Chapter 14

JACK P.O.V

It's been four days. Elsa seemed to be constantly on edge lately when I see her. She always finds some excuse to not talk to me.

The thing is that my time ran out. I promised Tooth that I will take some time off Elsa. And sort out my feelings basically anything men do not do. I think I did something to upset her but I don't seem to remember it. I tried asking Veena but she came up blank to Elsa's behavior as well. I had to leave tomorrow night, Tooth helped me prepare everything from the room and two way trip. I was take the submarine and stay in the castle.

The submarine is supposed to belong to Bunnymund. I won it from him in a card game, weirdest go fish game ever.

Spirit offered me to stay in the palace she was very glad that I was coming for a visit. I was to be assisting her to some royal events with her new security agents also from the Guardians. The Penguins is their code names I've only met them once. Apparently they are all brothers named, Skipper, Kawasaki, Rico and Private and yeah I also didn't think those were their real names either. Private is the youngest of the four and by far the most innocent. Although they have no powers they are part of the Lithalf military.

Lithalf also has a Guardians base stationed there. The Penguins are part of the sonic section the section for powerless mortals. Yet all of them are assets to the agency.

I walked into the egg shell white office to see Elsa sleeping on the table. She has been shunning me for the past few days. Anna came back two days earlier so she used her as an excuse that I can't come over anymore. She has yet to tell Anna or Kristoff about us yet and I doubt she ever will. A stack of papers at her side a pen under her hand.

I sighed walked over to her and dropped my blazer on her shoulders. It kinda reminds me of the night I had to save her from nightmares.

Veena chose this time to come in. She saw me next to Elsa and gave me a small smile.

"Hey bro bring a real gentleman aren't you?" She asked closing the door.

"Veena can I ask a big favor?" I said still not lifting my gaze from Elsa's sleeping form.

"Depends what is it?" She asked.

"I'm resigning and will be leaving for Lithalf tomorrow night and I don't have the guts to tell Elsa. Can you help me tell her I'll be going away?"

"Are you fucking insane? Your breaking up with her? You asshole." Ouch that was a low blow even for Ve.

I expected this much. I could never be able to avoid this kind of reaction from either Veena or Elsa. Yes I was breaking up with Elsa and it was for the best. If this feeling is the merge I didn't want Elsa to think I was using her. Maybe I did really love her, maybe I don't. If I didn't, me and Elsa would practically be strangers she wouldn't want me anywhere near her life. And I would not mind it one bit. If I really did love her then… I don't know. Once I leave the chance of her and me having a real relationship goes down the drain.

"Yeah I get it I'm a douche okay don't keep reminding me sis." I said rubbing the back of my neck.

"Yeah you are but your also a man so you will tell Elsa that your leaving in person. Your the first real boyfriend she ever had and your going to break her heart. I can't believe I'm related to you fucking bastard.

"Just do it. It can't be that hard to man up and at least break up with her personally and not ask your beautiful and very qualified sister to do it for you." She gave me another smile I guess she was trying to be humorous to lighten the mode and it worked.

"Maybe. But I don't want to see Elsa heartbroken. So I'm asking you instead. If it comes to that I can't do it can you tell her for me?"

"Wow do you even hear yourself right now? You do care for Elsa so why the hell are you forcing yourself away from her?"

"Do you agree to do it?"

She sighed in defeat." Fine but I want you to at least try to tell her. I can't be pulling the heavy weight here. Me and Anna will the one comforting her while your gone. I hate to break the news to her too."

She exited the office silently. I continued to stare at Elsa and reached into my pocket. A folded piece of white paper in my hands, my resignation paper. I placed it on the table tucked underneath the other papers.

Anna came running in just after that. Her strawberry blonde hair undone from the usual twin braids. She halted once she saw me next to Elsa and she gave me a suspicious look. Didn't expect her to come in and Veena left not long ago. Man with all these run ins I'll never be able to talk to Elsa.

"What are you doing? Why are in my sister's office and why is your blazer on her shoulder?" She asked rambling on that I barely caught the words. Typical Anna.

Before I opened my mouth Elsa began to steer. Her eyes half closed with sleep. I bit my lip. It was obvious that she hasn't been getting sleep, the nightmares must've returned. Why was she pushing me away? Now I sounded stupid. Veena was right me and Elsa have been avoiding each other mutually. But I guess it's me that ended up being the most cowardly.

