Anna, Punzie and Merida all sat down at the stone table perched up on a platform in the Center Ring of the school. It was considered as 'Big Five Territory' as it's the very spot where the 5's wonderful friendship started and bloomed.
The 4 were already Sophomores when Anna came in the picture as a newly enrolled Freshman. It was all different back then. All was fair, and everyone was equal even though some are more known than others. No embarrassing humiliations, no diabolical pranks involving a fire in the Chemistry Lab, or a rat let loose in the dormitories exclusive for girls—in short, no Mojos. Hiccup was still going through puberty and he was only crushing on Astrid, Punzie had brown pixie hair, Merida (although already excellent in archery) was only a rookie on the team, and Jack never interacted with any other girl besides the girls in the Big Five.
Truly, it's amazing how fast time flies and how things have changed since then.
"It's a little surprising, isn't it?" Merida started.
Punzie looked at her, "What is?"
"How you got Jack and Elsa- of all people! - to play lovers"
"I know" Punzie giggled, "What can I say, Mer? I'm persuasive."
"How did they react when you decided they're the leads?" Anna asked curiously.
Elsa is an introvert while her sister is a little intrusive. Anna doesn't admit it but she wants to know everything that's going on in her big sister's life, but Elsa never opened up to her. They are no longer close unlike back in their childhood years, it may have been caused by the distance they had or the fact that they're both too occupied with their own lives to even care about the other.
"Well, they were complaining at first, in the end—majority won" Punzie smirked victoriously. "I would like to think of myself as their fairy godmother."
"How come?" Merida asked.
"Because, without them playing the lead, they wouldn't have developed for each other"
Anna raised her hands, leveled to her chest, as a gesture of pause. "Wait, so they do...like each other?"
"From the looks of it, yeah" Merida nodded while Punzie just shrugged.
Anna had this look of utter surprise and disbelief on her face; her mouth slightly gaped and her right eye twitched twice. She saw the two hugging in their dorm room so the shock she felt shouldn't be so massive. But why am I still so surprised?!, she thought.
"Elsa hasn't told you anything?" Punzie looked up at Anna.
Anna shook her head and wiped off the weird look. "N-no. I told you girls already, Elsa and I aren't close"
Before Anna could continue getting emotional and dramatic, Merida stepped in. "U-huh. She and I aren't close either so..." she drifted off.
"Oh well. It's only a matter of time before they tell us what's really going on" Punzie remarked.
"Well, they better" Anna drank from her water bottle.
Punzie gazed at the distance and smiled to herself, My plan is working after all.
[ Jack ]
I was looking down the entire time we were walking. My eyes widened at the sudden reminder of the truth: Elsa is my Princess and we're together— alone, at night! I hugged her and gave her a peck. I kissed the girl of my dreams, and I loved it.
After 300 years of not being seen, it's such a big deal to be seen by a living person, let alone be able to physically touch them without passing through. The greatest thing my fellow guardians had ever done for me is make everyone believe in Jack Frost by pouring my presence in what they do, even in the littlest way. For example: for the past Christmases, North gave everyone their greatest wish, plus a book about the Spirit of Winter. Bunny, being the closet kind-hearted 'mate' he really is, painted my figure over most of the eggs he hid for Easter celebration. Tooth would leave money under people's pillow with a note that said: 'Regards from Jack Frost'. A bit strange but, it was a way so I didn't argue. And Sandy? He made people dream good dreams about me.
Years later, to prove if their tactics worked or not, they sent me to the real world and people, particularly teenage girls, mingled with me...without them knowing about who I really am, of course.
Since then, I had the second chance to use my human name again, Jackson Overland, plus I get to do what I love; have fun and bring snow to every place I wanna go to with the knowledge that I am no longer invisible to people, which is an added challenge for me to hide well and stay out of sight. I thought things couldn't get any better than that, and that I couldn't be any happier. The recent occurrences surely proved me wrong.
'Ugh, what is happening to me?!' I thought to myself as I slumped down on a boulder and took sip of my Sprite.
Is this the feeling Hiccup and Astrid kept mentioning? Likeness? Love? If so then it must be serious because the feeling won't wear off at all no matter how hard I try to redirect my mind somewhere else.
We arrived at the exact spot I wanted us to be in, the second best place I like to hang out in on campus. It's at the center of the green grassy field just outside the series of arcs found in the East Wing. Lots of students come here whenever they need silence to think, when they wanna be alone or with someone special, or when they want fresh air from all the tiring fumes our academic exertions bring. This is where I went after Olivia made a scene during rehearsals. Luckily, the tall grasses were high enough to hide me from the school's view.
"Why are we out here, Jack?" Elsa asked, beating me in breaking the silence.
