Author's Note: that WINNEREST WINNING OF WINNERS: You're reviews are some of the longest I consistently get; no need to apologize ;) Thanks for the encouragement! I know… I haven't found the right guy either, but I'm sure he'll come around. Some day. LSR7: Well, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. And, yes. That's coming up soon. Abbi: Thank you so much! And I love the word you used at the end from Mary Poppins. It's one of my favorite adjectives ;)
Sorry that I haven't updated in a bit! I usually take a break for two days MAX. I was intending to update yesterday, but guess what got in the way? School! Anyway, here's the chapter. Please tell me what you think ;)

Elsa's eyes fluttered open and she stretched as best she could without waking Jack, feeling refreshed. Jack had a snug grip on her waist. He'd cuddled up behind her when they had slept. Her cheeks heated with a light blush, but she was inexplicably happy that he was holding her so. The house was still enshrouded in darkness, the sun had yet to peek above the mountains. After a few minutes, Elsa managed to gently pry his fingers without waking him. Elsa tip-toed down the stairs, avoiding the creaky spots she'd committed to memory. Elsa exhaled with relief when she reached the bottom and stepped outside. The air felt fresh and new; a gentle breeze caressed her skin. Elsa seated herself on the rocking chair and watched as ribbons of golden sunlight spilled into the forest. The pine trees were a black silhouette against the brilliant gold sky. The dew drops, adorning the forest, seemed to glow with their own golden radiance.

Once the magnificent display of nature was over and the sun began its regular course, Elsa walked back inside. All the lights were still turned off. Elsa frowned. Jack should have been awake by then. He usually didn't sleep in unless she slept in. She softly padded up the stairs and peered into the room. The pillow propped up his head and the blankets were tangled around his legs. Elsa knelt on the mattress.

"Jack?"

He frowned, but didn't open his eyes. "Hmm?"

"You alright."

He nodded, but didn't say anything else.

Elsa thought this was unusual. He was never curt with her. Elsa gently placed her hand on his forehead. She was met with searing heat. She gasped and pulled away. "Jack, you're hot!"

He chuckled and finally opened his eyes. Elsa almost forgot how to breathe when she met his bright blue eyes. "Glad you finally noticed."

"Jack!" She lightly slapped his arm. "This isn't the time for jokes!"

He smirked. "You just admitted I'm hot."

Elsa rolled her eyes, though a smile threatened her lips. "Jack, this is serious." She placed her hand on his forehead again, met by the same burning heat.

"You just can't keep your hands off of me, huh?"

"Jack!" Her cheeks burned and she quickly turned away to hide a small smile. She delivered another light, reprimanding slap to his arm. "I'm going to go and get you breakfast. You be good."

Jack shook his head stubbornly. "No, I-I'll be up in… a few minutes." He promptly buried his face into a pillow.

"Jack, you stay." Elsa left and went downstairs to prepare a basic meal of eggs and biscuits. She returned a moment later with a steaming platter for Jack and found him in the same position she'd left him. Elsa set the plate on the nightstand and knelt on the bed again. She gently shook his shoulders. "Jack?" No response. She bent down so her head touched the mattress and gently brushed his cheek. "Jack?"

His eyes fluttered open and both his hands latched onto her wrist. He pulled her on top of his hard chest. Elsa blushed furiously at the contact. He smirked. "By any chance, have you heard of Doctor Overland?"

Elsa quirked an eyebrow, wondering where he was going with this.

Jack took her silence for a 'no.' "Well, he's a wonderful doctor and he's prescribed me… roughly…" Jack thought for a while. "86,400 kisses per day."

Elsa's eyes widened as her body flushed with heat. "That's impossible!"

He smirked again. Elsa's heart nearly stuttered and nearly stopped before racing, pounding furiously against her chest. "That's one kiss per second, I suggest you get started."

"Jack!" she scolded for the umpteenth time. Elsa managed to squirm out of his grasp, though he made it rather difficult. She finally stood beside the bed and put her hands on her hips. "You don't have a… bo-bo. Sickness is more of an internal problem."

"Like my broken heart?"

Elsa rolled her eyes, though her lips curved in the barest of smiles. "You need lots of sleep and good food." She set the plate in front of him.

"Not hungry."

"Jackson—"

"But, I'll make a deal with you."

Elsa crossed her arms. "What kind of deal?"

Jack smiled smugly. "Nothing much really…"

Elsa let out an exasperated sigh. "Well?"

"And I can see you're just dying to know…"

"Jackson Overland Frost, spit it out before I make you!"

Jack chuckled and his eyes sparkled. "I'd like to see that."

Elsa groaned. "You are impossible. Hopelessly and utterly impossible."

Jack grinned. "I know. And I'll eat my food if…"

Elsa shot him an icy glare.

"You fulfill the prescribed quota."

Elsa gave him a long look. "You want me to kiss you… 86,000 times?" she asked incredulously.

"86,400," he corrected.

"Jackson you eat your breakfast or I'll…" Her voice trailed off.

"You'll?"

