The living room had dimmed, and the crackle of the fireplace was the only sound left to accompany Jack and Hiccup's quiet conversation.

"So," Jack said, breaking the silence with a sharp edge to his voice, "you like her, and you still haven't asked her out? You coward!"

Hiccup jerked his neck in Jack's direction, shooting him an exasperated glare. "Oh, shut it! I'll ask her out when the time is right. I just." He hesitated, raking a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure she'll say yes, okay? I can't risk our friendship. She's too precious to me. What if I ruin everything?"

Jack sighed dramatically and got up, pacing toward Hiccup. He gave him a moment to stew in his thoughts before slapping him, not too hard, across the face.

"You dumbass," Jack began, shaking his head. "She kissed you, dude. She kissed you and was looking at you like you hung the stars. Which I know you didn't. Well, not like the way you look at her, you're basically a lovesick creep. But trust me, she likes you. So ask her out before someone else does."

Hiccup frowned and crossed his arms, defensiveness creeping into his tone. "The entire Berk knows I like her. I don't think any guy would dare to ask her out." His hands clenched into fists, his protective instincts kicking in at the thought.

Jack raised an eyebrow and smirked slyly. "Oh, really? What if someone outside of Berk asks her out? She's an amazing girl, Hiccup. Any guy would be lucky to have her, and here you are, wasting time and risking it all."

That struck a nerve. Hiccup huffed, smacking Jack in the chest. "Alright, fine! I'll try…soon."

"Good," Jack replied, grinning triumphantly.

Hiccup narrowed his eyes at him. "What about you? When are you finally going to date?"

Jack shrugged, his grin fading slightly. "Honestly? I don't know. I just haven't found 'the one.' You know, the person you look at, and suddenly everything feels...right."

It hit Hiccup again like a wave. That was exactly how Astrid made him feel. Suddenly, he understood what Jack was getting at. "Yeah, you're right. But don't worry, you'll find someone," he said, giving his best friend a teasing grin, again. "What about Elsa? I've never seen you show this much interest in a girl before. Like, ever."

Jack paused, clearly flustered. "She's…beautiful and interesting, as I said before. But I'm not sure if I'm really into her yet." Hiccup could tell it was a lie, not even trying to mask the way Jack's eyes lingered when Elsa was around. It was obvious there was something there, even if Jack didn't want to admit it.

"Alright, whatever you say." Hiccup yawned, feeling the exhaustion creeping in. Still, he didn't want to end the night just yet. "Come on, I'll show you the Haddock house. You've gotta see this place."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "A mansion?"

"Yeah, I guess it's big," Hiccup admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "But honestly, it doesn't feel like it when you've lived here your whole life. It's just home."

Jack let out a low whistle, taking in the grandeur around him. As he insisted on calling it, the house or mansion was a stunning mix of traditional and modern architecture. Exposed wooden beams lined the ceilings, and the walls were adorned with family photos, awards, and a few rustic weapons that Stoick likely kept for tradition. Despite its size, it exuded warmth and coziness, a testament to Valka's touch.

"'Just home,' huh?" Jack echoed, raising an eyebrow as they walked. "You know, most people don't casually call a place with, what, six staircases and a chandelier the size of a car, 'just home.'"

Hiccup rolled his eyes, leading him down a wide hallway lined with bookshelves and framed art. "Alright, Mr. Modest, let me guess...you live in a closet back in Norway?"

Jack smirked. "Nah, but compared to this, it might as well be. The most extravagant thing I've got is a coffee machine that can froth milk." He joked.

Hiccup chuckled, stopping at a door and pushing it open to reveal a spacious, neatly arranged guest room. "Well, here you go. This is your room for the break. Ingrid, our housekeeper, got it all ready for you."

Jack stepped inside and looked around, noting the crisp white sheets on the bed, the plush armchair by the window, and the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. "Wow," he said genuinely. "This is…really nice."

"Yeah, Ingrid's the best," Hiccup said with a smile. "She's been with us forever. All the staff has."

