Jack and Hiccup sat on the couch all alone now and were having some, as they like to call 'Boy Talk.'

"So you like her? And you haven't asked her out, you coward!" Jack screamed at him angrily.

Hiccup quickly jerked his neck in his direction. "Oh, shut it! I'll ask her out when the time comes. I'm just not sure she'll say yes, and I can't risk our friendship. We're childhood friends; she's too precious to me."

Jack unhurriedly walked towards Hiccup, giving him time to think and slapped him across the face. "You dumbass, she kissed you and was looking at you, well not like you, of course, because you practically stare at her 24/7, you creep. But she likes you, so ask her out before someone else does."

"The entire Berk knows I like her, and I don't think any guy would dare to ask her out." His hands clenched, and the blood rushed out of them.

Jack smiled lightly; it was a teasing and cunning one. "What if someone outside of Berk asks her out? She's an amazing and gorgeous girl, Hiccup, any guy would be lucky to have her, and you're taking the risk and wasting time."

This struck Hiccup, so he smacked Jack's chest. "Oh, shut up! I guess...I'll try then."

"Good."

Hiccup lifted his eyebrow and asked concerningly. "What about you? When will you finally date?"

Jack shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know. I just haven't found the one. The one you look at, and suddenly everything feels right."

It unexpectedly hit Hiccup; that's what Astrid was like to him. "You're right, but don't worry, you'll find somebody." He poked fun at his best friend, "What about Elsa? I have never seen you take this much interest in any girl before, like...ever."

"She's a beautiful and interesting girl, that's for sure, but I'm not quite sure if I like her yet." Hiccup thrust his hand in the air dismissing his comment. It was such a lie; even someone blind could tell there was a spark between them.

Hiccup yawned and groaned at the urge to sleep; he didn't want to yet. "Come on; I'll show you the Haddock house."

Jack deadpanned, "That's not a house, man; it's a freakin mansion."

Ignoring his statement, Hiccup stood up and showed the house. It was an enormous house unquestionably.

But it felt like home. Cosy and small in a way.

They reached a warm room that looked neat and recently readied. "This is where you'll be staying for the break, Jack. Ingrid, our housemaid, got it ready for you."

"Thanks, but I'm going to be honest. I don't like the idea of having maids; it sounds mean."

His colleague and best friend shrugged. "Mom and I don't like it too. But with the Haddocks, it's been a tradition forever. Also, my parents ensure they're treated fairly and are a part of the family. My dad takes care of their family and gives them paid leave. So it's not that bad."

That sounded rather impressive to Jack. "Well, I wasn't expecting that, but cool."

"Yeah, anyways, I need to sleep. I've fought the urge for a while. So I'll see you tomorrow? Night!" Hiccup departed the room, and Jack heard him trip on his way to the room and snorted. That was so Hiccup.

Jack crashed on the bed, too exhausted to change into his nightwear which would probably take forever to fetch from his travel bag. "Let's see what this break brings." That was the last word he said before falling asleep in an uncomfortable position.

Tomorrow came, and Jack was ready for breakfast on time; he didn't want to create an improper impression on Hiccup's family. That's the least he could do; after all, they let him stay for the break.

"Morning, kiddos! Have a seat. Breakfast will be served soon." Stoick waved with a broad smile as he saw Hiccup and Jack walk down the stairs. They waved back in return.

Eyes widened, Jack leapt back in shock. "Oh hey, Elsa!"

"Morning, Jack!" Elsa had a pleasant smile glued to her face. She was seated at the breakfast table wearing her office outfit.

Noticing the perplexity on his face, Valka spoke out, "Elsa and Astrid usually have breakfast with us, and we leave for the office together." She shook her head in delight and peeked at the door. "Astrid should be here soon."

Elsa whined, and Jack noticed she felt so comfortable doing so. "She's always late, Aunty Val. You should tell her to be on time."

"Oh dear, I've tried, but you know her and sleep. It's frightening she can even wake up; she's dead asleep."

Returning from the kitchen, Hiccup scratched his back as he sat on his chair. "Er...Umm...Where's Astrid?"

Everyone at the table smirked at his question. "You know her son; she's always late for breakfast."

"Right, Dad."

Soon the door opened, and Astrid walked in hurriedly, recklessly, "I'm sorry I'm late! Morning and Thor, yum, it smells nice; what's for breakfast?"

Hiccup's eyes lightened, and he got up, taking a chair out for her next to him. "Morning, Milady."