Elsa searched for something—anything—she could use against Jack. "Look, if you've ever loved me, just eat the stupid eggs," she blurted. Elsa gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth, realizing what she'd just said. To even consider he'd ever loved her… that was too much to expect of anyone. Jack offered her a small, meaningful smile and began shoveling eggs into his mouth. Elsa's heart fluttered and her mouth parted slightly. Was he… joking? Elsa opened her mouth and closed it again, uncertain of what to say or do. She finally left the room and practically sprinted downstairs.

She gasped and put her hand over her chest, where her heart raced incessantly. Surely he couldn't mean… that. Elsa peered back up the stairs, glancing at the slightly opened wooden door. Despite herself, a brilliant smiled lit her features. Her heart practically sang. She turned away again. Once she had her thoughts in order, she ran back up the stairs. She opened the door slightly, revealing Jack's sleeping form, the blankets tossed aside, revealing his bare back, rippling with muscles. Elsa glanced at the t-shirt carelessly thrown onto the floor. Apparently, he was too 'hot' for his shirt. Oh, if Jack could read my thoughts right now, he'd never stop harping about it. Elsa found a plate, perfectly cleaned of food, on the nightstand. She snatched the shirt from the floor and set it on the nightstand. She walked around the bed and silently observed his handsome face. He had such perfect cheeks bones with a straight nose and chiseled jawline. His lips were slightly parted as he inhaled and exhaled, his bare and muscular chest rising and falling in sync. Elsa lowered herself and leaned towards him. She tenderly brushed a silky lock of hair from his forehead.

Elsa gasped when Jack grabbed her wrists and promptly flipped her onto the bed, her back flat on the mattress with Jack leaning over her. "Hey, beautiful." Her breath hitched and it seemed like her heart was about to burst with the sheer pleasure of hearing him say those words so… nonchalantly. He smirked. "You didn't forget about the deal, did you?" He cupped her jawline tenderly and his eyes flashed. His chest heaved as he leaned closer. Elsa parted her mouth slightly in surprise. Surely, he didn't intend to kiss her that many—Her thoughts were cut short as he pressed his lips to hers. Heat instantly infused into her body. Ripples of shock and delight spread through her. She felt tingles run up and down her spine. He groaned and his body temporarily tensed as he swept her into his arms, firmly pressing her to his body. Elsa felt hot everywhere. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, trying to keep up with her racing heart. Elsa could feel every muscular contour of his chest. His scent of peppermint and spice surrounded her. The sensations were making her light-headed, her body becoming limp as Jack held her and kissed her. Elsa sighed with pure pleasure. Jack responded by aggressively pulling her to him. He left hot kisses on her neck that seemed to sear her skin. Elsa felt totally helpless in his strong, capable arms. He finally resigned himself to nuzzling her neck, occasionally leaving a soft kiss on her face.

Elsa sighed again and snuggled closer. Jack moaned and began kissing her neck with renewed vigor. He forced himself to pause for a moment. His breathing was ragged. He turned back to her, his beautiful eyes sparkling. He placed several kisses on the tip of her nose, eliciting giggles from Elsa. He leaned on his elbow, propping himself up as he studied her, his eyes softening with fondness. He opened his mouth and closed it again before looking away. Elsa gently caressed his face, coaxing his gaze back to her. He smiled gently and twirled a tendril of hair around her finger. Elsa had never felt so content. She had no doubt she belonged at Jack's side… but did he belong at hers?

"Elsa…"

She loved it when he said her name. She smiled and returned the favor. "Jack…"

He chuckled. "You're so lovely."

Elsa smiled. "So are you."

He laughed before sighing. "Uh, why don't I help get you some breakfast?"

Elsa glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. "It's lunch time."

His eyes widened. "What?!" he asked incredulously. "It was just morning a second ago."

Elsa smiled and giggled again.

Jack smiled too. Elsa's breath caught as its radiance nearly blinded her. "Has anyone ever told you what a pretty laugh you have?"

Elsa blushed at the compliment and shook her head.

Jack let out a 'hump.' "Well, you do. I suppose everyone else is just too scared to tell you."

Elsa sighed. "Of they could be—"

"Deaf," he interrupted.

Elsa rolled her eyes, but didn't finish her sentence.

"Fine, I'll help you get lunch."

Elsa smiled. "You're sick. You need to stay in bed."

Jack stuck out his tongue. "Make me."

Elsa lightly punched Jack's shoulder. "You are so immature."

"At least I'm not beating up on feeble, sick people."

"But you deserved it!"

Jack sniffled. "I'm just a poor, sick person."

Elsa laughed loudly. "That's the worst acting I've ever seen."

Jack gasped and clutched a hand to his chest. "Elsa, you wound me!"

Elsa dissolved in giggles and the tenor of Jack's chuckles soon joined her. She sighed and tenderly cupped Jack's face. He lifted his hand to cover hers and leaned into his touch, a small smile lighting his features.

"Fine, let's compromise."

Elsa quirked her brow.

"I help you make lunch, then you make my lunch."

Elsa pursued her lips. "You're so stubborn."

Jack's eyes twinkled. "I know. It adds to my charm."

"What charm?"

He leaned towards her. "Why don't I show you how charming I can be?"

Elsa smiled and rolled her eyes. "Fine! You win."

Jack did a fist pump, much to Elsa's amusement. He grabbed her hand and eagerly ran downstairs with her in tow, as if they were going on a great adventure. With Jack, Elsa had a feeling everything would be an adventure.