As the sunlight streamed through the window, it gently caressed their faces, coaxing the married couple out of their slumber with groans of annoyance.
Jack mumbled, still half asleep, "You know this is Sebastian's fault. He should have closed the curtains." Blaming Sebastian was a habit by now.
In Elsa's mind, something else was happening; she thought, "Jack, why in the world are you on top of me, and why are we sleeping in the same bed?"
"Huh...what?" Suddenly becoming aware that he was positioned on top of her, with his arms tightly wrapped around her waist, he jerked up in surprise. In his haste, he lost his balance and slipped on the covers, landing awkwardly on his hip.
It was extremely difficult for her to stifle her laughter, and just when she thought she had it under control, she couldn't help but blurt out, "I'm really sorry, but this is so funny, babe."
In his characteristically dramatic fashion, Jack spoke with a deadpan voice, the words dripping with sarcasm and frustration. "I could've broken my hip bone, you know? This is funny to you?"
"I'm really sorry, but it is," she said with a sheepish grin, her cheeks turning a rosy shade as she clasped her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.
"Alright, let's start getting ready; we need to get ready for the family gathering," he said as he made eye contact with her and flashed a warm smile before heading off to the washroom.
She grunted and mashed a pillow to her face. "Can we just not go?"
Hearing this, he unlocked the door and walked out, only in his boxers. "Come on, Snowflake, don't say that. That's why we came here."
"I just don't want to live through the same horror again," she said, her words coming out muffled through the pillow.
Assuring her, he went back to the washroom. "I'm with you. Now, don't worry, and get ready."
Elsa chuckled and put her slippers on. "We only have one washroom in this room, Jack." She knocked on the door. "Let me brush my teeth and wash my face first. While you bathe, I will pick out our outfits and accessories."
The door made a satisfying click as it unlocked, and Elsa abruptly stopped when she saw Jack standing there in nothing but his boxers. "Do you like what you see?" he teased.
"Jackson!" Her cheeks turned bright red as she fidgeted anxiously, shielding her eyes with her hands and furtively glancing around.
Hurriedly, he put on his pants and twirled her around. "There you go." He passed her the green toothbrush. "Yours."
He was still shirtless, which only made it worse for her.
What was this man just doing to her?
The white foam in her mouth toned down her words. "So, are we going alone, or will Sebastian drive us?"
"What do you want?" He gargled, and the water rinsed the insides of his mouth.
What she yearned for was to not have their judgmental gazes on her. "I want us to go with Sebastian."
As he scrubbed his face, Jack smiled and agreed with her words, "Then we'll go with him."
Elsa stood in front of the mirror, carefully patting her face dry with a soft towel after washing it. She turned to her partner and said, "You go ahead and take your shower first, and then I'll take mine. I could use the extra time to choose our outfit."
Suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her near to his exposed chest. "We could always take a shower together if you'd like," he suggested with a sly smile.
Her face flushed crimson, and her voice rose in embarrassment as she exclaimed, "No!"
As she turned around, she couldn't help but smile at the sound of his gentle laughter. "Okay, Snowflake," he told warmly.
As the door closed behind her, she felt herself plunging down and sliding against the door. "Oh my goodness, this man is just...unbelievable."
Fifteen minutes later, Jack emerged from the bathroom, his skin glistening from the shower. Elsa couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, still feeling too mortified to make eye contact.
Jack took a moment to admire the carefully selected outfits she had chosen for him and the matching watch. Everything was impeccable, just like her. He was becoming accustomed to her thoughtful gestures, and there was no chance he would ever want to be without her. In just a matter of days, she had become his entire world.
What was this woman just doing to him?
As she refreshed under the running water, he carefully prepared himself, selecting a modest yet elegant outfit. He was confident that he looked quite dashing.
Then she stepped out of the washroom.
Everything stopped, and it was only Jack and Elsa left. The noise faded into the background, and everything disappeared.
"Wow." Frankly, the word tumbled out his mouth: "You are stunning."
She gazed down at herself, wrapped in her casual clothes and damp hair, and said, "Thanks." It sounded more like a question than a statement.
And he began to ramble while his hands flew around in the air. "I know you are gorgeous, but now you're just…wow. I don't have the words, and heavens above you are glorious."
"I showered Jack."
"I know it's just that you keep getting more beautiful every time I see you." Interviewing, he held out the imaginary mic before her. "What's your secret? We heard your husband is head over heels for you. Is that true, Your Majesty?"
Swatting her towel on his chest, she snatched her outfit from the bed and returned to the washroom to change. "Flirt."
"You wound me." It was assumable that he bowed from the other side as he left the room. "I'll get the breakfast ready."
After about an hour, Elsa finally finished getting ready and headed downstairs for breakfast.
"How do you manage to look even more gorgeous?" Jack asked in amazement.
To be fair, currently, the compliment made sense since she was looking her best. "Once again, thanks. Jack, you look a bit handsome, too."
"A bit?" He repeated her words.
"Ok, ok, you look more than a bit handsome."
"That's all?"
"Jack, take the compliment, or else I'm taking it back." Her tone was quite serious.
Smiling, Jack brought up his hands in defeat. "I'll take that bit."
Suddenly, this all seemed so natural to them. It had only been a few days, but it felt like years to them. They had settled into their relationship so quickly and smoothly.
This was mythical.
After breakfast, they drove to Arendelle's house to face her deepest fears. However, knowing Jack was there made her feel calm.