Valka nudged her husband playfully. "If only you could be a gentleman too, love." And Stoick sheepishly coughed.

Before Elsa could get a pancake, Jack inclined forward and put one on her plate. "Would you like honey or syrup with it?"

Her head slanted to the left at this gesture, but she grabbed hold of herself. "Yes, syrup, please." Why was he being nice to her?

"Which one?" Did these many syrups even exist? He wondered, amazed.

"Maple will do, please and thank you."

He handed her the glass bottle, and she took it. "Here you go. So what do you usually like for breakfast?"

She poured the syrup on her pancake and listed, "Pancake, waffles, cereal or eggs. I don't have favourites when it comes to breakfast. There aren't many options to choose from anyway."

"True that; I don't have favourites as well." He sipped his coffee.

"So, Jack, any agendas for today? I know it's your break, but why don't you come with Elsa today? She can show you our office." Stoick declared with a mouthful, and Valka seemed nauseated, so she smacked his big arm that he scarcely felt.

Everyone could concede Jack loved the idea of spending time with her. "If that's ok with Elsa."

All eyes were on Elsa, waiting for her answer. "That's a terrific idea, Uncle Stoick. I'd love to, Jack."

When they wrapped up, Valka checked her phone and notified, "We should leave. Astrid darling, we have surgery to perform today. Hiccup, why don't you visit our hospital?" He smiled happily at the thought of hanging out with Astrid.

Stoick burped and wholly disregarded the disgusted yet irritated looks on everyone's faces. "Elsa, we have some work to do today. And as we talked, you can show Jack around."

Jack and Hiccup peeked at each other "Alright then."

The ride to the Mayor's office was long but quick. The building was a piece of Art, ravishing inside and out.

Elsa and Stoick had a lot of work to do since they were approaching the end of the year and mainly because Snoggletog was tomorrow.

Jack followed them into the Mayor's office. Elsa's office was right beside his, with no wall between them. Weird.

Stoick pushed the glasses up his nose; it was a small frame, and it looked microscopic on his face. "Elsa, can you take a look at this."

She grabbed the file from his grip and flipped the pages to analyse the financial statements. "This one looks right, Mayor." She said after a few minutes.

Jack witnessed the communication between Elsa and Stoick. At work, they were rather professional, and it was admirable. Even in private, with no one around, they remained professional. Also, they showed mutual respect, which was exemplary to him.

He glanced around Stoick's room, which was very well managed. All the books and files were piled neatly, which startled him as he contemplated Stoick, a messy and careless Mayor. His desk had just one picture frame on his table; it was Valka, Stoick and a very young Hiccup squished between them.

Elsa's room was right by Stoick's, and it surprised him. Hers was a bit chaotic and unforeseen. She had papers and files opened spreading around on the couch and tables, pens and staplers holding the pieces from flying away. Unlike Stoick, she had multiple picture frames bordering her desk. They all included Astrid and herself with different outfits and backgrounds, touring.

Noticing how he gaped at her desk, she wanted to elucidate, "I'm sorry about the mess. I'm not usually like this. It's the end of the year, and I have many statements to look at thoroughly, and handling the budget for the upcoming year." Stoick was a few meters away from their interaction, his nose buried in the papers.

Jack waved his arms understandingly. "Don't worry; I get it. You should look at my office; it's a giant mess."

Elsa set the file down on her desk and proposed, "How about we take a walk?"

"Sure."

Stoick saw them going and said from his spot, "Could you please grab me a coffee on your way back?"

His caffeine intake amused Elsa. "You got it, Mayor!"

"It looks like you love working here."

"I do." Suddenly she felt a stab to the chest and trembled her head. "But I'm not a workaholic...I love work, but...that's not all I am. I have-"

Jack positioned his hands on her shoulder, relaxing her down. "Hey, I get it; just because someone loves working doesn't mean that's what they are. I've seen you around the people here in Berk and this building. Also, I saw the pictures on your desk; you like to tour around the world. Work is not all that defines you. There's so much more to you, and I would like to learn all that."

Elsa was perplexed at his remarks, "I...Umm...Thanks."

It was time to change the topic "Since you live at Berk, do you celebrate Snoggletog? It's tomorrow. Do you have any plans?"

"Yes, I do; it's a fascinating holiday. And yeah, I have plans tomorrow with Astrid; we are celebrating it with our friends and families at The Haddock Manor. You should join us; it'll be fun."

