Some of you were expecting Elsa to have dinner over at Jack's. While she does go over to his hose at the end of this chapter, it's not for dinner. Instead it just to spend the afternoon, and really to meet Jack's sister, who was so adamant about meeting Elsa last time. I hope you aren't disappointed, but it would be to repitvite to have to sit down dinners with each family one right after the other.

"The schedule for the hockey games just came out," Kristoff said as he sat next Anna at lunch on Friday, "The first game is right before the winter break then the rest in early January,"

"Who's the first match against?" Rapunzel asked.
"Open Road, no competition," He said dismissively, "The real match will be the second game,"
"How would you know?" Anna asked, "We won't know who you're up against until the others schools have their games,"
"Because of the way the groups are we'll face the winner of DreamWorks vs Blue Sky,"
Everyone at their table stopped eating to look at him.
"The moonies and Blue are meeting up in the first game of the season," Flynn let out a low whistle, "That is not going to be pretty,"
Blue Sky's strongest sport was without a doubt hockey. Last year they had managed to knock out both DreamWorks and Disney before the finals. One of those rare occasions when neither powerhouse school made it into the finals.
"Doesn't matter who wins," Kristoff said, "Either team will be difficult to go against. But at least we'll have the holidays to get in as much practice as possible,"
"I'd rather the moonies," Eugene said, "I can't believe I'm actually hoping for them to win, but DreamWorks team might be easier to beat than Blue Sky's,"
"I know right. The triple combo Blue has with the mammoth, the sloth and the sabertooth is almost unstoppable. Those three alone could play against a full team, with no goalkeeper on their side and they'd still win,"
"Hey, don't worry. You'll get the team in top form once the rinks open," Anna said rubbing a comforting hand on Kristoff's back.
"I hope so," Kristoff said, "But a few of the guys are thinking about going to the game to scope out the competition,"
"Elsa, you must be excited," Eugene said.
"What? Why would I be excited about a DreamWorks game?"
"Uh…actually I was talking about the rinks opening. So you can ice skate,"
"Oh…" Elsa blushed and looked down at her food, "Right. Yeah, I can't wait,"

Kristoff and Eugene exchanged a look, while Rapunzel facepalm herself and Anna hide her groan in her arms. Elsa figured this would be a good time to bow out of the conversation. She made a comment about not being hungry and got up carrying the remnants of her meal to the bin. She thought about spending the rest of lunch in the library. As she was leaving the cafeteria she spotted the familiar mane of wild red hair.

Merida was stilling with Dingwall, Macintosh, MacGuffin, three members of the archery team. Elsa sighed and went over to their table.
"I'm going to the library," Elsa said.
"Why do you feel to need to tell me?"
"So you'd know you won't have to avoid our table like it was the sight of a nuclear spill,"
"Is that all?"
"…Yes,"
"Thanks for the info, but I was talking with my friends,"
"We're her friends?" Macintosh asked the two other boys.
"Of course you're my friends you dingdong," Merida hit him on the back of the head, "Why else would I be sitting here?"
"Well the rumour going around is that the two of you are fighting for some reason," Dingwall indicating between the two girls.

Great, Elsa thought, the school knows we're not talking. But she wasn't really surprised. People were bound to notice Merida wasn't spending any time with her and the others.
"Dingwall, shut ye' trap before I shut it myself,"
"Bunt yer lok ike ore higthing," MacGuffin said making everyone stare at him.
"I'm not really sure what you said, but I get the feeling I shouldn't like it." Merida told him.
"I'm going," Elsa said, "Just talk to the others for a bit. They miss having you around,"
"They miss me?" Merida's voice was sharp with anger.
"Of course they miss you."
"Well if they miss me, then the least I could do is say hi,"

Merida pushed away her tray and stood walking away furiously. In wasn't until Elsa was sitting in the library that she realised why Merida been so mad right before she stormed off. While Elsa talked about the others missing her, she didn't say anything about herself.
"Way to go Winters," She muttered to herself and let her head slump into her arms, "That's the way to get back on your best friend's side,"
"I'd hate to interrupt your conversation, but you're talking kind of loud. Noise and libraries don't go together,"
Elsa looked up to see Belle standing next to her table. "Sorry, I'll keep it down,"
"Hey," Belle noticed the tone of Elsa's voice and a concerned tone appeared in hers, "Is everything alright?"
"No…not really,"
"You want to talk about,"
Elsa gave a snort of derision, "No,"
"This wouldn't have anything to do with whatever you and Merida are fighting over?"
"Does everyone know about that?"
"It's kind of obvious, since Merida isn't hanging with you guys,"
"Great, just great."
"I'm going to go out on a limb here," Belle said carefully, "And say that what's going on might have something to do with the moony who came into my father's shop,"
"No," Elsa said.
"Okay, okay," Belle held her hands up, "I was just making a guess. I'll leave you alone to continue…whatever." She took a few steps then paused, "But if it were to have anything to do with you-know-who, well, if it were me I wouldn't want something that trivial to get in the way of my friendships. Especially one that goes as deep as yours and Merida's,"
Elsa looked at Belle, "Why would Voldemort want to get in the way of my friendships?"
Belle smiled at the reference, "Why indeed?" She left Elsa alone with her thoughts.