"Anna what are you doing? Why are you here? Also why is there a couch outside?" She asked shaking off the blazer and returned it to me without another word. I just noticed there is a black couch behind Anna.

"Oh right isn't it great? Me and Kristoff came across a furniture store in Africa that sells furniture of the best materials. We planned on getting some for our house but you know we needed a place to keep it. Me and him rented a warehouse but this extra couch is too big to fit. So I thought that I might as well give to you since well your office has always been a little plain." She grinned.

"It's a office An it's not a resting room." Elsa got up and walked to Anna's side. I feel that she just trying to find something to separate me and herself. I'm not going to lie that stung.

"Right anyway you have yet to answer my question? Jack was it?" Anna evaded Elsa and walked towards me.

"Yeah well um… your sister is my boss and I am her personal assistant so of course I'm in here. Also as her fellow employee I'm just being a gentleman and Elsa looked cold." I said awkwardly.

"Really? There's nothing else going on between the both of you?" Oh my god how is that me and Elsa are that obvious? Does everyone know we're in a relationship?

"Nothing Anna. Jack is just a close friend nothing else. We got to know each other well this past month." Elsa placed a hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Uh guys can you clear out? This couch is heavy." Kristoff said from the other side Lucien was holding one end while Kristoff was supporting it.

"Weak." Veena took over Kristoff's spot and moved the furniture into the room as we all moved. Kristoff stared in awe. Yeah Veena is crazy strong I had that reaction when I injured my leg and she carried me to the hospital. Most embarrassing moment in my life.

Elsa and Anna tried to contain their laughter as the two laid the couch down on the floor facing the work table.

I immediately sat down next to Kristoff and Lucien who both collapsed on it. It was made of black vintage plather. One of Arrendell Crops main export. It's weird that Anna got her sister something made from her own company. But maybe she didn't know. Elsa also told me that she doesn't like to involve Anna in too much political things. She wanted Anna to have her own freedom and not be tied down by Elsa's job.

"Well god news is you two don't have to bang in the closet anyone." Veena said sarcastically.

My eyes widened and gave the universal signal for CUT IT OUT! Veena looked at me, puzzled. She must've thought that we told Anna about me and Elsa.

I was kind of scared to turn and face Anna I could feel her heating stare from the back of my head. Kristoff seemed equally outraged and I need not face them to know it.

"Veena could you explain in greater detail what you meant?" Anna asked.

"We should just forget it." Finally Veena caught on to it.

"No no I agree with Anna. Veena please explain. Or maybe Jack would like to say something." Kristoff spoke this time. I swallowed the lump in my throat. A tense silence filled the room.

"Me and Jack are dating." Elsa's voice rang through the thick awkward quiet. Her voice was filled with longing as if she was trying to believe what she was saying is true. And she was a very hard time believing it. My stomach churned. I wonder if Elsa was going to add something like 'but we just broke up' or something like that.

I waited five, seven, nine, eleven seconds. No other words came out of her mouth. I am still unable to breathe.

"I knew it!" Anna yelled out enthusiastically. Fists pumping the air." Finally Elsa you found someone I'm so happy for you. I'm just disappointed that you didn't tell me earlier. I thought we were family."

"Me and Jack wanted to keep it a secret since our relationship is sort of a scandal." Elsa explained.

"Exactly." I said without thinking.

"Anyway my relationship is not the only thing going on. So Anna mind telling me how Kristoff proposed to you. I'm sure Veena will be very excited to hear it too." She was changing the subject.

"Sure maybe the guys can get the other sofas while us girls stay for girl talk okay?" Veena smiled catching onto Elsa's ruse.

"Fine come on guys to the van sorry you got dragged into this Jack." Lucien finally spoke up.

We all sighed in defeat and left the office. Elsa didn't meet my gaze once.

ELSA P.O.V

I felt very guilty and heart broken. Plus a lot of other conflicting emotions were stirring up within me. I tried to avoid the question about Jack but with Anna around the conversation always seems to round back to the same topic. Veena was trying to help but even she can't battle against Anna's power of enthusiasm and spunk.

"So the thing is I guess Kristoff wanted to propose to me properly. Yet I found the ring in his bag and questioned him about it. The rest is obvious." Anna reached out her hand to let us see her ring. It was a sliver ring with a diamond in the middle surrounded by emeralds in a circle.

I felt a little tug at my heart strings. On several occasions I've thought that maybe Jack might propose to me. I know I was rushing it and the chances of that happening was zero percent. I am happy for Anna but a little jealous at the same time.