Holding his hand, washed her worries away.
If this wasn't love, she didn't know what was.
Noticing Elsa's uncomfortable and anxious eyes, he slid his fingers into her clenched fist. "Relax, Snowflake."
Elsa lightly nodded and intertwined her fingers with his. "Just stay with me, and I will."
"How could I ever have such a beauty as my lady?" he whispered, scooting closer and laying his head on her shoulder.
Childishly, she snorted at his act and flicked his nose. "What do you think you're doing?"
He squeezed closer to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Loving my Snowflake."
The fears took over, and she shuddered at his waiting response. "What if this snowflake falls apart?"
"This one won't."
Jack's confidence in his words baffled her, and she was intrigued. "How can you be sure? Snowflakes are delicate. Just a touch, and they vanish in the air or crumble to the ground."
Adorable, he thought, and turned her face towards him by her chin. "Do you know how strong a snowflake is? It falls down the sky and battles through the chilly wind, yet it carries its exquisite shape. I have always admired them for their resilience and beauty. So, no, they aren't delicate. As for the touch part, no one can dare touch my Snowflake because they'll suffer your husband's wrath."
Wow, this was an explanation she never anticipated, not from him, not from anyone. "That's…that's a different way to put it."
"What can I say? You married a poet who knows how to cherish you." And there's his sly personality.
The damn smile and face Elsa has come to love. "It's unreal how you can lift my mood with your humorous words." Shyly, she acknowledged, "I feel better."
He kissed her exposed collarbone as he didn't want to ruin her makeup. "I'm glad I could help."
The kiss sent shivers down her spine and only made her body ache for more, but she concealed that urge as she whispered, "Please stay with me."
Jack kissed a strand of her hair, and its strawberry smell strengthened him. "Of course, I'll be with you at all times tonight."
"I meant forever."
With his heart racing, he gulped and blushed. "Elsa Overland, you belong with me...for eternity. It's more than forever, and I'll never let go."
This time, it was her turn to blush. "Jack Overland, you belong with me forever, too. These past few days have completely altered my perspective on life. I thought I was meant to be alone and no one could be with me but you...Jack, you made me believe in love, and I'm grateful. This has also given me fears...What...What if you leave me, Jack? I'll fall apart."
Lifting her delicate hand, Jack caressed his cheek with it. "Trust me, I'll never. Every day, I'll love you even more, and you'll trust me more. Don't think negative thoughts, Your Majesty."
"I'll try, babe. Stay with me."
"Forever."
Their car parked, and Sebastian declared openly, "Kids, we're here."
The married couple jumped apart, an arm's stretch between them. "Oh, you're here."
"No, Mr. Overland, a ghost was driving your car. Of course, I'm here."
Jack ran a hand down his red face. "A ghost would've been better."
"Oh yes, it would've. It was even more embarrassing for me. I am happy for you both, but honestly, it's painful because I miss my wife," Sebastian sighed.
Elsa muttered under her breath, "Gosh, this is embarrassing."
So he heard and saw everything. The couple wished they would teleport somewhere away from here. And then it hit them: they were here here here. They were at the Arandelle house, and they were finally here.
Noticing her distress, Jack clutched her hand and positioned it on his heart. "I'm with you. You can do this, Elsa."
Those words gave her strength, but the distress remained. "I...Jack...Stay with me, please."
"You don't have to ask."
Sebastian coughed and smiled. "If you want, I can stay with you too, Elsa."
"Woah, woah, woah! When did you get to first-name basis?"
The mood lightened as Jack's jokes came out. "Are you jealous, babe?"
Sebastian answered, attempting to stay professional, "Well, Elsa and I talked, and she told me to call her Elsa."
The gasp could've shaken the car; he admitted, "Ok, I am jealous. Call her Mrs. Overland."
Elsa chortled and slapped Jack's hard chest. "Jack, be nice." Then she addressed the poor Sebastian, "And you can leave now; we'll call you once we are done here."
"Of course, Mrs. Overland." He returned to calling her Mrs. Overland since Jack wouldn't stop glaring knives at him.
Realizing what had just occurred, Elsa once again smacked Jack's chest. "You're such a baby."
He yanked her closer, and she fell on his broad chest."You're mine. Only mine." His hot breath hit her ear.
Before Elsa could reply, Sebastian coughed yet again as he stood only a few feet apart, holding the door open. "I believe and highly suggest you keep this to your bedroom."
Oh, he knew what he was doing to the couple. Sebastian was having fun. After all, he has experienced this with his kids.
Jack got out from the other side and excitedly ran around the car. "Your Majesty." He held out his hand.
She beamed but stepped out elegantly. "I do feel like a queen."
"Because you are one." His lips left a chaste kiss on her soft hand.
Elsa pecked his cheek. "Because you treat me like one."
Suffering, Sebastian sighed. "Once again, to your bedroom kids." He forwarded his handkerchief to Jack. "Please wipe the lipstick, Mr. Overland."
The couple did not react as their faces were white as snow and dying of humiliation. "Ah." That's all they both said at the same time.
"Never mind, I'll do it." The pitied third-wheeler rubbed the red lipstick off Jack's face.
Jack turned away, disguising his blush. "You may leave now." He implored with shut eyes, "Please do!"
As Sebastian left to drive away from the embarrassed couple, he whispered to himself, "I miss you, Allie."
Third-wheeling, this couple made their poor, lovely Sebastian miss his wife.