AUTHOR'S NOTE: So, you know that part in Frozen II where Elsa gets startled and accidentally freezes her hands to the balcony rail? Well, when I saw that in the theater, I freaked out a bit… because large segments of THIS chapter were already written. You'll see what I mean! ;)

OH, and (sigh of frustration) just before I get one more review telling me that Elsa's romantic cluelessness is unrealistic—look, I'm literally just writing Elsa as being a younger version of me, okay? (AU, obviously. I'm not delusional—nor am I personally in love with Jack Frost, because that would be weird. Oh, and I try to write her as being a better person than me.) XD While I put everything through a heavy "ice powers" filter and use the canon characters and settings for the sake of the prompt, Ice Alliance is loosely based on my personal dating and marriage experiences—plus, a lot of fantasizing about what it would feel like to have my strengths be valued.

To write Jack Frost: Months of analysis, comparing character interactions, descriptions of the Elsa cartoon's physical appearance, talking to male readers, drawing conclusions via examining his character arc, studying the voice actor's vocal patterns, tying everything back to his core values, etc. I find Jack Frost to be an insanely difficult character to write, as I don't personally relate to him at all.

To write Elsa: "Hmm. How would Younger Me have most likely responded to this situation?" *writes it like that* *it comes off as her*

I wasn't planning on ever saying anything, because it's kind of embarrassing (ahem, mortifying), but it's the truth. In many ways, I've been sort of using IA as an emotional journal, which is Reason #5944 that I'm never wanting this tied back to me. I'll also just add that people who are considered to be "really smart" in one area, like physics, OFTEN tend to struggle in other areas, like picking up on social cues. Not that I have personal experience with this, or anything. APS ("The American Physical Society") actually made a bumper sticker a few years ago that said, "I'm a physicist. Flirt harder." I don't know why, but our society seems to be largely oblivious to the fact that some people, even the nicest people, are just Really Bad At This, no matter how much they desperately want to have love in their lives.

So, NO, I do not believe that this behavior is common (I've written Elsa as an extreme), but yes, it does happen, because it was my life. With the benefits of retrospect, I now cringe at how much I didn't pick up on. I'm way better at picking up on social cues now, but I still occasionally get into trouble with guys (who don't respect the fact that I'm married—yeah, it's upsetting), because I don't realize that they're hitting on me until it's already WAY past awkward. That being said, having this as a common Jelsa trope wasn't really something I'd ever seen, before I started posting this fic—and, to respond to a guest reviewer about this (is it REALLY a Jelsa trope now?), with respect, you might want to check the publication dates of these other fics. Ice Alliance has been ripped off so many times that I don't even keep track anymore, because it's so upsetting. That being said, I'd like to believe that MOST of the rip-offs aren't intentional; some people seem to confuse IA with canon, which is actually kind of flattering. On the plus side, Jack Frost getting written as 101 variations of bully/pervert/rapist doesn't seem to be as much of a thing anymore, since I started posting, so… yay? Silver lining? (Yes, he's a huge flirt, but this character seems to have a pretty deeply-rooted sense of honor. And, my GOSH, does he grow by the end of ROTG…!)

Sorry this was so long, but thank you, thank you AGAIN to ALL of you for your love, encouragement, and support. You cannot know how much it means to me. I hope that you're ALL safe and doing okay during the Apparent World Shutdown with the virus, and thanks again for reading/tolerating me!

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73: FOXES

Jack had not been happy to find out that Elsa's schedule had been filled again.

When she'd told him, he'd hardly said a word, glaring at the back of her councilman's head and gripping his staff like he wanted to freeze the man solid. Which (if he felt anything like Elsa did about the situation) he probably did. The Fifth Spirit wasn't sure if it made her a bad person, but she actually rather appreciated Jack's vicarious anger. The fact that her freedom being taken away made him so furious was more than a slight relief. If Elsa were completely honest with herself, it was actually a little swoon-worthy. But then again, everything about Jack Frost was.