Jack checked his reflection in the rear view mirror for the third time in as many minutes. He'd noticed that he was becoming more aware of his appearance. He combed his fingers thought his hair trying to make it neater…or something. He huffed and gave up. Without industrial grade gel his hair refused to listen. He'd been so busy trying to get his hair to behave he missed the turn off for Elsa's street. Grumbling to himself he turned the car around making the right turn this time. He spotted the Winters sisters sitting on the porch out front as he pulled to a stop. He watched Elsa hit Anna, probably because she had said something at his arrival. Even though he couldn't hear them, the look on their faces as they bickered was priceless. He ran his hand through his hair one more time, checked his reflection and got out.

"Good afternoon ladies," He said bowing as he approached.
"Hi Jack," Anna said smirking, "How's it going?"
"Pretty good, you?"
"I'm good. Elsa and I were just talking-"
"Say another word I'll make your life hell," Elsa warned. Anna's smirk grew.
"As you wish sister dearest," Anna said sweetly. Elsa glared at her, but Anna wasn't fazed and continued to grin.
"So, you ready to go?" Jack asked.
"Yeah," Elsa stood.
"Not so fast," Anna said holding up her hands, "There are some things we have to go through first,"
"What?" Jack looked confused.
"Anna," Elsa's tone was guarded, "What are you doing?"
"Since dad's at work, he left me with the task of laying down the rules."
"You aren't serious?" Elsa pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Oh, I'm very serious. Dad basically made me his stand in, so…" Anna stepped in between Elsa and Jack. She cleared her throat dramatically and then in a deep voice, "Good afternoon Mr. Frost,"
"Ah…" Jack looked past Anna at Elsa, "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do,"
Elsa only shook her head in exasperation.
"Mr. Frost, can I confirm that you actually have a driver's license?" Anna said in her 'father' voice.
"Really?" Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, really." Anna said in a serious tone, "If you are going to be taking my baby girl in that death trap you call a car I'd at least like the peace of mind that she won't be an accessory to a crime,"
"Okay, we're going," Elsa said pushing past Anna, taking Jack's hand and pulling him with her.
"Aww," Anna whined reverting back to her own voice, "But I had a whole speech and everything,"
"Sorry, maybe next time," Elsa called back over her shoulder.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Anna called.
"Goodbye Anna," Elsa said in a final tone. Anna giggled and waved good bye.

Elsa let out a relived sigh as she sat in the passenger's seat. Jack couldn't contain his smirk as he started the car. Elsa noticed and shot him a look out of the corner of her eyes.
"Oh shut up,"
"I didn't say anything,"
"You were thinking it,"
"So you can read minds now?"
"I know you well enough to guess what was going up there,"
"Oh really? And what might I be thinking Ms. Winters,"
"Judging from that stupid grin on your face, probably that I look cute when I get frustrated." When Jack's jaw dropped Elsa knew she guessed right.
"I thought I'm supposed to be the stalker in this friendship,"
Elsa laughed, "Evidently the stalker has become the stalkee,"
"Princess, you can stalk me all you want," Jack said, causing a faint blush to appear on her cheeks.
"You know you almost had it perfect, but there was one thing off," Jack said.
"And what was that?"
"Cute wasn't the adjective I was thinking of. It was more along the lines of…you look damn sexy when you get frustrated," He leaned towards her slightly, his grin making her stomach twist in that not so uncomfortable way. He said that to see what kind of reaction he'll get out of her. But he'd been telling the truth. He did find it appealing when her eyebrows scrunched together and when that spark appeared in her eyes. It didn't hurt that she looked amazing on the whole. The form fitting green sweater with purple leather jacket was stunning on her. That together with the jeans that could pass as a second skin and black booths was more than enough to make it difficult for Jack to look away.
"Keep your eyes on the road Frost. If we get in accident my father will kill you,"
"But what if I die in the accident?"
"He'll still kill you,"

Jack laughed. He managed (somehow) to keep his eyes on the road…for the most part. He may have snuck a look or two. Elsa on the other hand was looking everywhere but him, taking in his car.
"You know Frost, you pegged me as a sports car kind of guy,"
"This was a compromise," He said, "It was between an older model convertible, or a newish car that I can use, and then pass on to Ellie when she's ready to drive. I was thinking about a sports model, but then mom wouldn't have let Ellie near the thing, would never let me drive her anywhere in it."
"I see," Elsa smiled, "Jack Frost, smoothing talking playboy on the surface, but really a big pill of sappy mush on the inside,"
"I'm only a pile of mush for Ellie," Jack said, "And don't tell too many people that. I do have rep to keep,"
"Who'd I tell?"
"There are several people. That lovely sister of yours, for one,"
"Sorry to break it to you Frost, but Anna and I have no secrets from each other. Sisters before misters and all that,"
"I'm your mister now?"
"Don't flatter yourself Frost,"
"Why would waste time flattering myself, when I could be busy flattering you?"
"You love to use that mouth of yours,"
"You sound like my best friend Aster. He's always telling me I talk too much,"

