out the breath he had been holding.

"Well then." Jack said, shaking his head. "She leaves me in suspense."

"Oh, don't worry Jack." Kapono spoke up. "You'll get that kiss someday." He teased.

"Hey! That's not what I meant!" Jack defended, Kapono chuckling. "I meant what she was telling me. What am I?" He questioned, hoping that Elsa would awaken and tell him the answer. After an unsuccessful wait, Jack grew hopeless. "Well, she's still breathing, so I don't exactly have to worry. I mean, she'll wake up at some point and she'll tell me what she was going to. Right?"

"I don't know Jack. She wasn't herself just a moment ago. Who says she will even know she said and did all that?"

"I don't know. I'm just hoping." Jack said with a sigh, looking down at Elsa's eyelids twitching in her slumber.

"You can set her down now, you know. Your arms must be sore." Jack turned to the cleared table and started to lower her, but despite his tiring arms, he found himself not wanting to let go.

"Um…I'm fine. I'll just hold her 'till she wakes up." Kapono grinned, observing Jack's expression, lost in the princess's peaceful face.

"Alright. But don't blame me when she wakes up and has a panic attack because she's all cuddled up in a stranger's arms." He joked.

"I'm not a stranger! I mean, I guess we pretty much met today, but I pretty much know her, she knows me, what's the big deal?"

"Do you really know her though? Do you know who she really is? Or where she lives? Do you know why she is so nervous about everything? Especially nervous when it comes to her powers, and using them around people, specifically you? And don't even get me started on you, boy. She doesn't know your past, and who you can be, what your reputation is with all the people around town. All she knows is the person you've been to her."

"Well…" Jack hesitated, answering the questions the best he could. "She, she's a princess, although I don't know of what kingdom. I guess I just figured nearby. And she's so nervous because she knows her powers can be dangerous and she lets that thought get to her head, which makes it worse. She thinks she's a monster. It's really sad that she can't see what I see." He murmured softly, rubbing her shoulder with his hand that held her there.

"What I'm saying is, what if there's more behind that thought? Maybe there's more reason behind thinking that she's dangerous?"

"I guess you're right. But what I'm trying to say is, I think she's comfortable around me. At least…I hope she is." He whispered the final sentence, feeling the ache in his chest for the longing that she might like being around him, and could feel safe.

A sleepy hum came from the fidgety Elsa, as she adjusted herself comfortably and her eyes began to flutter open. Her sharp blue eyes were back to their normal hue, and turned quickly from a half-closed and sleepy state to wide and shocked.

"What the…" She muttered slowly, keeping her instinctive panic under control.

"Hi Elsie!" Jack exclaimed, a little more than relieved to see her normal self back.

"Wha…what are you doing…why are you…" She mumbled groggily.

"Oh…right." Jack gently lowered her legs to allow her to stand on her own, keeping a hand on her shoulder in case she were to lose balance.

"You didn't answer my question." Elsa said sternly.

"Umm, well, you like, fell, or… fainted…or something, so I picked you up and… umm… I was going to set you on the table… but… umm…" But he couldn't quite figure out an excuse for this one.

"But…" Elsa urged, seeing his nervousness and taking the opportunity to tease.

"But… I… I…didn't want you to…umm, be disturbed, while you…slept." Elsa let out a slight giggle and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She took a few steps closer to him.

"You know, one might think that you really just didn't want to set me down because you…" She poked his chest. "…like…" Her voice grew quiet, and she 'walked' her fingers up until they reached his chin. "…me being close." She whispered the last word in his ear and his breath hitched as she drew back and tapped his nose. Elsa spun around in place and began to walk away, pleased and proud to have the upper hand. It seemed to never happen without him barging in last minute with something better…

"Well, Elsie, you were the one who was aaall over me!" He teased, and she froze in her tracks, before spinning on her heels and giving him a questioning expression.

"What are you talking about?" She defended, crossing her arms.

"While you were asleep, you were screaming 'It's you! It's you!'" Jack mimicked dramatically, making various crazy and desperate-looking expressions.

"Now Jack…" Kapono warned, trying to slow the boy's harassing down.

"I did not!" Elsa shouted, confused as she was embarrassed. Her skin turned an even paler tone when Jack accused her of that.