The long date had gone about as well as it could have, which had sent Elsa's mind into a depressive downward spiral of confusion. Prince Frederik was a wonderful person. And now that she was getting to know him a bit better, she was becoming a more aware of their differences and incompatibilities, but overall, the Snow Queen was becoming increasingly convinced that a political marriage with the Prince of Kingsley would work. It would be functional, and responsible, and beneficial for both of their kingdoms. In fact, it could even work well.

And she had no idea why she found this revelation so upsetting.

When she and Prince Frederik returned to the castle, they were greeted by a number of dignitaries, a reporter, and her entire Royal Council, with the exceptions of Mr. Hauge and Mr. Ellingboe. Upon seeing that the beautiful Spirit of Winter was standing to the back of the crowd—leaning against the stone wall with his staff against his shoulder, carelessly floating a snowflake over his hands—Elsa's heart leapt.

Feeling significantly better knowing that Jack was waiting close by, the Snow Queen politely finished with her necessary pleasantries and small talk, then adapting the regal clasp-hands-in-front-of-skirt-and-straighten-your-back posture to walk back into the castle, ascending the grand stairs up to the small parlor where she had been told her family was gathered. As she was still being accompanied by a butler—who was apparently bringing some more drinking water for Queen Anna—Jack Frost said nothing, but dutifully walked beside her in the silence, sharing knowing and reassuring glances with Elsa the whole way. Even without speaking, being together was infinitely better than being alone.

When they entered the room—the butler holding the door for Elsa, while Jack leapt into the air to fly in as well—the Fifth Spirit saw that her sister was sitting with their cousin at a table, working on a jigsaw puzzle, while King Kristoff was standing next to Eugene by the fireplace.

"The last time we came here, we got to see what Arendelle was like in July," Eugene was saying, dramatically holding his hands up, "And after I got feeling back in all ten of my fingers, Raps here was like: I have a great idea! Let's do that again, but THIS time, we should go in the DEAD OF WINTER!"

"Elsa!" Anna exclaimed as she suddenly saw her, "You're back!"

Turning to face them as they walked over, Rapunzel gasped, her bright green eyes bulging as she caught sight of the Fifth Guardian standing next to her cousin. Jack's eyebrows lifted, and he looked to Elsa, their gazes locking for a brief moment before Elsa turned to her sister.

Queen Anna smiled. "We filled them in," she explained with a wink.

"So, this—this is really—?" Rapunzel breathed, still staring at him, "You're—?"

Jack Frost smiled sheepishly, shifting on his feet. Ruffling his fingers through his hair, he looked down with a nod, and—

"Oh! Um, Rapunzel," Elsa jolted, stepping forward to introduce them as she shifted into Queen Mode, "This is the Spirit of Winter, Jack Frost. Jack, this is my cousin, Princess Rapunzel."

Jack offered his hand for a handshake, and Rapunzel took it, jumping as their skin touched—presumably, from the shock of how cold he was. Not commenting, she gave her head a quick shake.

"Wow!" she laughed, gasping for breath, "That's—you're real! You're actually real!"

"It's nice to meet you," Jack grinned.

Her face flushing, Rapunzel pulled her hand away. Taking a step back, Jack turned his hand over, a sparkle of snowflakes materializing over his palm, and she gasped.

Queen Elsa's heart swelled, and she stepped forward. "He's also a Guardian," she added eagerly.

"A Guardian?" Rapunzel asked, a wave of confusion sweeping her face, "What do you mean?"

"I was chosen by the Man in the Moon to protect the hopes and dreams of children," Jack said. "And I guard fun."

"Really? That's amazing!"

Jack Frost shrugged self-consciously again, letting the end of his staff fall into the carpet and thumbing the edge of his front pocket with a grin.

"He is," Elsa agreed.

Jack's eyes widened. He looked to the Snow Queen in surprise, but Elsa didn't notice, still looking at Rapunzel.