I turned to her, "We can't just ignore what happened between us" I said straightforwardly.
"I know..." she slowly nodded and held her Coke tin can with two hands, like she's depending on it for warmth. Is it that cold tonight or is it just me?
I sighed. Now that we know each other's true identity, things got even more awkward and complicated. The brick wall that once separated us vanished...now everything's exposed, no more room left for doubts. She is my Princess.
Elsa still stared down at her Coke. For some reasons, our once talkative nature dissipated and got replaced with this eerie silence. I know this is all too much in one day for the both of us. But, we can either talk about this now or never.
"Why did you do it?" she asked.
"What?" I looked up at her.
"Why did you kiss me?"
"Like I said, to make us even." I smiled in a teasing manner, as if the predicament isn't awkward enough.
"Oh...right" she pursed her lips together and fiddled around with the clasp of the tin can.
I bit my lip, "Are you mad?"
"No. Like you said, you wanted to be even so...I understand" she shrugged.
My eyes slightly widened upon hearing her response. She doesn't mind?! I was expecting a slap from her, which is one of the reasons why I brought her here so if it ever happens no one else will see. But, damn, she understands my purpose for doing such a thing?! This girl just keeps getting more interesting by the second.
"So you're...not bothered...at all?"
"Well, you weren't bothered when I kissed you" Elsa said the latter in a hushed tone.
"Feeling reciprocated?" I smirked, trying to at least lift the mood.
Elsa merely nodded while she took a sip from her Coke. Is it possible that she likes me back then?
I felt more urge to continue this. "Just so you know, I was very shocked with what you did"
"Believe me, so was I" Elsa softly laughed.
"I didn't think you would give me...that"
Elsa slowly nodded. Please say something
I took a deep breath, "I didn't think you would pull away so soon either"
"It's not like I didn't wanna prolong it" she admitted, shyly from the looks of it.
"Did you enjoy that night...with me?" I asked right away.
Elsa took another sip before swallowing quickly, "Absolutely" she said with a nod.
I smiled genuinely. Now I know for sure that the night is just as unforgettable to Elsa as it is to me. I wouldn't call the night 'perfect'; everything happened way too fast and we didn't get a chance to mingle more.
Though we already established the fact that we are each other's mystery dance partner, I still felt a gap. No matter how hard I try to persuade myself that she's telling me everything, I know that she's still keeping something. And that something is a reason. A reason for her running away. Earlier, she said she was scared that I might yell at her. But, there's more to it. I know. If she only pulled a 'Cinderella act' because she was a coward to face the consequences of doing something so daring is bullshit. I know Elsa more than that, I know she's no coward, she freaking pinned my feet down the first day for North's sake! My smile vanished, "What's the hurry with going away?"
Instantly, I felt her mood drop, the same rate mine did. She sat beside me on the rock. "You really wanna know?" she turned her head to my direction. I nodded.
"I didn't want Anna to find out." I couldn't make out what she's exactly feeling since her expression was so unique and too bland to be readable.
I just asked the most logical question. "Find out about what exactly?"
"That I was out dancing" she bit her lip.
"Why would that be such a big deal?" I raised my eyebrow.
"I was reckless that night"
"Reckless?" I rolled my eyes, "Elsa, you were just having fun!"
"You don't understand—
"How can I?!" I stood up and looked down at her, "You're not telling me everything! We know each other now; the least you can do is trust me with whatever reasons you have. I deserve it; you stole my first kiss dammit!"
Elsa frowned which also made me frown. Great, now I feel worse, it came out harsher than I intended it to be. But, then again, if you're in my position, you might do the same thing. It's difficult to get the other's opinion if they aren't being completely honest, especially when they're still so secretive despite everything you've been through together.
"I'm sorry I kissed you that night, Jack" I looked down at her, "I really am. I didn't mean to steal such a thing from you"
"Is that what you don't want Anna to find out?"
"One of the things..."
I rolled my eyes, "Elsa! Tell me everything now. You just got caught in the heat of the moment and no harm done! Why can't Anna find out?"
Elsa stood up and faced me, "It doesn't matter—
"It does to me. I care for you okay? So just answer me"
"Because that's not how a Princess should act, Jack!" she gasped and immediately covered her mouth as soon as the words slipped out.
My eyes widened, "A...a Princess?" I muttered in surprise.
Okay, let's sum it up: this morning, I found out that the girl I used to dislike happens to be the very girl I had strange feelings for. Seconds ago, my infuriation was replaced by sympathy in a snap. And now, she's telling me that she's exactly like the codename I gave her. She's a real, legit Princess— the blood that flows in her veins is royal and, in a way, special and unique compared to common A positives. Her parents are the King and Queen which would probably make her aunts Countesses and/or Duchesses.
