The weight of expectations can be really tough on a person.
Elsa lingered outside, anticipation building as she waited for the car to arrive. During this anxious wait, she found herself reflecting on every moment of her life that had led her to this point. She carried a heavy burden of regret, especially regarding her strained relationship with Anna. In a moment of naivety, Elsa had clung to the hope that their fractured bond could be repaired. She acknowledged her own mistakes, yet she had optimistically believed that Anna would empathize with her. Unfortunately, that hope was dashed as it became clear that Anna didn't share her understanding.
Perhaps Anna's perspective was valid. Had she chosen to remain, could things have gradually improved? Would she have adapted to the situation over time? Could her departure be seen as a selfish act?
Expecting any happiness was her biggest mistake in life.
All of her hopes for Jack were shattered, just like her sister had abandoned her. It made her wonder if her husband might do the same.
She was so consumed by her tumultuous thoughts that she didn't notice Jack's presence until he reached out to her, causing her to startle at his touch. "It's just me, Snowflake," he reassured her.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Jack gently nudged her shoulder, a warm smile gracing his lips. "What's there to be sorry about?" he murmured, his gaze locked with hers, taking in the depths of her ocean-blue eyes. "Now, what's on your mind?"
Not wishing to share, Elsa shook her head and changed the topic. "It's snowing. Isn't it beautiful, Jack?"
"Indeed it is," he said softly, stealing a glance at her enchanting face. "You are truly stunning."
She scoffed sarcastically. "Yeah, right. Thanks."
Upon detecting the lack of sincerity in her words, he forced a smile and said, "Come on, don't say that! My snowflake is absolutely stunning."
Suddenly, she wrapped her arms tightly around him, feeling a rush of relief as if she could finally breathe. "Why did it take you so long?" Elsa buried her pent-up emotions in his chest, wishing he had arrived sooner. "Why didn't you leave with me?"
The guilt washed over him. Should he tell her the truth or a lie? "I don't want to ever lie to you...I'm sorry," Jack hesitated. "Your cousins were being disrespectful, so I stood up to them. I'm sorry, I couldn't bear to hear what they said about you. We ended up in a fight." He raised his hands defensively, praying she wouldn't be upset.
"Jack!" Elsa jolted back and delicately held his face, frantically glimpsing at his face and hands for any wounds. "Look at your hands! Jackson Frost Overland!"
With a dramatic gasp, Jack placed a hand over his chest and exclaimed, "Elsa Overland, do you truly believe your husband is that weak? It's not blood, just a bit swollen." He then lowered his face to her collarbone and asked, "Since you used my full name, are you angry at me for hitting Smith, or more specifically, Anthony?"
Elsa finally realized who he had hit. "Jack," she sighed, "I was so worried about you. What if you had been injured? It's only been a week, and my husband is already hurt." It was somewhat amusing, in a strange way.
These words calmed his racing heart down. "So you aren't mad." He was thankful.
"Oh no, mister, I'm definitely mad!" She scolded him, and thrown out was his calmed self.
Jack wailed in return. "Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not sorry for hitting him and standing up for you. Even though I don't remember saying I dos and the vows but….I do know that I'll protect you with my life...I forever will."
It was surprising how he had such a way with his words, "Only you could love me, Jack. Do I even deserve this?"
"You deserve the whole world! And...I beg to differ." Jack gently kissed her nose tip. "That stubborn Hofferson loves you." He then tenderly kissed her cheeks. "The entire Berk loves you." Finally, he placed a sweet and loving kiss on her lips. "And I love you."
With time, she couldn't help but burst into laughter, and as the wind tousled her hair in the opposite direction, she appeared even more stunning in Jack's eyes. "You look radiant with joy, Your Majesty."
Time stood still, and so did they. Everything stopped and vanished into the air around them. They were alone, staring into each other's eyes with a worshipping gaze that travelled to their hearts.
It was only Jack and Elsa.
Then, a bright glow blinded Jack, and he saw something out of this world.
They lay intertwined on the soft, green grass, holding each other close.
Jack ran his fingers through Elsa's golden locks, a fond smile spreading across his face, revealing the depth of his love for her. "I eagerly anticipate the day when I get to see your hair turn grey," he said affectionately.
"That's a bizarre thing to say, my love." Elsa rolled her eyes at her lover.
He shrugged mischievously and stared into the sky. "I only imply I can't wait to grow old with you, my lady."
"Ah, now it all makes sense," she remarked with a laugh. "That's how you should have expressed it." As she ran her fingers through his hair, she added, "I can't wait to see these beautiful brown locks turn gray. I wonder if you'll still look just as handsome." Her fingertips then trailed down his face, delicately outlining each and every feature.
