Author's Note - Hi everyone, I'm sorry for not updating this story earlier, but I've been swamped with school work and haven't had a chance to update as much as I'd like. Now, without any more delays, here is Chapter 3.
Jack anxiously occupied North's office, restlessly anticipating the arrival of the dark-haired figure. North had orchestrated Hiccup's visit to his workshop, yet the purpose remained a mystery to Jack. His palms glistened with perspiration, puzzling him about his own nervousness regarding this reunion.
"Hopefully, he won't vanish on me again," Jack murmured under his breath.
While pondering what to convey to Hiccup, the office doors abruptly swung open, startling Jack and snapping him back to reality. His gaze fixed on the silhouette crossing the threshold. There stood Hiccup, still as charming as when Jack first met him.
Jack's heart raced uncontrollably at the sight of the diminutive Autumn spirit. He hastily rose from his chair, causing a momentary wave of dizziness.
"Hello again, Hiccup," Jack stammered as the dizziness began to fade.
Hiccup's eyes widened with surprise, leaving Jack bewildered for a moment. He then realized that anyone would be taken aback if someone jumped up in front of them unexpectedly. Jack mentally scolded himself.
"Idiot," he muttered softly.
Unexpectedly, Hiccup did something that caught Jack off guard—he started laughing. Jack stared at him in amazement. He had never witnessed Hiccup smile or heard him laugh before. He couldn't quite explain it, but Hiccup's smile warmed his heart.
"Hello again, Jack," Hiccup replied once he had stopped laughing, though the smile gradually faded. "So, what brings you here? North mentioned wanting to talk to me. Have you seen him around?"
Jack struggled to articulate his response. "H-He, um..."
"Don't worry about it. Thanks, anyway," Hiccup replied, turning to leave North's office.
Determined not to let Hiccup slip away again, Jack instinctively wrapped his arms around the smaller spirit. The workshop fell into an eerie silence, as if time itself had paused. Finally, Hiccup broke the silence.
"Jack, what are you doing?" Hiccup's voice had grown frigid.
"I don't know. I just can't stop thinking about you!" Jack blurted out before covering his mouth in a futile attempt to retract his words.
Hiccup remained silent and motionless, refusing to turn and face Jack. The two of them exchanged no words. Horror overcame Jack as he gazed at Hiccup. Now, the prospect of them becoming friends seemed even more distant.
"I understand now. That's why North called me here," the brunette replied, his gaze avoiding Jack's. "Please, do me a favor, and erase our encounter from your memory. It's probably best if you pretend I never existed. Misfortune tends to follow in my wake."
Without uttering another word, Hiccup vanished, leaving a colorful pile of leaves in the office doorway. In a sudden gust of wind, the leaves were whisked out through an open window in North's office.
Jack remained seated, overcome by disbelief. He had unquestionably made a colossal mistake. Tears welled in his eyes, and in frustration, he rose, staff in hand, and swiftly took flight, tears streaming down his face.
"I've really messed things up this time. That might have been my only chance to express my feelings, and I acted like a fool," Jack muttered bitterly to himself.
Author's Note - Sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but I wanted to lay some groundwork for a future idea. Now, Jack has screwed himself, or has he? And what could Hiccup have meant by what he said? All will be revealed in due time. Anyways, thank you all for reading.