Jack hesitated at the threshold of the room, leaning casually against the doorframe, though his tone carried genuine curiosity. "I'll be honest, man...having a housekeeper? Feels kind of…I don't know, old-fashioned? Maybe even rude? Isn't it, like, weird?"

Hiccup shrugged, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he leaned casually against the wall. "At first, I'll admit, it seemed that way. But the staff isn't just working here, they're like family. Mom and Dad treat them as one of us. They get paid leave, great benefits, and Dad even helped Ingrid's son get into college. Trust me…this isn't some Victorian setup."

Jack's brows furrowed slightly as he took it in, eventually nodding in approval. "Fair point. Guess I jumped to conclusions."

Hiccup yawned widely, his arms stretching toward the ceiling as he pushed off the wall. "Anyway, I'm calling it a night. Mom runs a tight ship around breakfast. Eight sharp, or she'll be hauling you out of bed herself."

Jack chuckled under his breath, the humor lightening the exchange. "Good to know. See you in the morning, then."

As Hiccup disappeared down the hallway, Jack let out a long breath, finally kicking off his shoes and sinking onto the edge of the bed. Through the guestroom's large window, the tranquil night outside was cloaked in soft moonlight. His gaze lingered on the world beyond the glass, the silence wrapping around him like a warm blanket. "This is going to be an interesting break," he murmured to himself before finally slipping beneath the covers and surrendering to a dreamless sleep.

The morning light was just beginning to filter through the windows as Jack pulled on a clean shirt. Determined to make a decent impression on the Haddocks, especially since they'd graciously opened their home to him, he made his way downstairs early, his shoes padding softly on the hardwood floor.

Stoick's booming voice was the first thing that greeted him. "Mornin', kiddos! Come on in, grab a seat! Breakfast'll be up soon."

Jack blinked, startled not only by the volume but by the sheer cheer in the older man's tone. As Stoick waved enthusiastically, Jack stifled a grin and returned the gesture with a quick wave of his own. He glanced at Hiccup, who wore an amused expression that said, You get used to it.

But before Jack could take another step, he froze. His eyes went wide with disbelief as a familiar figure at the table caught his attention. "Oh, hey, Elsa!" he blurted out, a mix of surprise and something unspoken lacing his tone.

She looked up from her mug of coffee, a warm, effortless smile lighting up her face. "Good morning, Jack." She took another slow sip, exuding calm professionalism in her neatly pressed blazer and skirt.

He stared for a moment, utterly puzzled by her presence, until Valka stepped in to explain with a conspiratorial grin. "Elsa and Astrid stop by for breakfast most mornings before heading to the office together. You'll get used to it."

"Oh," Jack murmured, still catching up.

Elsa's demeanor was easy, even playful, as she groaned softly, the coffee evidently just kicking in. "Aunty Val, you should really tell Astrid to stop being late. She'll make me late one day at this rate."

Valka chuckled fondly, shaking her head. "You know I've tried! That girl could sleep through Ragnarok itself. It's honestly impressive."

Jack's lips twitched with amusement as Hiccup wandered into the room from the kitchen, still half-asleep as he absentmindedly scratched his back. "Uh, where's Astrid?" he asked, sinking into his chair like someone resigned to the chaos around him.

This, predictably, set off a wave of shared smirks around the table. Valka was the first to tease, her voice brimming with warmth. "Where else, sweetheart? She's late, as always."

Hiccup rolled his eyes good-naturedly, though the slight curve of his lips betrayed his amusement. "Right, of course."

Jack took it all in with quiet fascination, watching the dynamics of this family unfold. The fond teasing, the warmth, it felt…unfamiliar, but strangely inviting.

Moments later, the door swung open, and Astrid bustled in, looking predictably flustered as she tugged at her hastily tied hair. "Sorry, sorry! Morning, everyone! And Thor above, what's cooking? It smells amazing." She paused long enough to glance sheepishly at Hiccup before adding, "I swear I didn't mean to be late."

Hiccup, now grinning from ear to ear, immediately stood, pulling out the chair next to him. "Good morning, Milady," he said with theatrical flair.

Valka leaned closer to Stoick, nudging him playfully. "See that, Stoick? Now there's a gentleman. Maybe take notes?"