"Oh, yes you did princess." Jack continued, taking advantage of her helpless and weak state. He walked closer to her just like she did when she had the upper hand. "You were wrapping your arms around my neck, and leaning closer and closer...-"

"Well, if I was doing that, then why didn't you simply…just…stop me?" Elsa interrupted, taking the opportunity to regain her pride.

"Well… I…" Jack was speechless, she had got him this time.

"You didn't push me away, Jack, why was that?" Elsa encouraged. Jack took a couple steps backward, chuckling nervously and rubbing the back of his neck.

"I…I just…"

"You just WHAT?" Elsa wasn't even sure what made her raise her voice like that, but it just came out and started a short yelling match.

"I JUST… well, I… I MIGHT!...?" Jack stuttered.

"YOU MIGHT WHAT?!"

"WELL MAYBE I…" Elsa leaned her head forward and cupped a hand behind her ear, waiting for the rest of the sentence in an impatient gesture. "WELL MAYBE I LIKE YOU!" He finally blurted. Elsa's eyes widened for a moment, but she didn't think much before suddenly yelling back.

"WELL MAYBE I LIKE YOU TOO!" Their faces were inches apart once again, and their stare sunk into the others, on the outside looking like the worst of enemies, but inside they both melted. Elsa was the first to soften her expression, and her mouth opened the slightest in awe. Finally Jack's features fell also, and they simply looked into each other's eyes for what felt like eternity.

"Ahem." Kapono coughed out to break the intensity between the two.

"Umm…" Jack hummed, intending to pull away but their gaze didn't break.

"Umm." Elsa repeated. They were both lost…

"OKKAAYYY" Kapono blurted, finally nudging in between the two and pushing them apart. "I am still here, this book is still here, you two just…stop." Elsa blushed furiously and lowered her head in embarrassment.

"What are we going to do now anyways?" Elsa questioned. Kapono didn't answer, he only gestured towards the table. There was a booth-like seat on the side against the wall, yet on the other side of the table there weren't any chairs. Elsa slipped in on the right side and Jack the left, while Kapono stood on the opposite side. He lay the book out in front of them.

"So before we get started, I do want to talk about what happened while you were… 'asleep'." Said Kapono.

"Ummm, well I'm still confused on that too." Elsa said.

"How do you think I feel?!" Jack blurted. "I'm the one who was holding her!" To not get the whole competition going again, Kapono cleared his throat and spoke up to tell the story.

"Ok, Princess… I mean… Elsa, what was the last thing you remember before you woke up?"

"Well, that would have to be when everything was rattling because of the book. There was a bright blue light that enveloped everything, and then it all went black. That was it, I guess."

"Ok, so after that the glow faded, the book was open, and Jack and I walked up to it. Jack had this little fan girl moment, cheering for you, yadda yadda-"

"Hey! I'm no fan girl." Jack defended, making Elsa giggle.

"Right, whatever you say, Jack." Kapono said, as Jack scowled. "Anyways, we turned around, and you were on the ground. You pretty much were… dead. So Jack, he-"

"Ok! Ok! I'm not the one who matters here!" Jack interrupted before Kapono could explain any further. "What I did or said doesn't really matter! This is about Elsa!" Jack blurted, laughing nervously. Elsa was left confused and curious as Kapono continued.

"Umm, so you looked dead, Jack lifted you up to put you on the table, and you began to twitch, so you looked ok. I talked to you, then all of a sudden you wrapped your arms around his neck and you got…really close to him. Your eyes shot open and they were this bright… electric blue. They literally shone. Jack was in a trance, like he couldn't look away. And you kept repeating 'You. It's You. It's You.' Then you inched closer and closer… looking like you were gonna… well… you know. Then the last thing you said was 'It's you. You're the'. And that's where you cut off. You fell limp, then woke up probably a minute after that."

"Wow." That was all Elsa could say. "I…uh…don't remember any of that."

"Dammit!" Jack exclaimed. "You were supposed to tell me the ending of that sentence! I don't like being left in suspense, you know." Jack said angrily. Elsa raised her hands in defense and chuckled.

"Well, I'm sorry Jackie, but you'll just have to be patient on this one. I'd like to know too." Jack lightly shoved Elsa's arm by the mention of the nickname.

