Since most of you have happily agreed to my question about writing smut, I will do that. But unfortunately, it won't be in this story. Instead, I'm going to post a smut one-shot (after I have completed this story) and it will most likely take place during Jack and Elsa's honeymoon. Wait, does 'honeymoon' spoil anything? Ah, well, you'll just have to read the chapter and find out ^_^ oh, and this is technically the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue after this. It will be adorable, I guarantee.
Time passed, and Jack's road to recovery was going according to plan. When he was still in the hospital, stuck in bed with sore muscles and an aching thigh, he was told to stay for as long as he needed. He defiantly refused at first, saying that he felt fine, but it was clear that he was not quite ready yet. As he struggled to even sit up–with me helping to support him–he fell back down, eliciting a series of painful, and frustrated, groans.
I promised to visit him every day after classes until he was healthy enough to leave. I brought him food that Anna and I had prepared – one of them including mint chocolate chip cookies, his personal favorite – and I even gave him an idea of what was taught in liberal arts class that day, as well as handing him the homework to complete; he didn't like it one bit, but I insisted on him focusing on school work, for he was missing out on a chunk of class time due to his injury.
Overall, during my visits with him, we would share kisses and discuss random topics that would be brought up. I missed doing this with him, being ourselves and just having hanging out. Lately our lives have been entangled in a mess of stress and drama – mainly due to Pitch's devious schemes and his gang involvement, but the hassle of college is also an exception. Jack and I have never felt so close, so at peace; we would just talk with hours, completely disregarding the doctor's orders for Jack to get some sleep. But there would be those disappointing times when I had to leave the hospital so that Jack could rest; however, on some nights I would stay and sleep next to his bedside.
The time came when he was finally able to leave the confined walls of the hospital, and actually go out into the world after–what–a month or two? Even I have forgotten how long he was in recovery. When Jack arrived back to campus, he was welcomed by all of our closest friends and even was given recognition by other students for his injury. Pitch was never heard from again; we had all assumed that he was imprisoned for his wrongdoings, as Hans was too. His gang was most likely scattered, all members now confused on the absence of their leader and have probably given up on their allegiance.
Marcus was nowhere to be seen either. Even though the academy itself was enormous with thousands of students attending, the deceptive coward of a man could not be found in any nook or cranny of the campus. It was like the time when Pitch disappeared after his fight with Jack. Marcus was panged by guilt and shame, thus causing him to hide away from other people. I'm glad that he is gone; from what Jack has told me, Marcus helped Pitch with revenge, ultimately turning him into a villain. And if he ever showed his face back at the academy, Jack would not hesitate to make him regret it.
Jack settled back into the rhythm of attending classes and the usual pileup of homework. He was disheartened of the idea, but as I told him, it was better than being locked in the hospital with little to no contact with the outside world. Second semester arrived and it flew by like the blink of an eye. The struggle to keep up class work and tests, but to also make room for my boyfriend and friends, was a struggle that surely would have split me into two. But I survived, miraculously, and made it through until the final week of school.
The last week consisted of much studying and coffee espresso shots. While Anna and Rapunzel were practically carefree about exams, I dedicated myself to study and try my absolute best to pass these stupid exams. Jack, Kristoff, and the other guys were the opposite; they spent their time goofing off and playing video games. How typical of them.
On the eve of summer break, exams came and passed, leaving me content with my passing grade of all classes. I was so happy that I ran into Jack's arms, nearly knocking him over, and we laughed in each other's mirth for the time being. Jack, on the other hand, did pass his exams but only by a sliver of luck. He shrugged it off like a loose coat, saying that he only cared about the fact that he passed.
And then freedom was ours as summer was here, unleashing us from the restricting bonds of school. I was officially a senior, and so was Jack. I didn't pay much attention to it, though. It was summer vacation! Time to lay back and enjoy my time off with loved ones.
Anna and I drove back to our home two hours away, with our other friends following. We were planning on going on a road trip around the country. All of us, jam packed in car, and traveling to various cities around America. Should be fun, right? Either way, I was just overjoyed that Jack would be with me the entire time, constantly holding me close and telling me that I was the most special person in his life.
~One year later~
I couldn't believe it. Today was my graduation, and I could not have felt more excitement than how I was now. As I walked onstage toward the headmaster of the academy, Landon Jepson, I took a brief glance at the widespread crowd before me. Nervous flares pricked at my insides at the thousands of piercing eyes staring me down. In the ocean of people, I spotted the gleaming face of Anna sitting in near the front row. Being only a junior at this time, she was not yet able to graduate, but as her eyes caught sight of me, her lips stretched into a huge smile as she waved at me.