"Jack is much better in person than in all the records," she continued, "There's so much that no one could notice in the sightings. He is really fun—and, he's smart. And kind, and funny, and—it's so wonderful that you're here, and he's here, and-! Well, Jack is amazing. He is amazing."

Rapunzel's smile widened, looking between Elsa and Jack, then glancing to Anna. His face flushing, Jack smile widened as well.

"Really?" he asked softly.

Realizing everything she'd just said, the Fifth Spirit bit her lip. With a little shrug, she then nodded.

Jack said nothing, but reached out for her hand. As they turned around, Eugene let out a sharp laugh.

"Wow," he exclaimed. "I had no idea you guys were so dedicated to pulling this off!"

A look of confusion swept over Elsa's face. "What do you mean?"

"You're even pretending to be holding his hand?" Eugene chuckled, raising an eyebrow at her, "This is involved! How long did you guys spend preparing this? Hmm? A month?"

"Wait," Rapunzel realized, "Can you—not see him?"

"See who? There's no one to see!"

Elsa's mouth fell open. Before she could respond, though, Jack Frost tossed his staff into his opposite hand, taking a step towards her. She froze, her heart pounding as Jack leaned in close to her ear, his freezing breath on her cheek sending a shiver down her spine.

"Could you please hold onto this for a moment?" he whispered, handing her his shepherd's crook.

"I—!" Elsa blushed, her heart jumping again as their gazes locked, Jack peering at her through his eyelashes. Managing a nervous smile, she took it with a nod.

As Eugene turned and walked away, Jack picked up the pitcher of water from the table, silently following after him.

"We're not trying to pull off anything!" Rapunzel exclaimed, "This is Jack Frost—but—"

"—Sure, sure," Eugene laughed, "Of course it is!"

"But it is!"

Placing his plate on the end table beside him, Eugene collapsed into the stuffed chair with a dramatic sigh.

"As a self-respecting, mature adult, I take pride in the fact that I have a strong, solid grasp on reality," he proclaimed with a laugh, not noticing the enormous pitcher of water floating towards him through the air, "Which is why I can tell you in complete confidence that Jack Frost is certainly, definitely, without a doubt and one HUNDRED percent—"

FWOOSH!

Jack calmly turned the entire contents of the pitcher over onto Eugene's head, cutting him off mid-sentence with a gasp. Droplets dripping from his hair, Eugene then gasped again, startling back in his chair with his eyes bulging as the Spirit of Winter presumably materialized before his eyes, walking away from him.

"Real?" Eugene squeaked.

Clunk.

Jack set the pitcher back onto the table. Turning around with a smug expression, he then brushed off his hands, extending his right one as he walked back towards Eugene.

"Jack Frost," he drawled. "How ya' doin."

"I, uh—but—but how—"

His voice trailed off, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.

"I'm invisible to people who don't believe in me," Jack explained.

"Oh! Uh," Eugene stammered, shakily reaching up to accept the handshake, "Eu—Euqene Fitzherber-sweet GLORY YOU ARE FREEZING."

Everyone in the room burst out laughing, and Jack's smug expression broke into a grin, his ears turning slightly pink. As he pulled his hand away, he laughed self-consciously as well, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeaaaah," Jack admitted, "I get that a lot—"

"—I'm SURE YOU DO!" Eugene balked, making everyone laugh again, "Anything we can get you, Jack Frost? Hot toddy? A nice blanket? A month-long vacation to Hawaii, perhaps?"

Jack grimaced. "Mmm, I generally try to steer clear of the tropics—"

"—A gesture which I am CERTAIN they appreciate!"

To this, Jack actually laughed, the tension broken as Eugene got to his feet. Jack glanced to Elsa, then looking back to Eugene. Seeing Jack's brilliant smile, Elsa's heart leapt.