"And I'm sure we'll find out." Kapono added. "The answer, to this question and to all of our questions, is likely in this book." He said as he spun the book around to face Elsa and Jack. "Now, we're not going to go over this now, so I assume that if I close this book you'll be able to open it again, just in case it locks? I really don't know if it will or not."

"Umm, I don't know…" Elsa mumbled, her confidence uneasy after failing on her own before.

"You can do it Els." Jack encouraged. "Besides, I'll always be there to step in just in case you need me." Elsa glanced over at him, unsure of whether she was happy with that or not. She simply smiled and looked back to Kapono, who was nodding in agreement.

"I'm with Jack. Your powers seem to be best when he's helping or near. That's why I want him to stay with you from now on."

"WHAT?!" Both Elsa and Jack exclaimed simultaneously. They glanced wide-eyed from Kapono to each other, back and forth.

"I'm not saying you have to spend every minute together. But I would like Jack to be near when you do use your powers or whatever. Jack, you're going to have to learn some more about it too." Kapono found a satchel and put about three books into it, including the special wintery book, and threw it across the table at Jack.

"Ow!" Jack looked down at the bag and crinkled his nose in disgust. "I am not carrying around a purse for her."

"It's not a purse. It's a satchel." Kapono corrected.

"Yeah, yeah. Same difference. Whatever it is, I'm not carrying it!" He argued. Elsa bit her lip and took the bag from his hands, looking at the books inside.

"So what are these about?"

"Besides the one specifically about your power, they're a couple different books about the legends and myths around the area. You should find some chapters based on your subject as well. I'd like you to do some studying, Jack."

"That's a lot to expect from him." Elsa teased. Jack didn't even fight back, he only groaned. "Oh, come on. I'm not that boring, am I?" She nudged his shoulder, and he looked at her through the corner of his eye, raising a mocking eyebrow. That only got him another playful shove.

"So anyway, You two should also work together on translating and working out some of this old language. I'll work out some study times where I'll join you, but you really should do some on your own. Come to me if you have any questions, or found something. But… that's it. You're gonna have to learn to work together. Sorry." Both of them were silent for a long time, taking in what seemed like something they were just shoved into. Both, deep inside, didn't mind the idea of spending time together. They actually liked the idea. But both were also afraid. Afraid of the other seeing more of them, their life… so was it a risk they were both willing to take?

"Right, so it's really late, that's why we shouldn't really go any further into this. How about we meet tomorrow?" Kapono suggested.

"Um, that will work for me. What time?" Elsa asked.

"Early afternoon, I'd say noon, or eleven." Elsa nodded and turned to Jack for his approval.

"Well, it's a little too early for my liking, but I suppose I'll make the sacrifice. Once."

"Aww, are you not a morning person?" Elsa teased. Jack crinkled his nose and rolled his eyes.

"So we'll meet here, at noon?" Kapono asked.

"Sounds good." Elsa replied, and she stood up from the table, Jack following.

"Hold up." Kapono stopped the two. Jack groaned and plopped back down on the edge of the seat.

"What now?!"

"I really don't think you guys want to go outside looking like you do." He gestured towards their clothes. Elsa looked down at her dress, which had tears everywhere, not to mention the whole bottom torn off, including splatters of mud and blood. She focused on her hair, which was still in a braid but strands of hair had come loose everywhere and it was falling apart, besides the twigs and leaves strung about.

"Oh my god. I look terrible!" Elsa panicked. A princess must always look her best. She thought. Of course, A princess must always act her best. She wasn't abiding by these rules.

"Don't worry, Princess Elsa. Luckily I've got something you can change into." Elsa sighed, but didn't bother to correct him anymore with the 'Princess'. "Don't ask why, they've just been sitting in my closet forever. Sadly, I don't have something for Jack. He'll have to live with what he's in." At this moment Jack looked down at his own shredded clothes, but wasn't too worried about it since he was a poor boy anyways, and it wasn't unusual for him to look scruffy. So he shrugged his shoulders and waited while Kapono took Elsa to a room on the opposite side of the library, near the door.