Next to her was Kristoff who, officially, was now a senior since he had already gone through his junior year. Joining alongside was Rapunzel, Flynn, and Hiccup who erupted into smiles and applause as so did the rest of the crowd. I gave a small wave to the group of my friends and focused back to where I was walking. Landon smiled warmly as he handed the diploma to me, murmuring, "Congratulations," and I placed my hand into his extended one for a firm handshake. I heard the click and the flash of a camera to my side as a photographer took a picture, but I ignored it and whispered, "Thank you," back to Landon as I brushed pass him.
I descended down the steps of the stage, careful not to trip over my outrageously tall heels, and was greeted by Jack patiently waiting at the bottom. He wore the same attire as me: a formal dark blue gown and cap with gold tassels cascading down the side of his head. He opened his arms wide, a smirk tugging at his lips, and I rushed into his embrace, burying my face into his chest.
"We did it, babe," he whispered into my ear. "We survived the last year of hell."
"Oh, hush," I say and pull away from him, grinning. "It wasn't that bad."
He shrugged in a slightly agreeable way and leaned forward to place a kiss on my lips.
"HEY!" We both cast our gazes to the side as Anna bounced up to us, her pretty green skirt getting ruffled by her speedy movements, with Kristoff and the others following from behind. "Congrats!" Anna exclaimed as she crashed into me with a fierce hug, and I awkwardly returned it, laughing as I did. My other friends crowded around me and Jack, exchanging words of congratulation and giving us pats on the back.
"Ooh, hey guys?" Rapunzel says and we all turn our attention towards her. "I was wondering if we could all meet up at the bistro on the pier along the Hudson River. We could have lunch in honor of Jack and Elsa's graduation." The rest of us murmured and nodded in agreement, and – of course – Anna spoke out in enthusiasm.
"Oh! That sounds wonderful!" She nodded and smiled, pearly teeth showing and all.
"Then it's a plan," Rapunzel grinned. "Are you all going to travel there together or meet up individually?"
"Well," Jack stepped forward, rubbing the back of his neck. His cheeks were reddening and he looked slightly nervous. I bit my lower lip in speculation. "I actually have to stop by my dorm and pick up something."
"Okay," Rapunzel bobbed her head in approval. "May I ask what it is?"
"Uh, oh, it's nothing, really," Jack was on the verge of stuttering, and he covered it up with a sheepish grin. He glanced at me for a split second, smiling, and moved his eyes to the ground. At the sight of his magnificent sapphire eyes, a shiver ran down my spine.
"Alright. I guess we will all meet there then?" Rapunzel asks and we, including me, nod and respond with yes. As we say simple goodbyes and branch out into separate pieces, I watch Jack walk away and quickly move up to his side.
"So, what are you getting from your dorm?" I ask and he stops in his tracks, casting his sparkling eyes onto me.
"You'll see," he smiles. "I promise, it's a gift, per se, for someone very special."
I feel my cheeks grown warm. I just know he's talking about me. I can tell from the twinkle in his eyes to the gentle curve of his lips and even how he grasps my hand, squeezing it affectionately.
"Sorry, gotta bolt," He kisses me hard and runs forward, turning around to give me wave of his fingers. "I'll see you later!" He calls out and trips over his own feet, stumbling and nearly falling. I smile and laugh behind a hand as he steadies upright and shoots me a smirk. What a klutz that boy was, but I loved him anyways.
When I arrived at the restaurant with Anna and Kristoff, the others–including Jack–were already there. Before driving here, I changed out of my graduation cap and gown, trading it for a light blue skirt, short-sleeved white blouse, and black flats. My hair was styled into the trademark plait, blonde bangs stroked back from my forehead with the exception of a one drooping down. Jack was out of his gown as well and wore a formal gray buttoned-down shirt that was rolled up at his elbows, a blue tie that matched completely with his eyes, black pants, and dark shoes. He looked incredibly handsome, especially with his white hair that was perfectly disarrayed. I felt myself grow warm with unnatural desires and a faster beating heart.
Jack pecked me on the cheek and took ahold of my hand as we were ushered to a large table by a waitress. The table was located in front of a clear window overlooking the river; it was gorgeous view with multiple boats dotting the waters and the sky was as blue as the river below, waves tumbling in a disorderly fashion. All of us chose where to sit and we situated ourselves after that. I sat next to Jack right near the window where I could look out any time at the beautiful scenery.