"Once I'm above a certain altitude, I can get away with some stuff," the Fifth Guardian said, pushing his hand into his hair, "Like the tops of mountains and all, but if I drop a snow day on a place that isn't ready for it, it just kills everything."

Eugene leaned back against the side of the chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, you travel a lot."

"You could say that."

"What brings you to Arendelle, then?"

Jack paused.

Then, a strange expression on his face, Elsa watched as the Youngest Guardian turned on his heel, sticking his hands into his front pocket and walking towards her.

"Oh—you know," Jack said carefully. "Just—making friends."

Before Elsa could respond, he then suddenly draped his arm around her shoulders, turning back and sending her cousin's husband a meaningful look. Still holding Jack's staff, Elsa's entire body went rigid with shock. After a few seconds—her heart pounding—she then instinctively relaxed, the feeling of calm and joy washing over hear as she let her head fall against the Spirit of Winter's shoulder.

Eugene's face cracked into a smirk.

"Daaaaw," he chuckled. "Cute."

Elsa closed her eyes, feeling strangely at peace with Jack's arm around her. It just felt right. Leaning into his chest as her fingers slackened on the shepherd's crook, she sighed, the relaxed contentment settling into her mind.

He's so cold...

"So!" Eugene started again, "You two are an item then, right?"

Jack's eyebrows lifted, the edges of his mouth ticking upwards as he pulled in his breath. "Well—"

"—NO!" Elsa blurted, jerking forward out of his embrace and cutting him off with a nervous laugh, "We're just friends! I mean, if we were—if he—it would have come up before," she stammered, "I'm sure Jack would've—but no pressure! Or anything."

She fell quiet, blushing furiously and staring at the ground as she held her elbow with her opposite hand. Suddenly remembering with dismay that Jack's arm was no longer around her shoulders—and realizing that she still had the staff—she stole an anxious glance in his direction.

"Uh—right," Jack choked, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand that had been touching her moments before. "We're—just friends. Like she said."

His face fell, and she bit her lip, handing him back his shepherd's crook as he sheepishly took it. She'd messed up again. Jack had been put on the spot, and she'd tried to spare him from the awkwardness, but somehow she'd made it all worse. She'd drug it out, when Jack clearly didn't want to talk about it, or even think about it. It was obvious that he didn't want what she did, because he hadn't asked, and putting pressure on him would make things even worse. And now he was embarrassed.

Feeling the air becoming colder around her, Elsa clasped her hands together tightly in front of her skirt. She swallowed.

I.

Belong.

Alone.

"Really good friends," Jack gritted suddenly, glaring a threat at Eugene.

Eugene raised his eyebrows. Glancing to Kristoff—and then back to Jack—he then pulled in his breath, clearly fighting a grin.

"Ahhhh," he said. "I… see."

Jack's shoulders relaxed slightly, as if seeing that his unspoken message had been received. A smirk on the edge of his lips, Eugene leaned forward an inch.

"How good are we talking, here?" he pressed, raising a single eyebrow with a mischievous gleam in his gaze.

Rapunzel stepped forward. "Eugene—"

He shrugged, looking at his wife in innocence. "I was just asking."

"Well, if they aren't comfortable answering tha—"

"—Extremely good!" Elsa blurted. "Jack is wonderful! And we get along very well. And he's been helping me with—with many things."

Her voice trailing off, Elsa looked to Jack, their eyes locking.

Like my Council, she thought, And—and kissing.

She smiled shyly. Her eyes glazing over in the memory, Elsa suddenly realized that her gaze had wandered down to his mouth. Jolting, she quickly glanced back up into his eyes, then blushing furiously and looking away.

She didn't miss Jack's look of hopeful confusion.

Eugene's eyes bulged, and his mouth falling open in a silent guffaw. Meanwhile, Rapunzel smiled in discomfort, her eyes filled with concern as she met the gaze of the equally worried-looking Queen Anna from a few feet away.

"Popcorn, anyone?" Eugene whispered.