"I'd love to!" He would be there anyway because of Hiccup.

They gradually strolled around the building. "So, what's your life like in Iceland?"

Jack began explaining, "Well, I live at an apartment that Hiccup and I share. Even though I don't stay with my family, I visit them day-to-day, or if I can't, I call them. As I told you before, I am a mechanical engineer like Hiccup, and we work at the same company. But Hiccup and I are considering transferring here; that's one of the main reasons I wanted to visit."

This knowledge took her aback. "Moving to Berk? If you don't mind me asking, what's the reason? What about your family there?"

"Of course, you can ask. I've dreamed of working at Berk for some time because I've heard a lot about here from Hiccup mostly. Oh, shoot! Please don't tell anyone about the transfer yet, Hiccup's surprising everyone at Snoggletog." He paused. "As for my family, it's not like I'm abandoning them. I'll always visit them, and they can visit me no matter how far we are" He set a hand over his chest. "They live in my heart, and I carry them with me."

Elsa glimpsed the solemnity and adore his phrases carried. "Don't worry; I won't tell anyone. And what you said about your family is moving. I wish I could say the same."

The floor seemed the most fascinating place in the building, as he requested, "I understand that it's personal, so it's ok if you don't want to share, but why is it that you don't speak with your family."

She knew she had to answer this question sooner or later "I was neglected and bullied for years by them. So I kept myself busy with studies and worked to avoid them, and my family started calling me a 'workaholic cold-hearted bitch'. I had to leave, and I'm sure no one misses me other than my sister Anna. One thing I regret the most is not staying in touch with her."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but why didn't you stay in touch with her? I could never imagine not talking to my sister." Jack blinked twice in bewilderment and anguish.

Elsa sighed, and regret took over her. "I...yeah...I mean...well." She swallowed and started over. "To cut ties with my family, I had to cut ties with her too. It might not make sense to you as much as it does to me, but I had to. She was only 12 when I left; not like we were close anyways, but for some reason, she loved me. She always wanted to spend time with me, but since I wasn't used to the affection, I couldn't bring myself to give her the same love. Again as I said, it might not make sense to you."

Jack shut his eyes and processed the story. "Once again, I'm very sorry you went through that, and maybe a part of me gets you. Not because I encountered what you did, but I've struggled too, and that part of me gets you."

That was very unanticipated to listen to her; no one ever truly understood her other than some Berkians. "What struggles did you go through?"

His eyes were still sealed; perhaps he was trying to conceal his ache or tears. "As I mentioned previously...My dad walked out on me when I was merely a few months old. My mom raised me as a single mother at 17, which was tough. My mom was an orphan; there was no family to support us. For 19 years, it was only my mom and me. I had to be the man of the house, and I worked my ass off to provide for us and pay for my tuition."

Smiling now, he continued, "But then my mom reconnected with her high school friend Steven and shortly married him, mom and dad had Emma a year later. Now I know I'm not the man of the house anymore, and I haven't been for five years; dad's amazing at it, but some of me still is. So I get you because no one gets me."

Finally opening his eyes, he saw Elsa's red eyes with tears rushing down her face. "Jack, I'm so sorry to hear that! You've lived through a lot and didn't get a childhood to live."

"Mom tried her very best to provide me with a happy childhood. I remember going ice skating every Friday after she returned from work. That was our thing." Jack flinched, recalling that awful night he nearly lost everything. "Once, the ice cracked, and my mom fell in; I pulled her out, but that night I realised how much I really love my mom."

Elsa smiled and stared into his warm blue eyes. "What's your mom's name? She sounds like one remarkable woman."

"Eva Overland. Even though she never met her parents but her last name meant a lot to her. It was her last piece of home, so she kept it."

A question intrigued her mind "So, your last name is your mom's?"

Jack trembled his head. "I'm glad it is because I don't want the last name of a bastard who abandoned his son and the mother of his child."

Elsa laughed with him as the intense tension broke. "Sounds about right." She glanced at him with sorrow. "So we both suffered, didn't we?"

"Sure did, but I believe everything occurs for a reason. Without this trauma, I wouldn't be who I am. Those struggles taught me a lot and shaped me into a better man. I know family's importance and how to treat a woman." As he expressed, he was bottomless in thought.

She liked his different approach to life. "That's a different point of view."

"Hmm."

There were numerous distinctive factors of him. "I'm presuming that's not your natural hair colour, or is it, Jack?"