Caught off guard, Stoick sputtered, rubbing at the back of his neck in sheepish amusement. The room erupted in soft laughter, the easy camaraderie infectious.

As Jack reached for the stack of pancakes, he noticed Elsa eyeing them, and without hesitation, he slid one neatly onto her plate. "Syrup or honey?" he asked, his tone gentler than before.

Elsa blinked, caught off guard by the gesture, though her expression quickly softened. "Syrup, please," she replied, a flicker of curiosity passing through her mind. Why was he being so considerate all of a sudden? She wasn't sure what to make of it, but for now, she decided to enjoy the moment.

Jack scanned the array of syrups on the table, still slightly overwhelmed by the sheer variety. "Which one do you prefer?" he asked, glancing at Elsa.

"Maple, please." She took the bottle from his hand with a small smile, her expression softening.

Jack returned to his seat, cradling his coffee mug as he sipped thoughtfully. "So," he asked after a moment, "what's your go-to for breakfast?"

Elsa drizzled the syrup over her pancakes, her focus briefly on her plate. "Pancakes, waffles, cereal, or eggs, depending on the day. I don't really have a favorite," she admitted casually. "Options are limited anyway."

Jack nodded in agreement, his lips curling into a faint grin. "Fair enough. I don't have favorites either."

Their conversation flowed easily, the subtle exchange of words highlighting a growing sense of familiarity between them. But it was Stoick who cut in, never shy to add his booming voice to any discussion.

"So, Jack," Stoick began, mid-bite, "any plans for today? I know you're on break, but maybe you should tag along with Elsa. She could show you around the office, keep you out of trouble."

Valka, seated beside him, winced at her husband's lack of decorum. With a sharp but affectionate slap to his arm, she interjected, "What he means is that it could be a nice change of pace for you, dear."

Jack chuckled at the pair's dynamic, feeling warmth in their banter. The idea of spending more time with Elsa made his heart lift slightly, though he kept his tone neutral. "That could be fun," he said casually, his gaze shifting to Elsa. "Only if it's alright with you."

Stoick's suggestion brought everyone's attention to Elsa, who didn't appear the least bit flustered. She offered Jack a nod and an encouraging smile. "I'd be happy to, Jack. It's no trouble."

The room hummed with a quiet energy as breakfast wrapped up. Conversations were peppered with laughter and gentle teasing until Valka, ever attuned to the clock, checked her phone and announced, "Time to go. Astrid, darling, we've got surgeries scheduled. No dawdling today, hmm?"

Astrid groaned as she got up, stretching languidly. "Yes, ma'am," she replied, though her playful eye roll betrayed her love for the work.

As the group readied to leave, Stoick, standing by the front door, let out an unapologetic belch that drew exasperated looks from Valka and Elsa. "Remember," he said, pointing at Elsa, "don't just babysit Jack. Make him contribute."

"I'll try, Uncle Stoick," Elsa replied dryly, though her amusement was clear.

The drive to the Mayor's office was short but scenic. As they approached, Jack marveled at the building's grandeur, its old-world charm blended seamlessly with contemporary elements. Inside, the atmosphere transformed from familial warmth to brisk professionalism. People moved with purpose, voices echoing faintly through the high ceilings.

As they stepped into Stoick's office, Jack was struck by the contrast between his expectations and reality. The space, meticulously organized, exuded authority without pretension. Rows of books lined polished shelves, and even the stack of files on the Mayor's desk was perfectly arranged. A single photograph caught Jack's eye, a snapshot of a younger Stoick with Valka and a scrawny, small Hiccup, their rare family moment frozen in time. Despite Stoick's gruff exterior, the photo hinted at a deep familial bond.

Meanwhile, Elsa had already immersed herself in her work, flipping through a file Stoick handed her. "This one looks right, Mayor," she remarked, her tone cool and professional.

Jack watched, impressed by the seamless shift in their dynamic. The ease with which Stoick and Elsa worked together spoke volumes about their trust and efficiency.