That also makes my other friend a Princess because they share the same royal blood! Oh, and look, in a matter of weeks, I now have 4 friends that should be addressed with 'Your Majesty'.
Now, I understand completely. She had an image to protect and a reputation to keep. Celebrity hunters would have easily determined who she is even with that mask on. That's why she ran away...and, apparently, for some other unknown reasons.
"Elsa..." I reached out and held her chin, lifting it so she could look at me. She was teary eyed, it made my heart turn. "Hey, i-it's okay!" I moved my hands up and brushed her cheeks with my thumbs. "I'm sorry I forced you"
"N-no" Elsa shook her head and held my hands, placing them down before letting. "I should be the one to apologize. I didn't explain it to you in the first place"
"What? N-no!" I laughed weakly, "It's not like Princesses tell a regular party goer that they're from royal blood so they have to dash off after doing something so sudden before paparazzi catches them"
Elsa giggled and nodded at that. Ahh, finally, a smile. A real smile.
"I should have let you catch me..." Elsa met my eyes.
I smiled, "If you only let me, I would have. Guaranteed"
"You just did"
"Not to change the topic, but, Hiccup and I call you 'Princess'"
"Really?" she raised her brows, "Why?"
"In basketball, I was dubbed as 'Prince'...do the Math"
Elsa laughed softly. "Coincidence?"
Destiny's more like it. "I guess" I nodded, "No hard feelings, okay?" I assured her.
She was about to say something but I cut her off by placing my index finger over her lips, "If it helps, I won't tell anyone what you just told me" I put my hands down and shoved them in my pants' pockets. I feel like if I have them out, they won't get enough of touching Elsa's flawless skin.
She smiled and nodded, "No hard feelings. And, Thank You for Everything"
"You're Welcome"
"Hey...umm..." She began.
"Yeah?"
"You said you cared for me" she smiled.
I blushed, my eyes widened. I said too much again. "I-I did?"
"Mhm" Elsa nodded with a smirk.
"Oh...well, uhh—
"And I stole your first kiss?" she went on.
Okay, I seriously said too much classified information. Dammit, Jack, you shouldn't blow without thinking first! "You might find this hard to believe, but you're the first girl I've ever had a good time with in whatever way we interacted that night"
She suddenly hugged me in a playful way, like a little kid latching on her big brother. "I'm sorry I stole your first kiss" she looked up at me, pouting.
I chuckled, "It's okay. Honestly, it was worth it" After 300 years.
Elsa pulled away and fixed her braid. I noticed her cheeks reddened a bit. "Well, to ease you, you also stole my first kiss"
"No way?!" I exclaimed incredulously.
Elsa is indescribable. But if I can find the perfect word for her, it would be precious. She seems quintessential in everything she does it almost makes me wanna call her 'perfect'. She's excellent in every subject we take, she finds every activity easy, she is a graceful dancer, choosy in a good way, and easy to open up to. In addition to those traits I adore, she's exceedingly beautiful outside. If I had to picture what Aphrodite looks like then I would just stare at her. No, scratch that, she's prettier than the goddess of beauty (if she even exists!)
It's hard to believe that someone like her has never been kissed. I mean, look at her! She has full, luscious-looking, pink lips. Flawless, pale skin. Platinum blonde hair that's always properly tied, a cute nose, alluring smile, and mesmerizing sapphire eyes. Definitely Princess-like.
I've heard of royal folks not leaving the castle grounds unless it's imperial for them to-like say for a charity event, a grand opening of some important institution, wedding of another crowned person, meeting with international leaders, etc. Her status in society made her all the more protected from being touched by a random civilian, explains why she hasn't been kissed by another guy before.
I think it's safe to say that I'm lucky.
"I find that hard to believe" I muttered.
Elsa looked up at me questionably. "If that's so, then I presume you've never been in a relationship before?" I asked.
She nodded. "My parents aren't exactly liberal when it comes to that topic"
"How come Anna?"
"Anna's not the heiress to the country now is she?"
"Whoa...so that's why you're serious about this stuDying thing" I emphasized.
Elsa laughed softly, "Yeah. I guess"
Wait, if she's next in line, then does that mean she has to be with a royal too? I don't know but it made my heart turn again at the thought, my chances darkened.
"But, let's not talk about that Jack. I don't wanna feel pressured here too"
"What do you mean?" I watched her play with the hem of her skirt.