Elsa felt herself blush in confusion. Giving herself a little shake, the Snow Queen then looked to her sister.

"So! Um," she started, changing the subject, "What have all of you been up to?"

"Oh, we're just doing a puzzle," Anna shrugged. "Care to join?"

"We'd love to," Jack blurted.

He started to make a motion like he was going to grab Elsa's hand, but then froze. Swallowing hard, Jack then awkwardly turned his hand over, offering it to her instead.

Elsa took it, her heart leaping, and Jack let out his breath. Giving her hand a squeeze, a few snowflakes bursting from his skin, he then turned and gently pulled her towards the table.

"So, you were taking a prince on a tour of Arendelle, right?" Rapunzel asked Elsa as they all walked over to sit down, "How'd that go? What was his name?"

"Prince Frederik of Kingsley."

Halfway through pulling out Elsa's chair for her, Jack froze. A moment later, he then gave himself a quick shake, saying nothing as he resumed.

"And?" Eugene asked, plopping into his own seat after giving one to his wife, "What'd you think of him? That's a pretty long date, taking all day."

Thanking the Spirit of Winter with a grateful smile, the Snow Queen sat down. Elsa looked over the puzzle as Jack sat down as well, shifting in his chair. "Even though he's a lot more hand-off with his governing than I am, many of his political views seem remarkably similar to my own," she admitted. "And his grandfather—the current king—seems to be beloved by his people."

King Kristoff raised his eyebrows. "But what about him, though? His grandfather isn't going to be on the throne forever," he said, "I mean, that's why the guy is here, right? Do you think his people like him?"

"Oh, I imagine so," Elsa nodded. "Prince Frederik—from what I've seen so far—is intelligent, and competent, and kind. Oh, and he's extremely educated. I imagine that his people support him wholeheartedly."

Jack shifted in his seat again, picking up a puzzle piece and looking wholly uncomfortable with the conversation. Not noticing, Elsa picked up a puzzle piece as well, eying it thoughtfully.

She shrugged. "And his physique helps, I'm sure."

CRACK!

A blast of ice ripped across the surface of the table, making everyone startle. Clearly in the middle of placing his piece into the puzzle, Jack Frost's two longest fingers were suddenly stuck to the table, the messy patch of ice holding them fast.

Elsa's eyes widened. "Jack! Here, I can—"

"—No, I've got it."

He blushed furiously, yanking his hand back against the ice as the patch grew, now encompassing half the puzzle. Setting his jaw, he yanked on it again.

Elsa stood up, her face filled with concern. "If you'll just let me—"

"—I've got it," he gritted louder, whipping his head around.

Elsa's breath caught as his gaze locked onto hers, the snowflakes in his irises gleaming with intensity. As they stared into each other's eyes—a few snow flurries beginning to materialize above them—the intensity in Jack's started to wane, the frustration softening into hurt and embarrassment in the silence.

Eugene slowly started to push himself up from his chair.

"I think I'm going to get that popcorn now," he whispered.

"Eugene!" Rapunzel grabbed the back of his shirt and yanked him back into his seat.

Looking away from Elsa and back down to his hand, still frozen to the table, Jack Frost swallowed, his neck, face, and ears flushing bright red. Grasping the wrist of his stuck hand with his free one, he then closed his eyes in concentration.

Whoosh. The patch of ice began to disintegrate, swirls of frost lifting from the table and dancing into the air. As the scarf of ice particles swept away, it spiraled itself into a ball, then consolidating into a spinning, three-dimensional snowflake over the table.

Jack sighed and pulled his hand away, his face grave as he opened his eyes. He pressed his right middle finger against his thumb.

Snap.

And the snowflake burst apart, a thousand flurries silently falling onto the table.

Rapunzel and Eugene sucked in their breath, glancing to each other in wonder. As if nothing had happened—or rather, as if he very much wanted to pretend that nothing had happened—the Spirit of Winter then gave his head a vigorous shake, huffing to himself and sitting back down. Her heart pounding, Elsa leaned in close to him, placing her hand on top of his.

