Hey guys... sorry...again...about the wait. I've been going back and forth between different categories lately. Some Percy Jackson, some Legend of Zelda...ya know how it goes. But don't worry, I am still fully writing Jack/Elsa stories. Also, I had a bit of self conflict on what to do for this chapter, but I figured this would fill up a lot of plot holes and answer a lot of questions that people have been asking. I don't own anything. Enjoy!
~Anastasia
Musings
He felt light. Above the clouds. Apart of the air.
Man did he feel good.
Jack walked down the halls with a permanent, no doubt dopey grin on his face. The muscles in his jaw just didn't want to let that smile drop, and if he were honest with himself, he didn't mind it one bit.
It was only just last hour that Elsa had sung her song, amazingly, he might add, and agreed to meet with him later. She had smiled, so real and genuine to him, that he thought he just might burst with victory. Instead, he settled for a cheerful fist pump in the air.
With a bounce in his steps, a twinkle in his eyes, and his boyish expression plastered, Jack moved with the crowds towards the lunch room. He couldn't wait to tell his friends, and of course, his mind was also drifting with ideas for where to take Elsa for when they hang out.
Before he knew it, he was already sitting at his group's regular table, tapping a beat and nodding his head to his imaginary tune.
"Wow, you seem to be in a good mood."
Jack looked up to see Rapunzel standing near her usual seat across from him, a bright smile on her face, a white blouse, khaki shorts and sandals filling out her summer look. The outfit matched wondrously with her golden hair that fell down in shimmering waves to her hips.
His smile never fell. "Hey Zel! And I am in a good mood! You would never believe how awesome English was today."
Giggling softly, the blonde sat across from him and leaned her chin into her palm. "You? Loving class? Wait, lemme guess...the teacher fed you pancakes again?"
Jack shook his head enthusiastically, paying little mind as the rest of his friend filled out the empty spots of the table. "No, even better!"
Eugene, who sat to his right, clapped him on the shoulder as he sat down. "Jack, what on earth could be better then getting pancakes for free during class?"
"No, listen...so you know that English project I told you about?"
Hiccup let out a sharp laugh, joining the conversation as well. It seemed the whole table was paying sole attention to whatever had Jack so enthused. "You mean that project you were partnered with the Ice Queen? Dude, you never shut up about it. Or her...for that matter. In fact, we haven't chilled outside of school together for awhile now. What's got you so busy?"
Jack opened his mouth to explain in rapid concession, before his expression finally dropped. Huh...he hadn't realized that. How long had it been since he went out with the gang, or just had a guys night? He had just been distracted with trying to get closer to Elsa...
Scratching the back of his head, he gave a sheepish grin and shrug. "Sorry guys, I didn't realize that. It's just I've been caught up with trying to get passed that barrier of Elsa's. She's a really nice person once you get to know her."
Eugene frowned. "Elsa? Who's...oh! The Ice Queen!"
"Don't call her that!"
It was only until the entire turned to him in surprise that he realized how harshly he had just snapped.
Furrowing his brow, he looked to his lap and folded his hands. "Sorry...its just..."
Merida placed her hands on her hips from where she sat. "Ya need to chill a bit ther' Jack. Nobody meant ta offend yer' pretty new best f'rnd. We just trying ta fig'er out whats gotten in ta ya lately."
Jack's eye brows rose to the edge of his silver bangs. "What do you mean what's gotten into me? I'm perfectly fine."
Rapunzel spoke, her voice quiet. "Well Jack...you've been kind of acting weird lately. You don't seem to talk to us as much anymore, plus you've missed the last three of our hang-outs..." she trailed off, biting her lip.
"And the mysterious fight with Pitch..." Astrid spoke distractedly.
"Also, with the issues with your mom and dad at home..."
Jack growled. "She's not my mom."
Rapunzel winced from his cold words. She had forgotten how touchy that subject was...
"Hey!" Eugene frowned, his usual teasing face suddenly tense and serious. "Don't go barking at Zel because of your problems buddy. She was just pointing out yet another thing you've been distant about since you've started our quest to crack the Ice Qu...er...Elsa...I mean."
Jack sighed. "Your right...I'm sorry Punz."
The blonde sent him a small strained smile. "It's okay Jack. How bout we all just hang out after school today? Does that sound good?"
A chorus of murmured agreements and nods went around the table, but as large, green and expectant eyes landed on him, Jack couldn't help but grimace.
"Uh...sorry guys. I have plans with Elsa already."
Rapunzel's expression of excitement dropped. "Oh." She cleared her throat. "Well that's alright."
A round of sympathetic glances were sent her way. What was that about?
The rest of lunch period seemed to pass in a sheet of silence, as Jack busied himself with preparations for the rest of the day. Where would a girl like Elsa like to go? Something like the movies? Nah, too general. What about bowling? Mm...maybe.
When the bell finally rang, he remained distant in his thoughts, vaguely aware of the conversation around him as they all stood to dump their trays and leave.
Hiccup's voice seemed far off. "There he is...daydreaming again."
Hm...what about a formal dinner? Eh, doubt it. That'd be boring.
Eugene let out a short laugh. "Hah, give em' a break Hic. He's in love, he's allowed to daydream. Aren't you, Jack?"
Jack nodded. "Yeah, yeah. I'll see you guys later."
Walking off, he continued to wrack his brain for ideas.
Well lets see...
Suddenly his blue eyes blinked.
Wait...In love?!
Elsa sighed contentedly as she headed for the library. She wasn't hungry. Not after having a taste of what felt like a small victory on her part. Not only did she stand up to Pitch's blackmailing, but she had finally allowed herself a free pass to socialize with...with a friend.
A friend. Huh...what a strange notion. I...actually have a friend.
A warmth bubbled inside her, and was only slightly perturbed when she had to slip her gloves on to search through the books, so as not to freeze them with her grasp.
But for once, she didn't care that she was...different. Because someone had cared enough to look past her faults, to actually try.
While a part of her still doubted Jack's loyalty, for he still did not know the deepest parts of her, she was content to at least enjoy herself in that moment. For one, he wasn't bothered by her cold touch.
That, she presumed, had something to do with the sight she had seen with his fight against Pitch.
Pausing her search through the fiction aisle, she narrowed her large eyes in thought. There was still that to uncover, though she was willing to take time to discover just what exactly had transpired that day. Had she hit her head and seen something leap from a fairy tale?
Shaking these thoughts free, she continued onwards and crouched low to a new letter.
Whatever the case, she was still going to spend time with Jack that day, and needed to be prepared. She would wear her gloves, of course, although something strange she had begun to notice was that the more time spent with Jack, the easier her powers were to control in his presence.
As she plucked her book choice from the shelf and settled in a nearby chair, Elsa couldn't help but wonder if this was due to the strange warmth that fluttered in her core when he was near.