When Jack stepped into Elsa's adjoining office, however, it told a very different story. Unlike Stoick's impeccable orderliness, her workspace was a symphony of controlled chaos. Papers and files sprawled across the surfaces, held down by pens and staplers in defiance of gravity. It wasn't messy in a careless way but rather in a manner that hinted at a relentless pace of work and constant multitasking.

One thing, however, stood out, her desk framed by photographs of her and Astrid. The two were pictured in various settings, tropical beaches, bustling cities, and cozy mountain cabins, each snapshot radiating joy and companionship. The images contrasted sharply with the professional Elsa he'd come to know.

Jack leaned against her desk, studying one of the photos. "You two must've had some wild adventures."

Elsa glanced up, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Astrid's always dragging me off somewhere. It's one of the few times I let my guard down."

Jack leaned casually against the edge of Elsa's desk, his sharp blue eyes flicking over the haphazard stacks of paperwork and files. The clutter painted a stark contrast to Elsa's typically composed demeanor, and she noticed his lingering gaze almost immediately.

"Sorry about the mess," Elsa said quickly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, avoiding his eyes as she explained. "I don't usually let things get this out of hand. It's just the end of the year...too many reports, budget forecasts, and statements piling up."

A few feet away, Stoick sat at his desk, engrossed in a massive stack of papers, too lost in his work to notice the exchange.

Jack raised his hands in a playful gesture of reassurance. "Don't worry. My office probably looks worse! Seriously, it's a miracle I can find anything in there."

Elsa's laugh was soft and warm, easing the tension in her posture. "I'm glad I'm not the only one," she admitted, glancing at the chaos with a rueful smile. Setting down the folder in her hands, she motioned toward the door. "Come on, let's take a walk. A little fresh air might help us both."

"Sounds good to me," Jack said, already moving to join her.

As they headed out, Stoick's gruff voice called after them, his gaze never leaving the papers in front of him. "If you're going to the café, grab me a coffee on your way back."

Elsa turned at the door, her lips curving into a teasing grin. "You got it, Mayor! Anything else while we're at it? Maybe a doughnut?"

Stoick grunted noncommittally, and Jack chuckled at the exchange. As the door closed behind them, he glanced at Elsa, unable to hide his curiosity. "You really love working here, don't you?" His tone was genuine, tinged with admiration.

For a fleeting moment, her smile wavered. "I do," she replied, though her voice carried a note of hesitation. She seemed to wrestle with an unspoken thought, her fingers brushing against the hem of her blazer. "But work isn't all that I am. It's important to me, sure, but…" She trailed off, uncertain how to continue.

Jack gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light but grounding. "Hey, I get it," he said, his voice soft with understanding. "Loving what you do doesn't mean it's the only thing that defines you. You've got so much more to you than just your work. I've seen it...in the way you care about people, how you interact with everyone here. And don't think I didn't notice the travel photos on your desk. You've got a whole world outside these walls."

Elsa paused mid-step, her gaze locking onto his. His words hit deeper than she anticipated, brushing against the parts of herself she rarely allowed others to see. She nodded slowly, a small but genuine smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, Jack," she said, her voice quieter now. "That really means a lot."

They resumed walking, the atmosphere between them lighter. Jack tilted his head, steering the conversation in a new direction. "Speaking of more than work, do you celebrate Snoggletog? It's tomorrow, right? Got any plans?"

Elsa's face brightened instantly at the mention of the holiday. "I do, actually. Astrid and I will be celebrating at Haddock Manor. Friends, family, too much food you know, the usual. You should come! It'll be fun."

Jack grinned, his stride picking up. "Count me in! I was planning to be there anyway. Hiccup's my excuse for crashing your party."

Her laugh was soft, but her curiosity grew as they continued their stroll. "So, what's life like in Norway?" she asked. "What's your day-to-day like when you're not here?"

Jack thought for a moment, hands slipping into his pockets. "Pretty typical, I guess. I live in an apartment I share with Hiccup, even though I don't see him much because of work. I visit my family regularly, or at least call when I can't. As you know, I'm a mechanical engineer, like Hiccup. We work together at the same company, but we're thinking about relocating here."