"Elsa what's wrong? You and Jack have been a little on edge lately and don't think I have not noticed it." Veena asked. We were all sitting in the new couch and she scooted closer.

"Can I open up for a second here?" I said my gaze fell to the white tiled floor.

"Of course we are all girls here. We are the best in heart to heart talks." Anna said her hand reaching out to grip mine.

"I think Jack is just using me to gain…" I cannot tell them about Jack's job that will just get them into trouble as well. "More political power cause you know… CEO of the largest corporation in the world. What if he doesn't love me?" I ended.

Veena paused for a second holding her hand in front of Anna gesturing for her to not talk." Elsa I know my brother and his not the type of guy to use others. I just there might be other things keeping him busy for now."

"Wait Veena that's your brother?" Anna frowned." Seriously I leave for one month and I miss everything."

"Yeah Anna this past month is just… confusing. Veena your right as well. Jack is a good guy but–" I was tongue tied. I do not know what Jack is thinking but maybe it is best that we break up. I mean Ariel did say that the merge befalls the two involved into a visionary love. Maybe what I feel is that visionary love she talked about. I needed time to sort my feelings about all this about Jack.

A loud bang admitted from the door." Lucien watch it! Just open the door." The sound of the knob turning alerted us to drop our conversation.

The men can win later with Kristoff and Lucien carrying a similar capuchin to the one we are sitting on. Jack came in later struggling with a single sitter sofa. Veena had to help him.

After they all moved the furniture Anna and Kristoff bid us all goodbye. They were going to pick a venue for their wedding. Veena and Lucien left soon after saying they got a appointment for dinner. It was after after hours right now after they leave me and Jack will the only ones in the building.

When the door closed behind them another uncomfortable silence befallen the room. I tried to look busy and got Jack and myself some tea. He muttered a thank you and we sat apart from each other.

"So.…" Jack began attempting to break the atmosphere.

"So what?" I asked my loosening around the cup. There comes that feeling again. Whenever he speaks I feel the sudden urge to be close to him. I want to die.

"Elsa please don't be so distant," he looked up from his cup." Come here… I just need you beside me for a while." He patted the space next to him.

I did as he told me to placing the cup on the table that I moved over. Jack did the same as I sat down beside him. His hand flew to my waist and my breath hitched.

Using his other hand he lifted me up and a moment later I was on his lap. My pencil skirt running up my thighs. He rested his head on my shoulder arms wrapping around me." I'm so sorry Elsa. I don't deserve you."

"What? Jack don't pretend. Ariel told me I know." I said trying to force my way out of his grip, but he held on.

"Ariel of course," Jack grunted." Listen snowflake. The merge is a rare occurrence and people in it. But a few have been known to really love each other. I've done some research on it and it can be true of we are strong enough."

"That's not going to help Jack! Please if these feelings are real why must you go and make all this complicated? Maybe these feelings aren't real what then?"

"Then just know that I will always like you Elsa."

I took in a sharp breath he said 'like' instead of 'love'. Maybe the merge is already complete and he felt no need for me anymore.

"Then why?" I asked. Eyes welling up with hot tears. I was so glad that Jack can't see my face right now.

"Why what?"

"Why haven't you made love to me yet?" He shifted. That must have struck a nerve. Last time he wanted me in every way but now with this stupid merge in play is it his emotions talking or lust? Most probably the second, we were both virgins what is stopping him from taking me?

"Because even if this love is fake. I still respect you Elsa, and you said before we are not ready. Maybe we still aren't. All I know is I cannot take it from you if you don't love me if I don't love you."

"There you go throwing the L word again." I attempted to laugh but it came out as a raspy choke.

"Elsa I'm resigning and am leaving for Lithalf tomorrow." I went limp. "I'm just sorry."

He loosened his hold on me as I escaped from his embrace. "I'm sorry too."

He settled me down next to him and stared into my eyes. His bright ice like eyes warm and hurting. I wasn't used to seeing him like he was always the strong one the heroic one. I relied on him. I loved him. I was unable to contain my tears as a single tear escaped from my eye.

He brushed it away and gave me the smallest smile I have ever seen." So I guess we are breaking up huh?"

"I guess so." I said as he exited the room.

A/N : Don't worry they get back together in the end. So chill. Also if you think this a fast breakup go read manga one day relationships not making it up.