Austrian: Nah, Manny didn't give Elsa her powers. Disney keeps it as secret, so will I. You're welcome, I wish I could update quickly every time! Ja, ich wasche oft meine Handen und ich bin zu Hause seit zwei Wochen. Hoffentlich ist alles gut bei dir.

Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 9: Snowflake

The sunlight illuminated the auburn-haired woman's face, she seemed younger and happier as a tiny smile spread over to her pretty face. Katherine rarely smiled or grinned, this was the sincerest smile of hers that Elsa has ever witnessed.

They were in a massive coop, the two women were surrendered by chickens, roosters, their babies and geese. Katherine brought Elsa there, saying that she wanted to pet her favorite animal. It was a normal-sized, white-furred goose. The goose looked extremely elegant and gracious, like a noble. As soon as the goose saw Katherine, it basically hopped and revolved around her, then snuggled closer to the woman while she was caressing its fur.

"Elsa, meet Kailash. I found her when she was a baby, alone in the woods. She thinks I am her mother." Katherine introduced Kailash sheepishly, her cheeks flushed a little.

Her heart basically melted at Katherine's explanation. Geese were often described as wild, ill-tempered and peevish but Kailash seemed otherwise. It was good-natured, calm and friendly, just like Katherine.

A part of her claimed she was supposed to hate Katherine. However, Elsa simply couldn't dislike her, she probably never would be. Katherine was kind and sympathetic, she never acted hostile towards Elsa.

That's why, she felt terribly awful, ashamed of herself. This woman put her trust in her, encouraged North to let her and Jack get into an adventure, thanked Elsa repeatedly for her help, attempted to befriend her while she was doing what? Fooling around with her husband, letting him in, allowing him to get closer and closer to her heart.

And there was the horrible truth: None of this was Jack's fault, he was clearly in love with Katherine, which guy wouldn't? He was just trying to be friendly, they had the same powers, of course, he wanted a more intimate relationship. But that didn't mean he was thinking anything romantic!

"Jack makes fun of me because of this situation. He calls me Mother Goose some time to time."

She felt her lips, curling up a little, but her heart was aching. He always came up with a good nickname. It pained her so much to act as if she hated the nickname 'Snowflake'.

"So, how is your relationship with Jack?"

Elsa was out of breath for a moment, those words gave her goosebumps. She wobbled a little, placed her palm on her forehead as she gained her balance back. She refused to answer, she just couldn't because, in fact, she wasn't sure if she truly knew.

The platinum blonde opened her eyelids widely when she felt the gentle touch of a soft, warm hand on hers. She blinked when Katherine's hand raised hers and brought closer to Kailash. She felt the head of the goose, her whiter than white silky fur brushed her hand delicately.

"Kailash is friendly, still, she warms up to strangers not so promptly. You must be a natural." Katherine complimented, Elsa felt an urge to stare at her gray eyes... They were gleaming and Katherine was grinning, it was so genuine, even more than before.

This was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

"I am so, so, so sorry. I am an awful person." Elsa blurted out, her voice was shaking, the lump in her throat was preventing her from breathing normally. She buried her hands on her face as the guilt was spreading over her heart.

When she heard Katherine's giggle, she prepared herself for the upcoming event... "Oh, Elsa. What do you think Jack and I are?" she popped out a question.

"Jack is your husband. Look, Katherine, you have every right to be angry with me-" her attempt to explain was cut off by the auburn-haired woman's laughter.

"Elsa, Jack is my fiancé." she managed to let out between her chuckles while she was wiped away the teardrops.

Did Katherine find this... funny? Elsa felt herself scowling because her of perplexity. "What's the difference? You two are in love either way."

The woman's laughter became louder and louder, she was holding her stomach. "Oh stop, seriously, it hurts to laugh now." she said, pausing nearly between her every word. Eventually, her laughter died. "Elsa... Neither I am not in love with Jack, nor is he."

"W-What?" she stuttered out, her puzzlement rosed even more.

Katherine returned to her usual reserved and collected self, her gray eyes were discerning and compassionate. "That idiot obviously didn't tell you... I guess I am the storyteller once again." she mumbled, chuckled to herself in a brief moment of amusement. "I am from a neighbor kingdom, which is very tiny. I have only my father, we have no other relatives therefore, I am the only heir to the throne." she commenced on clarifying.

Elsa knitted her eyebrows once again, too focused on Katherine, the woman continued when she understood that Elsa had digested those words. "Of course, the counselors pestered me to get married and give birth. The problem is that, I am not in love with anyone. So, I had an idea. Ever since I could remember, Jack is my best friend. He also likes no one but everyone also wants him to get married because they think he would finally grow up and be 'useful'. I proposed Jack to marry, he instantly accepted because now, no one pressures him. While he is going to enjoy his freedom, Bunny and Emma's future children will be the heirs to my country's throne."

"So it is an arranged marriage."

"Exactly, but we won't even share the same bed." Katherine cringed in disgust. "Even the thought of it is hideous."