Elsa stopped walking, startled by his revelation. "You're considering moving to Berk? What about your family? Don't they mind?"

Jack shrugged, an easy smile playing on his lips. "They'd miss me, sure, but I'd visit. They'd do the same. It's not like I'm abandoning them. Family's important, and I'd never lose that connection." He placed a hand over his heart, his sincerity undeniable. "But Hiccup and I think Berk could be a fresh start. So it's a surprise for everyone here."

Her heart softened at his words. "I won't say a word," she promised. "And about your family…that's admirable. I wish I could say the same."

He tilted his head, catching the faint shadow in her expression. "If you don't mind me asking, why not?"

Elsa hesitated, but something about Jack's presence coaxed her into honesty. She sighed heavily. "My family wasn't exactly kind. Neglect turned into bullying, and...well, I buried myself in work and studies to avoid them. It got to the point where I had to leave. The only one I regret cutting ties with is my sister, Anna."

Jack frowned, his voice soft but insistent. "Why didn't you stay in touch with her? I can't imagine not talking to my little sister."

Elsa's voice trembled. "She was so young when I left, just 12. And back then, I didn't know how to give her the affection she deserved. It seemed easier to stay away." She shook her head, her regret evident. "Looking back, I know I made the wrong choice bht there was no other way."

Jack's chest tightened as he listened. "I'm so sorry, Elsa. I can't pretend to understand exactly what you've been through, but," he hesitated, his voice lowering. "I get what it's like to carry a lot."

Surprised, Elsa looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

Jack closed his eyes for a moment, his features softening under the weight of his memories. "Like I said before," he began quietly, "my biological father left when I was just a baby. My mom was only seventeen when she had me, raising me on her own with no one to lean on. She was an orphan, so it was just the two of us for the longest time, nineteen years to be exact." He gave a small, almost bittersweet smile. "I grew up fast. Had to. Someone had to step in and help. I worked hard, juggling jobs, paying for tuition, trying to make sure we had a home."

He paused, glancing out the window as if searching for the right words. A hint of a smile ghosted his lips. "Then Mom reconnected with an old high school friend, Steven. They got married, and a year later, my little sister Emma was born." His expression warmed at the mention of Emma. "Steven's incredible, he's everything you'd want in a dad. But even now, five years later, part of me still feels like I'm 'the man of the house.' Guess that's a role I never learned how to let go of."

Elsa's eyes softened as she absorbed his story. "Jack," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion, "I had no idea you went through so much. I'm so sorry you had to grow up like that, without a proper childhood."

Jack shrugged, though there was affection in his voice when he spoke. "Mom did everything she could to give me a good childhood. Ice skating every Friday after her shift at work, that was our thing. Those are my happiest memories. But one night, I'll never forget-" He broke off, his voice tightening before he managed a bittersweet chuckle. "-the ice cracked under her. She fell through. I pulled her out in time, but…that moment, seeing her like that, I realized how much she meant to me. She's my everything."

Elsa felt the weight of his story sink into her chest. She wiped at a stray tear and offered him a small, tender smile. "What's your mom's name?" she asked softly. "She sounds incredible."

Jack's gaze turned wistful. "Eva Overland. Her last name is the only piece of her family she has left, so she kept it. Even when she married Steven."

Elsa tilted her head, a thought sparking in her mind. "So…Overland is your last name, too?"

He nodded, his jaw tightening for a split second. "Yeah, and I'm glad it is. I don't want the name of the man who walked out on her...on us."

That brought a soft laugh to Elsa's lips, though her eyes held traces of sadness. "Sounds like you got it right," she said, teasing lightly.

Jack's lips curved into a warm smile. "Maybe. I get you, you know. I think we've both had our fair share of suffering."

Elsa's smile wavered slightly, the truth of his words cutting deep. "Yeah," she admitted quietly. "We have."

Jack's gaze was steady, full of a quiet strength as he spoke. "But, I believe things happen for a reason. Everything we go through shapes us. Without those struggles, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I know what family really means. And I know how to treat the people I care about."