Elsa stepped into the room after Kapono unlocked the door. It was pitch black, besides the light shining in from the door. This light allowed her to see boxes stacked up along the walls of the room, cobwebs hanging in the corners, and a generous layer of dust on top of every surface. Through some of the flaps of boxes, however, she could see shimmers and sparkles, as if they were filled with glimmering diamonds. Kapono lit up several candles in each corner of the room, along with the middle, so the whole room was visible. A few different dresses, blouses and skirts hung around the room, and three huge mirrors were angled in the center. Kapono walked to one of the boxes, digging through it before finally pulling out what Elsa figured to be clothing, for it was wrapped in paper and folded neatly. He handled it gently as he gave it to Elsa.

"I think this one will look nice on you. If you want, you can choose another, but please try this one. It's my favorite. Consider it a gift from me to the Princess." He offered a slight bow before he snuck out the door. "Oh, and take as much time as you need!" He called out before shutting the door behind him. Elsa sighed, wishing someone would treat her as a normal person and not a Princess that was next in line for the throne. Of course, there was Jack. And oh my, she was happy to have Jack. He was a change in her life, and maybe that's exactly what she needed.

Elsa changed into the dress quickly, not wanting to make them wait too long on her. It was a little less modest then she was used to, but it wasn't too bad to where she didn't want to wear it. She had to admit, it looked pretty good on her. Elsa brushed her hair out with her fingers, picking out the stems and leaves before wrapping it up in a twisted bun. Sighing as she checked the mirror, turning around and finding herself pleased with her appearance, she opened the door just a crack and peeked outside before fully walking out.

Meanwhile, Jack was fiddling with his thumbs, getting frustrated and angry at Kapono's lecture. "You must be careful, Jack, she is royalty and you must respect that. I don't want you to get her into any trouble, or any mess of your life! She's a Princess, next in line to be Queen! She can't have any distractions, and that includes you. Don't go any further than your… flirtatious relationship you have. Got it?"

"Hmph." Jack crossed his arms, refusing to look Kapono in the eye. He wasn't the type to follow the rules.

"I'm serious Jack. I put you with her because I must admit you've been able to help her so far. All that you're assigned to do is study, learn, and help her practice magic. Do you understand?"

"Hmph."

"Jack…" Kapono warned.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever." Jack mumbled, still not making eye contact with him. Kapono eyed him up and down, but figured that was the best he could do. That was when they heard the door creak from across the library. Jack glanced up, and right as he saw her he immediately stood up from his seat.

"Umm… Elsa… you… you look…"

"Does it look bad?" Elsa asked nervously, twiddling her thumbs and biting her lip, looking down at the dress. Jack was so speechless he didn't even give an answer. It was a tiffany blue dress, extending all the way down to her feet. Behind her it dragged just enough to add elegancy, but not too much so it would be stepped on all the time, it simply flowed like waves on the beach with each step. About a foot up the dress, it looked as if it was made of frosty feathers, and then it slimmed up and hugged her curves. It had an off-shoulder sweetheart neckline, the brim and sleeves glittery just like the feathers at the bottom. Jack tried to hide his stumble as she spun around, the dress floating along with her. The back of the dress scooped low on her back, in a beautiful, intricate snowflake pattern. Although Jack did love her hair down, as it seemed at those moments when her hair was down that she acted a little more… free… He did agree that the up do was perfect for this dress. It allowed the skin on her back to show, which was more than flawless. Just like most of her, it was almost white as snow, yet softer than silk. Her defined shoulder blades were visible under half of the design.

"You look beautiful, Princess Elsa. Stunning, really." Kapono complimented as he walked up to her, gently taking her hand and kissing it, accompanied by a bow. Elsa blushed and slightly giggled. Jack rolled his eyes and leaned against the table, waiting for Kapono to finish flattering his girl. Elsa, unfortunately for him, saw him roll his eyes.

"What's the matter Jack? Jealous much?" She teased.

"No! I mean… no, I just think we should go. No need bothering over a stupid dress. Let's go." Jack said in an emotionless tone, making his words too believable. And he regretted it right after he said it.

"Fine then. We'll go." Elsa said harshly, hurt a little more than she liked to admit.

"Fine."

"Fine."

"FINE!" Jack yelled, not controlling himself. Kapono shot him an angry look. Smacking his forehead, Jack jogged a couple steps to stand next to Elsa.