She let out a sigh in despair while she was struggling to conceal her emotions. She insulted him for nothing, probably upset him.

"You should talk with Jack, now." Katherine stated with a serious tone, her features were impassive.

"What about Tooth? She will be mad for not attending to the picnic."

"I will handle it, don't worry." she reassured her instantly.

Elsa nodded, feeling determined, she stood more upright and raised her chin. She needed to fix this. She headed to the exit of the coop and before she left there entirely, she took one last glance at Katherine. "Thank you." she declared sincerely.

"Snowflake... A pretty nickname, don't you think?" the auburn-haired princess made a comment about the nickname that he has given to her, instead of saying something polite about her appreciation.

"Did he tell you?"

Katherine's lips curled up a little in amusement, she had this mysterious aura that she somehow always had. "He is in the meeting room, Elsa."


She stood in front of the massive door, her eyes were dull, outlines were entirely apathetic. She felt numb, but she knew, once she let go of her emotions... She had to apologize but she also had to be strong in front of him. She didn't want him to pity her and accept her apology because of it.

With a deep sigh, she raised her fist and knocked on the door slowly. "Come in!" she heard King North's joyful voice. Elsa exhaled and inhaled once again, she turned on the doorknob leisurely and stepped into the room.

She did not take a further step, didn't blink, didn't make any kind of gesture or mimic actually. She stiffened, her posture was frozen. He remained the same since she had last seen him, if she had to admit though, his features had grown to be a bit more mature. Nevertheless, he was the same. His red hair was combed neatly, his light freckles and fair skin was glowing as if he was using a creme, his clothes looked like they were ironed hundred times.

And those stupid, disgusting, funny looking sideburns.

He raised his hands to indicate his surrender when the sharp ice was a few inches apart from his throat, threatening him to pierce it. Elsa's lips quivered in hatred, her left hand formed to a fist as her right hand was lifted, controlling the ice.

"Elsa! What the hell are you doing?" she heard Aster's yell, it sounded bewildered more than angry. From the corner of her eye, she peeked at the room. Only Pabbie, North, Aster, Sandy and Jack were there.

"Where's Kristoff?" she inquired harshly, she gave absolutely zero crap that she sounded impolite and rough.

"He left to find you and Anna-" North answered and would have continued unless Elsa let him speak.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she growled dangerously, she was scowling so hard that her forehead actually ached. Nonetheless, she was too mad, she didn't care.

"Elsa, let's just calm down for a-" that hideous voice couldn't proceed because the sharp point of the ice was contacting his throat, but still not enough to pierce the skin.

"I asked, what the hell were you doing here. Answer me." she commanded with a furious roar.

Hans Westergaard of Southern Isles gulped and directed his green eyes at her with a slight glimpse of fear, but his expression stayed calm. "I know you won't hurt me. I am here as an ambassador, I represent Southern Isles."

"Stop." she halted him, she seriously couldn't bear hearing his voice.

"If you actually listen to me-"

"Prince Hans..." the deep, manly but polite voice that she has grown to admire spoke for the first time. He removed himself from his seat, casually grabbed his staff and finally, he rested his calm but extremely frigid blue eyes on the redheaded man sharply. "With all due respect, shut your damn mouth up."

Then, he gripped Elsa's hand and headed to door with firm steps, slammed the door as loudly as possible.


She felt herself crouching down, more likely collapsing on the floor whereas she was fuming, desperately making an effort to suck some air regularly.

"What had he done to you?" Jack asked with an icy tone, gave her shivers down her spine. She didn't look at him, but she could feel his blue eyes on her.

She did not reply. "Elsa. What had he done to you?" he questioned her once again, this time, his tone was more demanding and angrier.

"He manipulated my sister by tricking her that he was in love with her, then tried to kill me and Anna to become the king of Arendelle."

She heard the sound of the door opening. Jack brought her to an empty room as soon the left there. She raised her head and saw him, leaving. "Jack, stop!" she shrieked and yanked him from his ankle.

"I am going to kill him." he growled under his breath, she never knew he could be that much mad as she finally darted her gaze at him. He was scowling so hard, his hands were shaped to fists and his left hand was clutching his staff.

She stood up, clenched his wrist and pulled him softly. He simply let her do the action, soon, he was in front of her and the door was closed. His mesmerizing, piercing blue eyes were weary. In fact, he seemed exhausted due to his sullen face. Being surly truly did not suit him. "He won't worth it." she mumbled with a low tone.

He supported her. Even though she practically shut him out, disrespected their friendship, hurt his feelings, he stuck up for her.

"He will regret, I promise. I won't let anyone hurt you... never." he stated with a huge amount of uncharacteristic seriousness. His wonderful deep blue eyes finally softened, just like his voice.

"Why are you doing this, Jack? I pushed you away and damaged your feelings." she choked out with a broken voice while she wrapping her arms around herself.