His words hung in the air between them, weighty and sincere. Elsa studied him, the admiration she felt making her chest tighten. "That's a different way of looking at it," she admitted, her voice soft.

Jack chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. "One of my quirks, I guess."

Her gaze lingered on his unusual white locks, and curiosity bloomed. "That hair of yours...don't tell me that's natural."

Jack pulled a strand of hair into view, grinning. "It is. Born with it, believe it or not. Just the hair on my head, though. The town's kids used to call me 'Old Goat.'"

Elsa burst out laughing, clapping a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, that's so rude of me!"

He laughed with her, his grin widening. "Don't worry; it's funny. Even Mom teased me about it sometimes. The name stuck, but in a good way."

Her smile faltered slightly, a pang of familiarity striking her. "Well," she began hesitantly, "at least they weren't cruel about it. Kids weren't always kind about mine. There were times I hated my hair. Still do, honestly. I've wanted to dye it so badly, but Astrid won't let me. She's always going on about embracing myself."

Jack frowned, the crease between his brows deepening as he studied her. "Why? Your hair is beautiful, Elsa." Without thinking, he reached out, tucking a loose strand behind her ear, his touch sending a soft jolt through her. "Astrid's right. It's unique and it's part of you. Own it."

Caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, Elsa felt her cheeks flush. "Uh…thanks," she managed, a little embarrassed.

Jack leaned back, pleased with himself. "And if anyone dares to mock it, just punch them." He grinned mischievously. "Or better yet, let me handle it."

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "Noted."

He shifted, a sudden thought sparking curiosity. "Okay, weird question. How old are you?"

"Twenty-four," she answered easily. "And you?"

"Same," he replied with a faint smirk, his voice lingering warmly over her name. "Elsa."

Her own curiosity got the better of her. "So," she began, hesitating slightly, "are you…dating anyone?"

His smirk faded into a thoughtful pause. "Nope. Never had the time or a life simple enough for it, I guess. I've been on a few dates, but…not even a kiss. What about you?"

Elsa chuckled, shaking her head. "Never dated." Then, without thinking, she added with a dry laugh, "But, guess what? I'm married!"

Jack's face fell into an expression of disbelief. "Wait, what?"

Elsa exhaled, bracing herself. "My parents invited me to my sister's wedding, she's only 18, by the way, but that's beside the point. So, they asked me why I haven't spoken to them in three years. And me, being an absolute idiot, blurted out that it's because I'm...married."

Jack's stunned expression morphed into a wide grin, the exact opposite of what Elsa expected.

He burst out laughing, loud and uncontrolled, until he nearly toppled off the couch. "So, Your Majesty, who's the lucky guy?"

Elsa, unable to fight the contagious humor, laughed along with him before shoving his shoulder lightly. "Alright, get up, Jack. I'll explain it all."

She helped him sit upright and began recounting the entire situation from start to finish: her accidental lie, the wedding invitation, and her desperate need for a fake spouse to save her life.

Jack's humor drained by the end of her explanation. He leaned back, his expression neutral, and stated, "So basically…you're looking for a fake husband?"

Elsa snapped her fingers, a little too forcefully. "Bingo."

Jack raised his eyebrows but nodded. "Right."

"So, yeah, that's the gist," Elsa finished, slumping back against the couch.

"When exactly is the wedding?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.

"They're expecting me the day after tomorrow."

Jack froze, his eyes widening. "What?!" He almost choked on his own breath, his voice loud enough to draw attention from the nearby tables in their shared lounge.

Elsa quickly leaned forward, glaring at him and whispering fiercely, "Yeah, I know I don't have enough time, so stop yelling!"

Jack stared at her for a moment, then shrugged, like he was volunteering to grab coffee. "I could go as your fake husband."

Elsa blinked once. Then again. The words processed a moment too late. "Are you out of your damn mind?"

Once more, the small group of coworkers in their vicinity turned to watch the escalating exchange. This time, Jack narrowed his eyes comically at Elsa. "What? I'm serious. And don't yell!"