"Without a doubt!" Jack exclaimed, his cheeks turning a rosy shade as he gently brushed Elsa's cheek with the back of his hand. "You will be the epitome of beauty, surpassing all others. The most beautiful old Snowflake."
She let out a snort of derision and playfully flicked his nose. "What a completely inappropriate thing to say," she remarked.
He winked and kissed her hand. "Only for My Queen."
"Exclusively for me, my courageous and fierce knight," she whispered as she pressed her lips to his cheek and gently brushed her fingers against the crimson ribbon adorning the hilt of his sword, which was securely fastened to his belt. She had personally crafted the ribbon and presented it to him as a token of her affection and a charm for good fortune.
With widened eyes, Jack let out a shriek as he gazed up at the sky. "Goodness gracious! We need to hurry. Your father will exile me. I promised him I would return you before sundown."
Taking hold of his hand, Elsa rose to her feet, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "You've triumphed in countless battles and conquered many enemies. Yet, even after all these years, you're still fearful of my father?"
"He's the King, His Highness." Smiled, the knight.
Hand in hand, the princess and the prince raced towards his majestic white steed, eager to make their way to the grand palace. Their joyful laughter echoed through the forest, spreading a sense of pure happiness.
Jack was drenched in sweat, gasping for breath. What on earth was that? It had felt so vivid, and why did they both look so dissimilar? Their hair and eye colours were distinctly different. Countless queries raced through his mind. It didn't seem like a figment of his imagination or a mere daydream. It felt tangible, real. He yearned to return to Berk and seek out Gothi, the epitome of wisdom, to unravel the meaning behind this experience.
The scene appeared hazy as he looked down from a distant vantage point. He could only make out the figures of himself and Elsa riding on horseback, their heads thrown back in laughter. Although he couldn't hear their laughter, he could sense the deep affection they shared for each other.
He was overly lost to hear the screams around him.
"Jack! Jackson! Babe, answer me. Please be alright," Elsa shook his shoulder while sobbing.
Sebastian, who had just arrived, was on a call with the Overland's doctor, answering all the questions. "No, his eyes are open, but he isn't replying or moving. No, he doesn't. Yes, that's right. As I said, he was fine just a few minutes ago. Right, Mrs. Overland?"
Elsa gently nodded and carefully cradled Jack's head in her lap. "Yes, he seemed perfectly fine; we were in the middle of a conversation," she recalled. "But then, he suddenly seemed to drift off for a moment, and before I knew it, he started to fall backward. I managed to catch him just in time, preventing his head from hitting the ground." Elsa's quick thinking led her to shield the back of his head with her hand even though it left her hand bleeding. But at that moment, she only cared about ensuring Jack's safety.
"You heard her right, Dr. Grey? That's exactly what happened."
Without waiting for Dr. Grey's response, Elsa asserted her authority as the lady of the house for the first time and instructed Sebastian, "Sebastian, we need to get to the clinic right away. Help me get Jack into the car.
Sebastian nodded and was about to put his arm around Jack's shoulder when he jerked, returning to the present. "Loki, what are you doing?" And Jack had forgotten all he had just seen for now.
"Oh, thank God you're alright."
Jack was utterly astonished; why were Elsa and Sebastian wearing such anxious expressions? "Without a doubt, I am," Jack reassured them as he edged closer to the still aloof Elsa. "Why do you appear so taken aback, Snowflake? And why exactly am I on the ground?"
Despite her disbelief, Elsa was relieved he was okay and had returned to his usual self. Nevertheless, they were headed to the clinic. "Hop in the car; I'll explain on the way."
"As you say, Your Majesty." Jack chuckled; they sat in the backseat of their car, and it started moving.
Jack felt a chill run down his spine as a sudden recollection hit him, causing him to gasp internally. He was certain that what he had seen a minute earlier was not a figment of his imagination; it was undeniably real.
It was too real to be just an imagination.
It was them.
It was another Jack that held Elsa, but he felt it.
Because It was a memory.
Upon arrival at the hospital, an uncomfortable silence loomed over them during the journey. Jack was promptly whisked away for all the necessary tests, and his mood was noticeably sour about the situation.
Jack squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his head against the cool, sterile hospital wall. Three long hours had dragged by, filled with exhausting tests that left him feeling drained and weary. "I hate hospitals," he muttered under his breath.
The sterile white walls and the lingering antiseptic scent of the hospital enveloped the couple, and Elsa found herself increasingly repulsed by it. "I've always despised hospitals, but now it's even worse. It's unbearable to see you in that hospital gown, Jack. I hate this."
He was all too familiar with the emotion, having experienced it throughout his life due to his mother. "I am sorry that we are here because of me."