For the next hour or so, we all chitchatted and laughed about fond memories – and also the bad ones – that had occurred so far at the academy. This was me and Jack's last experience with the impressive school, and though it was saddening, I yearned to go out and explore the imaginable possibilities that were in store for my future. Our food was served, and I laughed uncontrollably at Jack's ridiculous jokes as I enjoyed my fettuccini alfredo. His jokes were so cheesy, but I laugh every time he says one.
When lunch was finished up with the waiter happily picking up empty plates, we all resumed back to talking. Jack was silent for a moment, staring down at his lap. After that, he peered at me, his lips possessing the hint of a smile. "Elsa?"
"Hmm?" I looked at him.
"Will you come outside with me? I would like to show you something."
"Of course." I say and stand up as he did. We push our chairs in and Jack explains to the others that we were going for a walk on the pier. He grabbed my hand and led me out of the bistro. The sun was high in the sky, but the weather was mild and not too hot. Light breezes of wind blew through my hair and whistled in my ears. The outside world was an untamed beauty to my eye and I wish that I could stay in this place, at this very moment in time, for a good while.
Jack and I walked slowly down the wooden pier, enjoying the imagery and sound all around us, and ultimately leaning into each other's frames intimately. Being here alone with Jack gave me the best feeling, but what I wondered is what he was planning on giving me as a 'gift' or an exaggeration of terms from what I could make from his wordings. We stopped on an outstretched part of the pier and leaned over the metal railings, staring down at the water. This area was free of much public activity and gave us peaceful silence to bask in.
"I really like it here," Jack says, his eyes not tearing away from the waters below. "Isn't it lovely?"
"Yeah, I agree," I respond as I watch a wave gentle lap at the rust and algae induced pier.
"Can I confess something?" he asks and I look over at him, arching an eyebrow.
"Yeah?"
"This," He shifts his body around so that he is looking straight at me, and points a finger up to his messy hair. "is not my natural hair color." A grin spreads along his lips as I stare at him, bewildered.
"What? It's not?" I feel both confused and struck at the same time, but that's mostly because I'm pondering on why he decided to tell me this now.
"Yep," he smirks. "I'm actually a natural brunet. I bleached my hair when I was young, and have been doing so until now to keep it white."
"Oh, that's surprising," I chuckle. "But why did you randomly just tell me now?"
"I just wanted to inform you in case you're wondering why our future children have brown hair, if they do so." His jumble of words come out as a murmur, and yet I still hear them clearly. I freeze, staring at him with wide eyes. What did he just say? I'm about to react with flustered words, but instead he gets down on one knee and grasps my hand, his blue eyes smiling up at me.
"We've known each other for a bit of a while now, Elsa," he began. "Ever since I first met you, I felt this connection to you. I was captivated by your eyes, your smile, your personality, and even that cute giggle of yours. You're beautiful in every way possible, and I want to make you feel like the queen that you've always been, as your loyal king. I want to give you the love and respect that you deserve, and cherish you as much as I can. I want to wake up every morning next to you and gaze upon your flawless beauty. I want to raise our children together and I will protect you all with my very life. I want to grow old with only one place in mind: by your side. Tell me, will you let me do all of that?"
My hands were over my mouth, my body rigid with all of the emotions that were coursing through me. I slowly nodded my head, which then turned into rapid bobs. The overwhelming sensation was beginning to show as tears flooded my eyes, but I blinked them away. I can't this was happening. Jack was proposing to me? This was all so unreal that I thought it was merely a dream; however, it was very much real.
He reached into the back pocket of his pants and his hand came back holding a small, deep lavender velvet box. His fingers pried the lid open, revealing the most perfect ring that I have ever seen. It was a silver band with a sparkling snowflake-shaped gem and in the center was a luminous light blue diamond that reflected the sun's rays in glorious shiny glints.
"Elsa, will you marry me?"
I didn't give his request a second thought.
"Yes!" I leapt forward and wrapped my arms around his neck, melting my body into his. He kissed my neck and pressed his face into my shoulder, his chuckles muffled.
It was official. This was no dream or illusion. We were getting married; we will be together for a very long time. As we pull apart and kiss, I feel my stomach flutter like a songbird's wings, and I am practically boiling with happiness.
He is mine and I am his.
AHHHH *explodes from the feels that I have given myself*
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