"Jack?" she asked softly, "Are you—are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Still pointedly avoiding eye contact, Jack plucked another puzzle piece off the edge of the table, then staring at the puzzle itself. Elsa swallowed, pulling her hand back.

He doesn't SEEM fine.

She bit her lip, staring into her lap. Maybe she was just misreading him again. Or she'd said something wrong. Or done something wrong, to—

"I mean," Jack scoffed suddenly, letting out a bitter laugh and making her jump, "I'm tickled pink to hear that you and Freddie got along so well on your DATE, but—come on, Elsa." He cut himself off, huffing again as his voice fell to an angry mutter. "He's not—that—attractive..."

Elsa was just about to open her mouth to protest when she caught Queen Anna's gaze. Her younger sister—her eyes wide—gave her head a quick shake, pressing her lips together. Blushing, Elsa snapped her mouth shut.

Just because he isn't as cute as YOU, it DOESN'T mean that he's unattractive.

"So—uh, have we seen this man? Who they keep setting you up with?" Rapunzel asked, placing a puzzle piece into the puzzle and breaking the silence. "I mean, I know we just got in, but—would we recognize him?"

"He's the one who's always wearing a bright red coat," Elsa said. "With a pin on the left lapel."

"Ooh, I saw that!" Anna chimed in, "What was it? Did you get a close look?"

"Yes, actually. And it's his family crest."

Still worried about Jack, Elsa bit her lip. She picked up a new puzzle piece, looking to the side of the half-completed picture on the table. The others had already organized the remaining pieces by color, and this one—part of a field of wheat, in a serene landscape—was no exception. Seeing where it fit, Elsa reached forward and snapped it into place.

"As far as crests go, it's a rather nice one," she added, throwing another anxious glance at Jack. "It's a fox-and-crown design. A bright red fox, like the red of his coat."

"Ah!" Eugene chuckled, "Now, THAT'S interesting. Better watch out, Elsa."

She looked up. "Why do you say that?"

"Well—sly fox, right?" he joked. "Bet he steals into the hen house by night? Or is he gonna drag you away to his evil lair?"

Jack huffed in agreement, but Rapunzel scoffed, smiling and rolling her eyes. "Eugene!"

"I don't imagine that that should be a problem," Elsa said. "It's kind of strange that foxes have that reputation. Actually, I've read that red foxes are supposed to be some of the best parents. And the best mates. It's really interesting, if you look at the way that they—"

"—What about arctic foxes?" Jack interrupted.

Elsa stopped talking, looking to him.

"What?" she asked.

Jack Frost opened his mouth, and then closed it again. He cleared his throat. "I was—I asked about arctic foxes," he repeated.

The Fifth Spirit of the Enchanted Forest was taken aback, caught completely off-guard. "I'm sorry," Elsa admitted, "I—um—I don't actually know anything about arctic foxes."

Jack pressed his lips together into a bitter grin. "Figures," he muttered, nodding and looking away.

Elsa's heart leapt into her throat.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"Well, with all this time you've been spending looking into the red fox, perhaps it'd be worth your while to take five seconds to even GLANCE at the arctic fox," Jack bristled. "That's all I'm saying."

The Spirit of Winter picked up a puzzle piece, looking over the picture forming on the table. The entire group had gone strangely silent, watching as he snapped it into place with a click.

Elsa, her mind racing, clasped her hands together in her lap. "Well, it's a lot harder to get information about them! I mean, arctic foxes aren't exactly common," she reasoned defensively, "Not around here, anyway. It wouldn't be practical to spend a lot of time researching them."

"So, because they're different, it's not worth it to get to know them?" Jack demanded.

"What are you—"

"Just because the arctic fox isn't as normal as the red fox, that doesn't mean it's not as good!"