"I just hope you're alright." She shook her head and caressed his cheek.
He smiled as he gently nudged her shoulder. "Hey, what's the worst that could happen? I'm the Jackson Frost Overland."
Not taking the jokes, Elsa sighed. "Please be serious."
Jack tried his best to avoid her now bandaged hand, but he couldn't anymore. "I'm sorry for your hand. It must hurt a lot."
With a shrug of her shoulders and a pained smile, she remarked, "I've endured so much hurt throughout my life that this small wound doesn't faze me anymore." Looking around the opulent yet compact clinic, she mused, "It's ironic that I am sitting in such a place right now."
The words struck deep into his heart, causing him to fall silent for a moment. "If this is making you uneasy, we can always visit a different clinic. Dr. Grey has been our family doctor for years, so I-"
"Jack," she chuckled, the sound filling the waiting room, "You really do stress out about everything, don't you, babe? What I meant was that I've never been to a hospital that looks this fancy and expensive before. Usually, I would just take care of my injuries at home. If worse, I'd go to the shabby clinic near our house."
If he had met her sooner, Jack would've protected her with his life. "Your family didn't even take you to a fucking hospital?"
She sighed. "Why would they when they were the reason for my wounds? Anyways, are you feeling better?"
With great care and tenderness, he gently took hold of her bandaged hand. "I promised always to keep you safe, and I've failed. I'm so sorry that you're going through this because of me. I'll make sure you receive the best possible care for this. You're not in pain, are you?"
This care wasn't new to her, but it was rare. "It doesn't hurt." She grinned teary-eyed. "I'm fine."
Dr Grey walked to the waiting room and led them into her office. "So, how are you feeling, Jackson?"
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine, but please recheck my wife's hand." Jack was going crazy, worried sick.
The doctor nodded and checked Elsa's hand the sixth time as per Jack's request, which was more like an order. "It's just a scratch; within a few days, it should return to normal."
Before Jack could argue and say something out of the world, Elsa asked worriedly, "What do his reports say? Is it something serious?"
Dr. Grey brought up the MRI scans and other medical files on the computer. "As you can see here," she said, running the cursor over the open files, "everything appears normal, and there's no cause for concern. Jackson's medical reports have not changed, and he's in very good health." Turning to Jack, she asked him, "Now, I'd like you to walk me through the entire situation, starting from the beginning and going up to the point where you last remember, so that I can make an accurate diagnosis and ensure that you leave my clinic in perfect health."
Like a lost person, Jack looked at Elsa as if he were asking for her permission to go on. "Tell her what happened. Dr. Grey already knows my side of the story."
The experienced doctor found it quite amusing and controlled her laughter. This situation reminded her of when adults in their 20s show up with their mothers, and the mother has to do all the talking and even book an appointment for them.
Jack gulped nervously and answered, removing the memory he saw, "Well, I got into a verbal and physical fight with this assho... pardon...person. After that, I walked to where Elsa was waiting, and suddenly, my heartbeat felt irregular, and the last thing I remember was waking in Elsa's arms. It was pretty heroic." And, of course, Jack could never stay serious, even in the hospital gown.
"Irregular heartbeat and fainting," Dr. Grey noted as she carefully jotted down on her notepad, crossing out some potential disorders she had considered. "Could it be related to panic attacks? You've experienced them previously, haven't you, Jackson?" It was a suspicion she aimed to investigate further.
"My anxiety is under control, and I quit the meds years ago, as you know. It was not a panic attack." He replied honestly.
Dr. Grey noted it down and gave her final thoughts: "It's nothing to worry about. To me, it sounds like a sudden change in blood pressure. It makes sense since he was in a heroic situation. The results show it's nothing to worry about, and considering all the factors, I'll say...It was a brief episode of unconsciousness due to a stressful situation."
Elsa let out a breath she was holding and relaxed. "So, nothing to worry about?"
Dr. Grey assured with a comforting smile, "I assure you it's nothing. But please make sure Jackson comes for his every six months checkups. He's quite forgetful."
"Thank you, Dr. Grey." Elsa glared at Jack and nodded, "Trust me, I'll ensure he shows up for his appointments."
"Can you please have Elsa undergo the same tests I did?" Jack asked, his voice filled with concern.
Elsa smacked her head. "For God's sake, Jackson."
Dr. Grey found himself uncomfortably entangled in a fiercely contentious dispute between the married couple.
And here comes the reincarnation part of the story. It's a HUGE part of the story. I'm so excited to see what you guys think of this.
Also, please excuse the overuse of pardon, sorry and thank you. I'm a Canadian, so I can't not use them.