Jack brushed his hair and brought down a strand to show it. "Surprisingly, it's natural. I was born with white hair but weirdly, only on my head. The town public named me 'Old Goat'."

Elsa burst out laughing and plopped a hand on her mouth. "I apologise; that was rude."

"No, I get it; it's a witty nickname. And they never used it to bully me; even my mom called me to tease me. It's one of my favourites." Jack winked at her, and it caused her to feel at ease that he wasn't offended.

She sighed in solace. "As long as you weren't taunted for it. I was for mine, and I'm not fond of my hair. God knows I've wanted to dye it, but Astrid never lets me. She tells me to embrace myself."

Jack furrowed his eyebrows. "Why? I love your hair. It's not white like mine, but it's pretty for sure." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I agree with Astrid; embrace your looks and don't change yourself just to fit in. Your hair defines you; carry it with pride."

This made her speechless, and she blushed. "Oh...Thanks."

"Next time someone says anything, punch them!" He thought twice and nudged her shoulder. "Or if you can't, I will!"

She glanced at him for a wink, and they cracked up jointly. "I'll remember that."

"An offending question for a girl, perhaps, but how old are you?"

"24. What about you, Jack?" He loved hearing his name on her lips.

"I'm 24 too." He answered.

Her intrusive thoughts won. "Are you dating anyone?"

There was a pause of a long few seconds before he answered, "I'm not. My life has always been busy and complicated, so I've never been in a relationship. I've gone on a few dates but not really been with someone. What about you?"

Elsa shook her head. "I've never dated." She snorted, recalling, "But guess what? I'm married!"

Why did this make Jack sad? "Sorry, what?"

"My parents invited me to my sister's wedding, and she's only 18! Anyways that's not the point. So they invited me, and my mom asked me why I hadn't talked to them for three years, and since I'm so stupid, I said it's because I'm married." She saw Jack's grin; well, that was not the reaction she expected.

Jack laughed so hard that he fell off the couch. "So, Your Majesty, who's this man you're married to?"

Elsa couldn't help but let a chuckle slip away. "Alright, get up. I'll tell you everything in detail." She helped him up and told him the entire story from the start to the end.

Instead of laughing, he sat emotionless "So now you're looking for a fake husband?"

She snapped her fingers so he finally understood. "Bingo"

"Right."

"So yeah, that's all."

Jack asked, "When is it?"

She answered, "They are expecting me the day after tomorrow."

"What?!"

Everyone stared at them, and Elsa glared at Jack. "Yeah, I know I don't have enough time. Don't yell!"

"I could go as your fake husband." He shrugged as if it was nothing.

She blinked, then twice, then thrice and then slapped herself to see if she wasn't dreaming. "Are you in your damn mind?!"

Everyone in the building once again stared at the pair, and this time Jack comically glared at Elsa. "What? I'm serious. And don't yell!"

"No, you're not serious, Jack and you want to be my fake husband, for God's sake? You've got to be kidding me!" Elsa was throwing a horrible and unnecessary tantrum.

He rolled his eyes, and there was amusement in them. "Oh, so you want to take a fake husband with you who you don't know? That sounds scary, Your Majesty. Now I personally wouldn't trust a stranger."

She bit the inside of her cheeks to stop yelling at him again. "You know I didn't take you as an irritating guy. I thought you'd be mature and responsible."

He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "You just don't know me well enough, then. It's good that I'm your fake husband; you can know me all you want."

Her jaw fell literally fell on the ground. "When in the world did I agree to this?"

"You didn't." He crossed his arms, but that damn smirk was still on his handsome face.

An eye roll was thrown his way. "Damn right, I didn't."

He fixed his tie, "I offered."

"Well, I never asked you to offer!"

"I'm your husband; fake or not, I deserve respect." He stomped his foot on the floor and loved to see her scowl.

She was about to say something, but her words got lost. "Ok, now I'm confused...what?"

He started laughing and fell off the couch once again. "So am I."

This time she didn't help him up. "You're unbelievable." Elsa frowned.

"Anyways, my offer still stands, and if you want me, I can be your fake husband as long as you want." He smacked his lips shut. Did he just flirt with her?

She furrowed her eyebrows; there were many things she wanted to say, yell at him or maybe thank him, God, she was a mess. "Are you really always this annoying?"

He smiled. "Only with my friends."

"Oh, so I'm your friend now?" She placed a hand over her chest in dramatics.

Jack gasped and acted hurt. "No, you're my wife."