"You are not serious," Elsa shot back, pointing at him like he'd just suggested jumping into a volcano. "You think it's a good idea to pretend to be my fake husband? For God's sake! That has to be one of the dumbest-"

Jack cut her off with a sly grin, leaning back like he owned the room. "Okay, so who were you planning on taking, then? Someone you just met on a dating app? A complete stranger? Sure. Not risky at all, Your Majesty."

Elsa groaned, biting the inside of her cheek to keep herself from screaming. She pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling. "I didn't think you were this…annoying. I actually thought you might be a little, oh, I don't know, mature."

His smile widened. "Oh, Elsa, you just don't know me well enough. That's why this is perfect! I get to be your fake husband and show you just how charming I can be." His tone dipped into mock sincerity, and he gave her a fake swoon.

She froze, staring at him in absolute disbelief. "When, exactly, did I agree to this?"

Jack tipped his head, raising a brow smugly. "You didn't."

Her glare could have melted steel. "Damn right, I didn't!"

"I offered," Jack replied with a faux gentlemanly air, adjusting an imaginary tie.

Elsa threw her hands in the air. "And I didn't ask you to!"

With theatrical flair, Jack stood, placed a hand on his chest, and stomped his foot against the ground, straightening his imaginary tie again. "I am your husband now. Fake or not, I expect the respect I deserve."

Elsa opened her mouth, then shut it, nearly choking on her own words. "I can't even...God."

Jack completely lost it. His laughter spilled over again as he crumpled onto the floor, clutching his stomach. Elsa groaned, shaking her head, though the corner of her lips twitched with a reluctant smile.

Elsa didn't even bother offering him a hand this time. Instead, she crossed her arms, frowning deeply. "You're unbelievable," she muttered, though a tiny smirk tugged at the corner of her lips despite herself.

Jack, lounging smugly on the floor, raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here I am, offering my unbelievable services." He leaned back, hands folded behind his head. "If you want, I'm still willing to be your fake husband for as long as you need."

His words lingered in the air. He felt it the moment they slipped out, smooth, casual, and dripping with something bordering on flirtation. Jack pressed his lips together, realizing he might have gone too far.

Elsa furrowed her brows, a mix of frustration and…something else flickering behind her icy blue eyes. She couldn't pin it down? was it irritation? Gratitude? Amusement? Whatever it was, it unsettled her, leaving her teetering on the edge of yelling, thanking him, or walking away entirely. Why is he like this?

"Are you always this annoying?" she shot back, hoping to mask her unease.

Jack grinned, unfazed. "Only with my friends."

"Oh, I am your friend, since when?" Elsa raised a brow, placing her hand dramatically over her chest like he'd just proposed marriage.

Jack matched her energy, gasping with mock horror as his hand flew to his heart. "No, you're my wife. Get it right."

Elsa rolled her eyes, letting out a breath as her patience wore thin. She opened her mouth to give him a well-earned lecture, but a young boy, no older than ten, approached them, looking both curious and nervous. His nametag read: Bleck.

"Ms. Elsa?" the boy asked tentatively. "The Mayor wants to see you in his office."

Elsa blinked before offering him a tight but polite smile. "Thanks, Bleck. Let him know I'll be there in a minute." She turned back to Jack, pinning him with a sharp glare. "And you-" She jabbed a finger in his direction. "-we are not done with this conversation."

As she stalked away, Jack's voice echoed after her, playful and teasing. "Yes, dear!"

Elsa froze mid-step, every nerve screaming at her to whirl around and give him a piece of her mind. The audacity! But the fleeting amusement in his tone, and the warm flicker it caused in her chest, halted her. Reality reminded her of her priorities. Work first. Always.

Still, she couldn't help but feel the smallest urge to smile. Why wasn't she angry? He was only teasing…wasn't he?

Shaking her head, Elsa buried herself in meetings and paperwork, the day stretching long and tedious. By the time she checked her watch and saw it was 9:00 p.m., the exhaustion barely registered anymore. Late nights came with the territory this time of year, and she'd worked later before. Honestly, ending her day at 9:00 felt like an achievement compared to last year's grueling schedule.