Jack waited for Elsa to respond, expecting her to agree with Bunnymund's observation. When no reply came he looked over. She face had fallen, and her eyes where suddenly sad.
"Elsa?" He asked gently.
"Mmh?" Elsa blinked and looked up, any trace of the dark cloud from a moment ago gone. "I'm sorry, I zoned out for a second."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine,"
"You sure, it looked like you where somewhere else just now,"
"Why are you looking at me? You should have those eyes on the road."
"Okay Princess. Just don't order my execution," Jack said with a laugh.
Elsa smiled as well, but only for a moment. The truth was when Jack mentioned his best friend she couldn't help but think about Merida and wave of guilt had washed over her. She wished there was some way to make Merida see that Jack was just a regular guy. She wished she could see past the titles of their schools.
"I heard the that your first game for Hockey season is against Blue Sky," Elsa said.
"Yeah, it sucks having to go up against the best team right off the bat," Jack said, "And for once I'm glad to only be a reserve member of the team."
"Who are the main members?"
"Hiccup and his hooligan tribe,"
"Hiccup…he's on the football team too."
"Yea. He's the team leader. The rest of the team are Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, and the twins Ruff and Tuff."
"Right, I remember hearing something about your team having girls on it,"
"You wouldn't have had the chance to see our team last year,"
"Nope. We were the lucky ones to go against Blue Sky early last year. They knocked us out in the third round,"
"And two rounds later they knocked us out of the semis."
"The rivalry between Disney and DreamWorks is so intense that sometimes you forget there are other good schools out there,"
"Blue certainly did remind us last year. Hiccup is so worried about the game that he as us running training drills already. And soon as the rinks opening we're going to be in there every day to get back into form."
"I just realised that I haven't teased you about the fact that there are girls higher in the line up than you are,"
"If you ever saw Astrid or Ruff play you won't make jokes. Those two can be more fierce that the guys at times."
"I can believe that. I know my fair share of tough girls," Elsa's mind thought of Merida instantly, but to stop herself from feeling guilty again she asked, "Have you ever seen Mulan from my school spar?"
"Mulan? Oh yeah, I was at the last martial arts tourney. She beat our Tigress. I've never seen Tigress lose to anyone. Girl or guy. The only person who ever came close was Po,"
"Po's the guy who won in the male division, isnt' he?" Jack nodded, "That guy has to be good to defeat Shang."

Jack laughed suddenly. Elsa looked at him strangely. "Did you suddenly get laughing sickness?"
"No," Jack shook his head, "I just thought it was funny. We're here, bonding over our schools rivalry."
Elsa thought about it for a moment then started laughing herself.
"Is laughing sickness a real thing?" Jack asked.
"It's called Kuru,"
"You're pulling my leg,"
"I'm serious,"
"How do you know these things Winters?"
She shrugged, "Random information has a way of sticking in my mind. But try to remember how to conjugate to the imperfect tense in Spanish that takes twenty times of revision and I still need to go over it before any test," This made Jake bark with laugher.
"Elsa, you kill me,"
"We can't have that. That's supposed to my dad's job,"
Jack snickered. He shook his head chuckling. "We won't want to deny him that pleasure, would we?" He and Elsa shared a quick smile. A short while later he slowed the car and pulled into a driveway.

Elsa leaned forward looking at the house in front of them. "So this is your house?"
"Nope, my house is across the street. I just like to park in my neighbour's driveway for kicks," Jack teased. Elsa hit him on the chest.
"You think you're so funny,"
"I do actually," He said with a huge grin. Elsa rolled her eyes and got out. Jack followed suit, falling into step with her as they walked up the front drive. He opened the front door with a flourish. "Welcome to my humble abode,"
"Quaint," Elsa said.
"Are you talking about the house, or me?"
"Both," Elsa stepped inside closely followed by Jack.
"Hey!" He called out, as he helped Elsa out of her jacket, "I'm back,"
There were sounds of running and Ellie came pelting into the hallway. She stopped a few feet from them, looking at Elsa.
"Elsa, allow me to introduce the world's most annoying little sister,"
"Jack!" Ellie complained.
"Hi Ellie," Elsa said with a smile, "It's nice to finally meet you. And don't listen to him. The world's most annoying little sister is my sister Anna,"
"That is true, but you come in a close second," Jack said. Ellie beckoned Jack closer. He knelt down. She flicked his forehead twice.
"Ow, what was that for?"
"That was calling me annoying,"
"Gee, and you flicking me. That's not annoying at all," He said rubbing the spot she'd abused. Ellie turned her attention back to Elsa. Smiling she said, "Jack talks about you all the time," She said matter of factly.
"Don't exaggerate," Jack snapped.
"But it's true, and he blushes when you text,"
"Ellie, that's not true!" Jack tried to grab his sister but she evaded his hands. Elsa hid her laughter behind her hand.
"Hey Elsa, did my brother ask you to be his girlfriend yet?"

Both teens froze.

Ah, the joys of childhood innocence and curiosity.

Nardragon~ until the next page.