"I didn't say it wasn't!" Elsa exclaimed, snowflakes beginning to fall around the two of them in what was otherwise an impressively tight stillness in the room, "I just haven't really looked into it!"

"Well, maybe you should!" the Youngest Guardian scoffed. "As you're going ON AND ON about how great red foxes are, what great mates they are, maybe, if you actually looked, you'd see that the arctic fox is EASILY as good as the red fox! In fact, maybe, the arctic fox could even be way BETTER for you than the red fox! Because, MAYBE," Jack Frost stammered, his voice breaking with emotion as he whipped around to face her, "You should give the arctic fox a CHANCE!"

His desperate gaze piercing through her, his chest rising up and down as he gasped for breath, Elsa froze. Her heart pounding, she was suddenly aware of the fact that everyone was staring at her, waiting for her response.

The Snow Queen pulled in a deep breath.

"I—I had no idea you were so passionate about foxes," she stammered.

Someone audibly groaned. Jumping and whipping around, the tension shattered, Elsa saw that her brother-in-law had clapped his hand over his eyes, shaking his head.

"We are all gonna die," he whimpered.

Queen Anna shushed him, her eyebrows drawn together in worry. "Kristoff—"

"—But if she doesn't—"

"—Shh!"

Elsa's blush deepened in its hue.

Feeling her stomach twist, the Fifth Spirit cringed, her mind racing. She wasn't sure of exactly what she'd said wrong, but she was suddenly overcome by the intense desire to never say anything ever again.

She had to go back to the Forest. She didn't belong here. She wanted to run. She wanted to be on the Nokk, riding over the waves, galloping at top speed away from this, away from everyone, away from every opportunity and relationship that she was bound by her awkwardness to mess up.

Feeling the air drop around her, Elsa nervously looked to Jack. He was blushing furiously himself, kneading his forehead and staring determinately down at the puzzle on the table. Looking away, Elsa's hurt, confused gaze then instantly locked onto her sister's, from where she was seated—her eyes wide with concern—across the table.

Queen Anna's teeth clicked together. Her brow furrowing with determination, she then abruptly stood up.

"Out!" she ordered.

King Kristoff stood as well. "Out? Out whe—"

"—Everybody, OUT! We're going on a walk," the pregnant young queen declared, holding her stomach and lurching around the table, "Now—right now. Out!"

Elsa looked to her in confusion, starting to rise from the table. "Anna, if—"

"—Not you!"

Anna jolted and pushed her sister back down into her seat, and Elsa obeyed, her mouth hanging open in shock. Meanwhile, Jack Frost had buried his head in his arms on the table, his ears and neck pink.

"You just—stay here," Queen Anna said again to Elsa, awkwardly backing up, "With Jack. You and Jack just—stay in here."

Unsure of what else to do, Elsa swallowed with a nod. Eugene hesitated, gesturing in protest, but then allowed Rapunzel to pull him from his seat. As she tugged him past Jack, he paused.

"It was fantastic meeting you," Eugene said cheerily, beaming as Jack looked up.

"We're leaving now. But yes," Rapunzel added, "It was."

"Oh. Uh, you too," Jack muttered, still avoiding eye contact with Elsa.

"Except for the water. I'll get you for that," Eugene added, clapping a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Although, it is pretty great to find out that even the all-powerful Spirit of Winter can have issues with—"

"—We're GOING NOW!" Rapunzel sang, grabbing her husband's arm again and tugging him away.

With a silent laugh, Eugene followed, glancing back towards the table as a stain of pink began to color Jack's ears. As they left the room, Elsa watched as the door slowly swung shut behind them.

Ca-CHUNK.

And all was quiet once again.

Her heart pounding, the Fifth Spirit looked to the boy beside her, who was staring determinately at the table, his shoulders hunched forward in embarrassment. Keenly aware of the snowflakes materializing above them, floating down onto the table and the carpet at their feet, she sucked in her breath.