"I only ever come here so I'll have a better education with people around me, that way I won't always be shrouded with silence" she started, "I didn't realize how fun it would actually be. All the drama I've encountered and you guys made me feel like I'm just a...normal girl"
I looked at her sympathetically. She's only what? 16, 17? And yet the burden of ruling over an entire country has already been shouldered to her the second she was born. I'm not saying that's cruel to do to someone, I know they informed her early so Elsa can be prepared, but the pressure put on her must be overwhelming.
"Let it go, okay?" I placed my hand on her shoulder, "Enjoy it while it lasts"
Elsa smiled in gratitude and nodded. I pulled my hand away and looked up at the stars.
After that, we didn't say much to each other, there was a moment of silence; the good kind. The only sounds were the ones in the ambiance; the brushing of the grass against each other, hustling of the leaves in the trees, crickets, and the distant chatters of students in the lounge. The wind around us got colder, but to me, it merely sent warmth throughout my skin. I saw Elsa sit back down on the boulder and drank the remaining of her Coke. She looked like she wasn't bothered by the colder sensation at all which is peculiar.
I was about to give her my blazer when an idea suddenly popped into my head. I turned to face her and slightly bent down, "May I have this dance, your Highness?" I asked politely.
I heard her giggle softly, "Really Jack? You said you weren't gonna tell anyone"
"Yeah, but, there's no one around" I looked up at her.
She smiled and jumped off the boulder, "There's no music either"
"Well then, I'll sing for you" I smirked and straightened up.
She ambled towards me, "I didn't know you could sing"
"I can, but not in front of anyone"
"Ahh, so this is a first" she teased and crossed her arms.
"Yeah, that's how special you are, Princess" I winked. "So...what song?"
"Hmm, anything that you prefer" she stepped closer.
"Heh, alright" I took a deep breath and stepped back, extending my hand towards her, "Take my hand, I'll take the lead" she smiled beautifully and took my hand, "And every turn will be safe with me" I twirled her around.
She closed the distance between us and placed her hands on either of my shoulder while I had my hands on her waist, "Don't be afraid, afraid to fall, you know I'll catch you through it all. And you can't keep—
"Even a thousand miles can't keep us apart"her voice...wow.
"Cause my heart is wherever you are"
Before I knew it, we were singing together, the same way Troy and Gabriella did in the movie. I don't mean to boast, but our voices definitely fit together melodiously. While singing, we were also dancing around, taking over the area we had all to ourselves. She twirled a lot, I was there to hold and support her. There were multiple times when I carried her off her feet, her body swayed gracefully and her hair moved with the wind. We were smiling the entire time and...it's all too good to be true.
When we ended the song, we just fell on the grass, laughing genuinely in happiness. I decided to completely forget that it's possible I can't even date her later on. I'll have to ask Hiccup if royals have a rule like that...yes, him, because if I ask any of the girls then they'll start getting giddy. I looked up at the sky and, ironically, a snowflake fell on my nose.
I've noticed the weather getting strange lately. Usually, around this time in late June, it would be warm and orange. But for the past days, though there were warm days, I've noticed very chilly nights to the point where it sometimes sleets. I don't know which to blame-global warming or my empathy link to the weather. This has never happened last year so my new feeling is most probably the cause of this odd transitioning of the weather.
When I'm happy, it gets very cold and when I'm feeling otherwise, it gets hot. Okay, now it makes much more sense. Almost every night, I would dream enchanting dreams about Princess—Elsa—it, obviously, makes me ecstatic to experience dancing with her again. It's like a fantasy I get to live in at night. I wake up with a smile on my face and whenever I look out the window, it's snowing. Naturally, I had to order for it to stop despite how I much I long for the winter months to come already.
I looked over at Elsa, "You cold?"
She glanced at me and shrugged, "Maybe"
I sat up, the snow starting to grow. "I think we should head back in, don't want you getting sick"
Elsa stood up, "Fine. If you insist, Jackson" she teased.
"Ha-ha. Right back at me, huh, your Highness?"
She giggled, "I knew Jack was a shortcut for a long name"
"Ahh...you had a feeling?"
"Yeah, I kind of did." She looked down. I can tell she was blushing, I've noticed this is how she acts when she feels bashful. She holds her hands in front of her; she hides her face and rocks on her heels then toes.
I took my blazer off and went behind her, draping it over her shoulders. She looked back at me, her cheeks were bright pink and our blue eyes met again.
"How come you never asked? About my full name"
Elsa shrugged, "I didn't have enough reason to ask, I knew you were gonna tease me"
"Tease you?" I chuckled.
"You do have a habit of teasing me around...like right now" she fully turned to face me.
"Wha? No, I don't" I reacted innocently.
"Oh come on, Jack. Admit it"
I chuckled, my head shaking. I stepped forth and placed my arm over her shoulder, "I think the cold is getting to you"
"Oh please. The cold never bothered me" she said sassily.