"Damage? Elsa, you broke my heart." he replied matter-of-factly. "I am totally wretched. However, you are also devastated, I can see that."

"I am sorry."

"Just tell me. Tell me what's bothering you. Show yourself, your feelings, Snowflake.

The sweet sensation of a shiver tingled her body. She bit her bottom lip, ceased for a moment to consider his words, then, with a slow but very committed way, she nodded as her veins were burning with determination. Jack was right, she had to express her feelings and be honest.

"Okay." she breathed out and nodded once again. She darted her gaze on him, his blue eyes were calm and even though not so warm, they weren't cold anymore. "I thought you and Katherine were married and well, in love with each other. I mean, don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous or anything, I just thought... Our relationship was inappropriate, considering you had a wife." she attempted to explain in a straightforward way, was being truthful.

"Pardon me. Inappropriate? In what way? I thought we were friends." Jack's eyebrows formed to a cute frown, he seemed confused.

"Of course we are!" Elsa immediately responded, she felt her cheeks burning. "I... Jack, I am sorry. I just never had a male friend, as close as you. I am still kinda new to this whole friendship thing. I thought Katherine would interpret us in a different way." she said honestly. However, she couldn't tell him the entire reality... So, she was kinda being a little dishonest at this point.

She admitted that her earlier thoughts sounded extremely stupid now. Nevertheless, she knew why she acted in that way. Of course, she wasn't in love with Jack, it has been only a week. Nonetheless, he intrigued her and even though they were in a friendship status, she knew, in the future, her platonic feelings would likely develop into romantic ones. That's why, while it was still early, she pushed him away.

"Snowflake... Look, you may have not realized it but I truly care about you. It broke me how you shut me out without actually telling me what your problem was. We should be honest with each other." Jack spoke silently, he sounded sad, his lips were pressed together and his blue eyes were opened widely. He looked like a kicked puppy.

"You are absolutely right." she spoke confidently. "Jack, if you want, I would like to tell you about my past." she offered.

"I would like that very much, Snowflake."

So she told him everything. She told him how she struck Anna with her ice, how she shut Anna out and isolated herself from everyone for thirteen years. She told him about the ice castle, how she froze the entire kingdom, how she learned to thaw her powers thanks to love. She explained to him about the mysterious voice, the history between Arendelle and Northuldra, the true reason being her parents' death, how she became the fifth spirit and saved Arendelle with her sister. She told him how much she valued her sister, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven.

"That's it." she finished eventually, and swallowed to ease her throat. When she realized that Jack was staring at her in absolute shock, his jaw was dropping to the ground, she added: "What?"

"That's it? Woah, lady, you have a life full of crazy adventures. Seriously, you are only twenty-four." he rambled in awe, caused her to flush. "You are such a strong female figure. I like that about you, Snowflake." he added nonchalantly, didn't seem embarrassed of his words.

However, she was certain that her blush reddened even more whereas her cheeks were burning due to the rising heat. "I didn't mean any of those words when we had argued, Jack." she blurted out, suddenly felt an urge to return to the main topic. "You are more than just an ally to me. You mean a lot to me and well... I like that nickname." she confessed, her ears were literally on fire.

All of a sudden, she felt her body pulled, two pairs of strong arms wrapped around her body, she could feel his hard, lean but muscular body. Automatically, her head was buried against his wide chest. His broad shoulders were trapping her upper body, not that she minded. "Promise me."

"About what?" she asked, instinctively she raised her head a little, her nose stroked his neck just a little. She could feel his breathing after he had said those words because his head was resting on her hair now.

"No matter what happens, I don't care, promise me that you will never push me away, never again." he mumbled, his clasp on her tightened.

It was a big commitment for Elsa. She was so used to isolating herself, she even avoided Anna, the person she loved most. But if she didn't vow to always let him in... She would lose him and she could never risk that. "I promise. I will never let go of you."

"Good. That's exactly what I want." he replied with his deep, smooth voice, made her shiver. He attempted to broke their embrace after a while, but she stopped him.

"I need a couple of minutes more."

"Fine by me." he breathed out, his lips were brushing her hair, she could feel them moving as he spoke. "I can stay like this forever."

She embraced him tighter, buried her head on his chest further as a response. "Really, that's the best you could come up with?" she couldn't resist the urge of teasing him.

Quite strangely, he did not say something snarky or sarcastic, he didn't joke. Instead, his grasp tightened, Elsa found herself feeling his forehead, pressed against hers while his nose was brushing hers. He shut down his eyelids, then reopened them, she was witnessing the most beautiful, bluest eyes, she could swear that there snowflake patterns inside of his orbs. "Together, Snowflake?"

"Together. Always."

Here you have tons of romance, drama and so on. I am a merciful author, of course, I won't make a love triangle... At least, not in this fanfiction because it's totally unnecessary. These dorks have plenty of problems already. Anyway, please, please review, it motivates me a lot. Love ya all!

Btw, did you anticipate Katherine to behave like that? Did you expect Hans to appear?