"I'll research it," Elsa blurted, "I'll—I'll find some information. I can research foxes more and—"

"—Forget it."

Jack blushed, reaching back and pulling his hood up over his head. Elsa's stomach twisted.

"But Jack," she protested, "If this really means so much to you—"

"—I said, forget it!"

Elsa abruptly snapped her mouth shut, seeing that Jack's eyes were suddenly terrified, hurt plainly written across his face. His cheeks flushing, the Youngest Guardian looked down.

"Please," he choked.

Elsa's stomach twisted again.

As a few flurries of snow fell around them, softly floating down to the floor, the two sat in silence.

"Elsa, I—!"

She looked up to him again. Jack was still staring at his hands, avoiding eye contact.

He sucked in his breath.

"Whatever you choose to do, I just want you to know that I support you," he stammered quickly, the words tumbling out of his mouth all in one breath, "And I don't want for you to feel pressured. Or anything."

Elsa's eyes widened. Unsure of what to say—watching as he squeezed his eyes shut, flurries falling silently around them—the Fifth Spirit didn't respond.

The Fifth Guardian swallowed.

"So, uh… I'm sorry," he added on a disheartened mutter. "If I pressured you."

Elsa's cheeks flushed. She pulled her hands into her lap, fidgeting with her fingers.

"Thank you," she breathed.

"But I don't want to see you get hurt, either."

Jack finally straightened up, lifting his gaze from the table to meet hers.

"Not while I could have prevented it," he stammered, "Not if—well, if I see something going wrong, and I don't do something to—!"

He cut himself off again, squeezing his eyes shut like he was in pain. Shoving his fingers into his hair, Jack let out his breath.

"Snowflake…" he choked softly. "Will you promise me something?"

Her heart leapt into her throat. She scooted an inch towards him. "What is it?"

"Just promise me that you'll actually look at all of your options. Like—really consider all of your options," he pleaded, he voice breaking, "Before you—before you make any decisions?"

Elsa stared at him in confusion.

"That's it?" she asked.

"Do you promise?"

Jack's eyes suddenly locked with hers, gleaming from under the shadow of his hood, and filled with an intensity and desperation that sent a shiver over Elsa's skin. Not entirely sure what to make of it—or why this apparently meant so much to him—the Fifth Spirit nodded.

"I promise," Elsa whispered.

And there was silence.

As the words sank in, Jack Frost's face relaxed. "Okay. Um—good." He nodded to himself, turning back to the table. "Thanks."

The quiet fell once again, the soft stillness settling over the room like a blanket of snow. Elsa fidgeted with her fingers in her lap, and—after a few moments—Jack pushed his own through his hair, the hood falling back.

"Are you tired?" he asked suddenly, ripping his fingers out. "Because, I'm really tired."

Elsa nodded. "Yes, actually. We should probably go."

Jack slapped his hand down onto the table, pushing himself up and reaching for his staff. Grasping it, he then straightened, spinning around to her.

"Well, then," he started, extending his hand. "Your room, right? I mean, if—if that's," he paused, his voice suddenly uncertain. "Uh… still okay?"

"Of course it's okay. You're my guest, aren't you?"

He didn't respond at first. Her heart leaping as they touched, Elsa took his outstretched hand, letting Jack help her from her seat.

"I just really li—respect you, Elsa," he said softly. "And I don't want you to be—uncomfortable. Or anything. I mean, if you didn't want me in your room."

"Technically, you're in the next room."

Jack restrained from an eye-roll, a grin tugging at the edge of his mouth. As she got onto her feet, her capelet untwisting, Elsa pulled her hand from his.

"We put up a wall," she shrugged. "And we don't cross it. Right?"

"I guess that makes sense."

"Just—we—"

Jack paused, tossing his staff into his opposite hand. Elsa drew in her breath.

"As friends," she said carefully, "Is it still appropriate to have a goodnight kiss?"