"Look I-" But he was interrupted by Elsa lifting her hand and holding it in front of his face to make him stop.

"Kapono, it was nice talking to you, thank you for your help. We'll be on our way now, see you tomorrow!"

"Yes, milady. It's been my pleasure. And don't let Jack bother you too much. Keep him on his toes!" He exclaimed, smiling, before she nodded and walked out the door. Jack was right behind her but Elsa made sure the timing was right so she could slam the door in his face. Frustrated, he looked over to Kapono, who was now behind his desk. "Don't look at me, sonny. You deserve it." Jack sighed and opened the door to catch up with Elsa.

"Hey! Wait up!" Jack called out, but Elsa didn't even slow down. He jogged until he was next to her, and he looked her way but she kept her head held high and looked onward. "You know I… I didn't mean what I said."

"Hmph. How do I know you're not just saying that?" Elsa tested.

"Umm, I don't know."

"Wow. You're a charm." She said sarcastically. By instinct, Jack was about to shoot back a remark about how charming he really was. But he found the control to stop himself.

"Yeah… well anyways, before you go back to the castle, I want to take you somewhere." Elsa, finally looking his direction, eyed him suspiciously.

"Where?"

"It's a surprise!"

"Oh great." Elsa huffed, crossing her arms.

"Now come on. It won't kill you or anything." He teased.

"How can I be so sure?"

"You ask too many questions." Jack said with his signature smirk. He turned himself around and walked backwards in front of her. He looked her up and down, then looked her in the eye, shaking his head.

"What?" Elsa asked, confused.

"It's just, I wish you'd believe me. I really didn't mean it before."

"It's ok. I forgive you." Elsa said quietly.

"No. It's not ok. Forgiving isn't enough. I need you to believe me." He said sincerely. Jack stopped walking suddenly, which made Elsa stop right in front of him. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, looking down into her big blue eyes.

"You really do look beautiful." He whispered. "And I'm not that great with words, so this isn't gonna be something you can quote, or words another guy would want to use. But you are gorgeous. I mean, the first time I saw you, I thought I might faint because there is nothing else on the face of the planet that can compare to your beauty. It's like not even real. You are crazy beautiful. Everything, every little curve, every edge, is perfect. I don't know what you see when you call yourself a monster. It hurts me when you say that, you know? I mean, I don't know about you, but I've never heard or seen any kind of monster that's this amazing or beautiful." Elsa gulped, clenching her jaw, trying to keep from crying.

"But-" She tried to protest, but Jack put a finger against her lips, raising his eyebrows.

"No. Elsa, no buts. Let me finish my crappy speech. So I thought that there was nooo way anything could be any better. Then you have this amazing gift, I mean, you're like this goddess or something! And then, then you completely shot me. YOU SHOT ME. I'm dead right now." He said, pointing to his chest. "You put on that damn dress, and I about fell to the ground when you stepped out of that room. So believe me, when I say… that you look stunning." Elsa, red from embarrassment, simply stared at the ground, biting her lip.

"So… why did you say…what you did before? Or more importantly, not say anything to begin with." She muttered, her voice breaking.

"Oh, please Elsa. I'm an idiot. You gotta expect me to say some idiotic things." Elsa giggled, which relieved Jack to hear and made him smile. He grabbed Elsa by the hand and led her forward. What Elsa didn't notice was the nerves that were starting to get to him. Because he was taking her somewhere personal, somewhere risky, somewhere he had never taken another girl. He was taking her home.

Alright guys! That's another long chapter, hopefully…making up…. For the long wait to come. Or at least, expecting to come. IDK. See, I would have updated sooner except the fact that school is starting this Wednesday and it's been really busy getting ready for it, having cheer practices like crazy, shopping, and last minute meet-ups with friends. SOO I'm so nervous. It's my sophomore year of High school, just in case you're wondering. Last year was already stressful. I hated it. Ughh ok anyway…

To answer one of your guy's questions, Jack is not going to become Jack FROST for a long time. Like. A lot of chapters. Soo I'm sorry if you only like Jelsa when he's Jack frost, but I just wanted to do something different for a change. But he will become Jack Frost at a much later point in this story, yes.

Hope you guys enjoy! Thank you so much for reading, love you all!