And here they stood…in Iceland.

"Jack, I'm worried," Elsa admitted, her voice trembling with fear and nervousness. "I haven't visited them in about seven years. What if they-" She paused, unable to finish her thought.

Jack stopped walking, gently lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a small kiss to her knuckles. "I'm with you," he said firmly. "Let them try. They'll have to get through me first."

His words comforted her more than she could say, and together they walked toward the airport exit. Jack pushed a cart loaded with their luggage, one hand steering it while the other held Elsa's hand tightly.

Beyond the sliding doors stood the Arandelles. Their expressions were coldly polite, their smiles strained. Elsa felt a chill run down her spine. Seven years had passed since she'd last seen them. Did they even recognize her? Worse, had she forgotten them? She definitely had. What did they sound like?

But no, she reminded herself that she wasn't the same scared, obedient girl they had always dismissed. She was no longer just Elsa Arandelle. She was Elsa Overland now, married to a man who was everything anyone could dream of. With Jack by her side, she could handle anything.

As they approached, Agnarr stepped forward, giving Elsa a light pat on the back, his fingers barely making contact. "How are you, Elsa?" he asked coolly.

Before Elsa could reply, Iduna stepped in and pulled her into a brief, awkward embrace. "Long time no see," her mother said with a thin smile.

Elsa mustered a polite response. "I'm fine, Father. And yes, Mother, it has been a while."

Jack, sensing the tension, decided to act. With his signature charm, he stepped forward, extending his hand to the older couple. "Jackson Overland," he said smoothly, his tone exuding confidence. "I'm Elsa's husband."

Agnarr shook Jack's hand, his grip firm but his face unreadable. "Hello," he said flatly. "Yes, I've heard about you."

Jack raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on the dismissive tone. Instead, he offered a disarming smile, his presence commanding attention. "It's great to finally meet the family I've heard so much about."

Sensing the conversation teetering on the edge of awkwardness, Elsa quickly interjected. "Shall we go?"

Iduna nodded and turned toward the parking lot. "Yes, we shall."

As they walked, Agnarr rudely asked, "Where are you staying during your visit?"

Elsa' eyes widened. "I-"

Before she could answer, Agnarr cut her off with an impatient eye roll. "The wedding arrangements are finalized, and our house is packed. I'm sorry, Elsa, but you'll have to stay elsewhere."

"Yes," Iduna added with a dismissive wave. "We just came to pick you up. Surely, you needed a ride."

Elsa's cheeks burned with humiliation. Her parents weren't just distant...they were outright rude. This was their way of reminding her she didn't belong, that she wasn't welcome.

Jack, who had been watching the exchange closely, stopped abruptly. His forced smile was razor-sharp as he said, "Thank you for the offer, Mr. and Mrs. Arandelle, but there's no need to worry about us. The Overlands own several properties here in Iceland. We've arranged to stay at our waterfront estate."

Agnarr and Iduna froze, their smug expressions faltering. Jack wasn't finished. "Actually, I had the staff prepare the house earlier this week. Elsa mentioned she hadn't been back in a while, so I thought it'd be a nice surprise for her. It's fully equipped with a heated pool, private chef, and a car service, though, of course, we're happy to visit your lovely home during the family gathering."

He delivered the lines with such ease and confidence that Agnarr and Iduna had no choice but to nod in agreement. "Alright then," Agnarr said stiffly. "We'll see you at the get-together."

"Get home safe." Jack added cheerfully, gesturing toward their car, which was parked just a few steps away.

Once the Arandelles got in, Elsa turned to Jack, her mouth slightly open in disbelief and teased. "You own a waterfront estate here?"

Jack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Not exactly. We are staying at a place for the week. I thought you'd like the view." He gave her a playful wink. "Sounded better than staying in a packed house, don't you think?"

Elsa blinked at him, a mixture of awe and gratitude in her eyes. "Jack…that was incredible. You saved me from-" She cut herself off, shaking her head. "Thank you."

He touched her cheek gently, making her heart leap. "I promised I'd protect you, didn't I? Besides," he added with a mischievous grin, "did you see their faces? Totally worth it."

For the first time since arriving in Iceland, Elsa laughed, a real, warm laugh. "You're impossible."