The past few days had been a marathon, her goal clear: finish everything she could before leaving for Iceland. She was determined to leave as little behind as possible, though deep down, she knew she'd still sneak in some work while she was there. Whether Stoick liked it or not.

Astrid leveled a pointed look at Elsa. "Let me get this straight, you turned him down and you were mean to him?"

Elsa bristled, feeling the need to defend herself despite the accusation. "I wasn't mean! He was just…annoying me!"

Astrid raised a skeptical eyebrow, passing a drink to a waiting customer without breaking her focus on Elsa. "No, Elsa. He was joking with you. As usual, you took it way too seriously...like you always do."

"I don't always take things seriously!" Elsa argued, lifting her glass in defiance. "I never take Tuff's jokes seriously!"

Astrid snorted, her timing impeccable. "Sure, after three months of him driving you crazy."

Elsa groaned, gulping down her drink in frustration. "I hate when you're right."

Her best friend grinned smugly. "Look, Jack's a nice guy. You should take him with you! Who knows…maybe you'll even start to like him?"

Elsa shot Astrid a scowl, fending off the poke to her ribs. "I'm not taking that immature man-child to Iceland!"

With the last customer served, Astrid slipped onto the barstool next to Elsa, her expression softening. "Elsa, this isn't about what you want right now. Jack's perfect for this. He's tall, handsome, makes a great first impression, has a good job, he's kind, funny…and let's face it, he looks good with you. It's just two weeks, what's the harm?"

Elsa sighed, torn between her pride and Astrid's annoyingly solid points. "Ugh, you're right…but he's so infuriating!"

Astrid rolled her eyes. "He's not infuriating, you like him."

Elsa froze mid-sip, blinking as her brain short-circuited. "I…what now?"

Astrid's teasing grin widened. "Oh, come on. It's obvious. You've been talking about him for the past hour with this dumb smile on your face. Face it Elsa, you like him. I approve, by the way. And I'm pretty sure everyone else will too."

"Take that back!" Elsa shot to her feet, glaring daggers at her friend.

"Not a chance!" Astrid darted from her seat, the chase beginning as Elsa bolted after her. The bar erupted into chaos, the sound of screeches, stomping, and angry banter filling the air.

The bathroom door creaked open just as Heather stepped out, drying her hands. She froze, assessing the commotion, and groaned in defeat. "You've got to be kidding me." One step forward and she thought better of it, retreating back inside. "Nope. Not dealing with this."

A few minutes later, Elsa had Astrid pinned to the ground, hands firmly on her shoulders. Her glare was deadly. "How dare you even suggest I like him? He's an idiot! And not even that cute."

"Aha!" Astrid crowed triumphantly. "You do think he's cute!"

Elsa slapped a hand against her forehead, groaning. "Astrid, I swear, say one more thing and I'll make you meet your Thor."

Astrid raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine! You win. Wow, you're scary."

Rolling her eyes, Elsa couldn't help but smirk. "Hiccup's sarcasm is rubbing off on you."

Astrid giggled but struggled against Elsa's hold. "Seriously, though…have you always been this strong?" She poked Elsa's arm and joked. "All our fighting workouts are paying off."

"Don't test me." Groaning, Elsa finally let her go, stretching her arms to shake off the tension. "Now, can we solve this like adults? No more talking about crushes."

The two slid into a nearby booth, Astrid calm but still scheming. "I really think you should take Jack. Like I said, he's perfect for this. And, honestly, Elsa Overland has a nice ring to it."

Elsa dropped her head onto the table with a dramatic thud. "This is awful. Fine. I'll do it."

Astrid blinked, surprised. "Wait, just like that? What was the whole fight for, then?"

Lifting her head, Elsa groaned again. "Because you're right. He's the best option. And yeah…'Elsa Overland' does sound kind of nice...Zip it!"

Astrid bit her lip, holding back a laugh. "So, Jack's your fake husband?"

Each word sounded heavier than the last as Elsa slammed her head back onto the table. "Jack is my fake husband." Astrid's laughter echoed as Elsa groaned in despair.

The journey, whether she liked it or not, was officially underway.