She pulled up her hand to point at him and lecture him for being such a pain in the ass.

"Ms. Elsa, could you please head to the Mayor's office? He's asking for you." A young boy with the name tag 'Bleck' told Elsa.

Elsa forcefully smiled at her. "Tell him I'll be right there." Jerking her neck towards Jack, her eyes narrowed. "And you, mister, we'll talk about this later."

She took off and heard him from afar. "Yes, dear!"

There was a second where she stopped and thought of giving him a piece of her mind, but then work was more important or maybe...she liked to be teased by him.

Why was she even mad at him? And what for?

He was just being nice, wasn't he?

Elsa got off work at 9 pm today, which wasn't a surprise. At the end of the year, this was a habit by now, and she was used to it. This was not that late; actually, it was earlier than last year.

She wanted to ensure she finished most of her work these past few days so she has little to do when she goes to Iceland. As weird as it sounds, she'll work from home in Iceland. Even though she's sure Stoick won't let her but when does she ever listen to others, especially when it comes to work?

Astrid looked at Elsa. "So let me get this straight he said he'll go with you, and you said no? And you were mean to him?!"

For some reason, Elsa wanted to defend herself, so she did. "Hey, I wasn't mean to him; he annoyed me!"

"No, Elsa, he was just joking with you; you took it way seriously like always!" Astrid passed the drink to her customer but kept talking to Elsa.

"I never do that! I can take jokes. Look at Tuffnut. I never take his jokes seriously."

Astrid snorted. "Well yeah, only after three months."

Elsa huffed and gulped the drink hastily. "I hate it when you're right."

"Elsa Jack is a nice guy; take him with you, and who knows, maybe you'll start liking him?" Astrid poked her rib.

A loud gasp echoed in the bar, which often happens whenever Elsa and Astrid are here. "I am not taking that immature man-child."

Astrid served a drink to the last customer and sat on the bar stool with Elsa. "Listen, right now; it's not about who you want to take with you. Jack is an amazing candidate for this. He's handsome and tall, has an amazing job, makes a good first impression, is kind and funny, and looks good with you! What more do you need? Take him with you, and it's only for two weeks at the most."

"You do make good points. But oh, he's so annoying, Astrid!"

Astrid rolled her eyes. "He's not! You just like him."

Her eyes widened. "I what now?"

"It's clear you like him! You've been talking about him for the last hour nonstop, and you have got this stupid smile on your face." Astrid raised her hand to finish before being interrupted. "I like him for you. You've got my approval, and I'm sure everyone else's too."

Elsa placed one foot on the ground and slowly the second now that she was standing and towering over Astrid. It would be only a second before she started running behind her...Which she did.

The washroom door opened, and Heather was drying her hands with the towel paper when her jaw fell seeing the mess in her bar. "You've got to be kidding me!" She stepped forward to stop them, but she stopped and went back to the washroom. "I can't deal with them."

It's been a few minutes, and Elsa had Astrid pinned down. "How dare you even say I like him? He's an idiot and honestly not that cute."

"Aha! So you do agree he is cute! You like him!"

Elsa facepalmed, "Astrid, I swear you say this one more time, and you'll see your Thor."

Astrid put her hands up in defeat. "Ok, Thor, I'm too tired to fight you back. You win! Yay!"

"Hiccup's sarcasm has been rubbing off on you, I see." She teased Astrid about her crush.

Astrid tried to stand up, but Elsa pinned her on the ground. "Thor, have you always been this strong?" She touched Elsa's biceps which were rock hard from their mini-workout.

Groaning, she got off Astrid and moved her arms around to release the tension. "It's pointless to fight now. Can we please solve this like adults? Without bringing in crushes?" Astrid nodded, agreeing with her.

They sat in the booth, and Astrid offered honest thought, "I think you should take Jack; as I said before, he's the perfect guy! Also, Elsa Overland sounds good."

"Ok," Elsa sighed and slammed her head on the table.

Astrid blinked. "Just like that? What the hell did you beat me up for then?!"

She raised her head with a frown. "Well, I don't have any option. You're right; he's perfect for this, and I have to say Elsa Overland does sound nice." Astrid opened her mouth to tease, and Elsa smacked her hand on Astrid's mouth. "Zip it!"

She lifted her hand after a few seconds, and Astrid asked, "So Jack is your fake husband?"

Elsa groaned and hit her head on the table with each word, "Jack is my fake husband."

And the journey starts.