Jack erupted into laughter. "You're adorable; has anyone ever told you that?"

Elsa shook her head with a grin. "Nope."

Her husband, fake or real, gasped dramatically. "Ah! How dare they? You should have them beheaded for such…hmm, what's the word fo-"

"Jack," she cut him off, smiling despite herself, "I love this, but can we please call an Uber and go to our hotel? I need some rest." Her voice trembled, and her teeth chattered in the cold air.

Without missing a beat, Jack shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Give me a few minutes. You can wait back inside the airport if you want."

Elsa sheepishly smiled as the warmth of his coat enveloped her. "I like the cold."

Jack returned her smile and leaned down to press a friendly peck to her forehead. "I'll call. Just relax for now."

As he turned to step away, Elsa grabbed his hand. "Won't you get cold?" she asked softly, her worry evident.

He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "I like the cold too." He sealed the words with a delicate kiss just above her ear.

For reasons she couldn't explain, Elsa's cheeks grew impossibly warmer. Thankfully, the redness could be blamed on the frigid air, not the flutter in her chest.

While Jack made the call, Elsa stole a glance at him from afar. His tall, lean frame exuded effortless confidence, and she couldn't help but notice his broad shoulders and hints of muscle beneath his clothes. His snowy white hair, paired with piercing blue eyes, made him impossible to ignore. Jealousy unexpectedly twisted in her stomach as she noticed the stares he was attracting from women nearby, young and old alike. He, of course, seemed completely oblivious to the attention.

Why was she noticing this? Why did she care?

Lost in her spiraling thoughts, Elsa was caught off guard when Jack returned and slipped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. His sudden closeness made her heart leap.

"You look gorgeous today," he murmured, his warm breath tickling her ear.

"Jack, what?-" Elsa began, but he gently pulled her closer.

He whispered, "Your parents are still watching."

Startled, Elsa scanned the area and, sure enough, spotted her parents' car still parked nearby. "Jack, you really don't have to," she said quietly.

Jack tightened his embrace ever so slightly, his voice firm but gentle. "We're here to prove them wrong, aren't we? Just play along, Elsa."

After a pause, she turned in his arms and hugged him properly, resting her head on his chest. "You're right," she admitted softly.

Jack smiled down at her, his blue eyes warm and steady. "For the record, I wasn't lying about you looking gorgeous. You really do, Elsa."

She gave a soft laugh, looking down at her casual hoodie and pants. "I'm hardly dressed for compliments, Jack."

Still holding her, Jack leaned closer, his voice dropping playfully. "Doesn't change the truth."

Her face was burning again, hidden against his chest. "Thanks, Jack," she murmured. "And…you look quite handsome too."

A grin spread across his face as he snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her just a bit closer. "Thank you, Mrs. Overland."

Elsa snorted, shaking her head against his chest. "My parents aren't lipreaders, you know. You don't have to call me that."

He tilted his head, smirking. "What if I simply like it?"

Her head snapped up, her eyes wide. "You're impossible," she said, swatting his shoulder lightly.

Jack laughed, his grin turning mischievous. "And you're gorgeous, Mrs. Overland."

Elsa gasped, pretending to glare. "Now aren't you the flirt?"

"I learned from the best." Jack winked, making her laugh as he tightened his hold, keeping her warm and, most importantly, distracted. "Can I ask you for a favour Elsa?"

Too lost in his warmth, Elsa mumbled, "Hmm."

Jack grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "I know we're married for real now, but what if I just-" He started again. "Take my flirting as a joke, okay? We're practicing for when we meet your family, right?"

Elsa, still leaning against him, tiptoed and pecked his frozen cheek. "You're pretty weird, you know?" she said, though her lips twitched into a smile. Why did she do that? She had no answer, but it just felt natural, like something she had been doing forever.

This moment was definitely one of the craziest of Jack's life. "Will you allow this poor guy to flirt with you until we return to Berk, then?"

For some reason, she found herself approving. "I may, but only because I find it amusing!" That was a good enough excuse, right? The truth was, she secretly enjoyed his flirting more than she'd ever admit.

Jack smiled wickedly. "Alright then…hello, sweetie!" he whispered in her ear, his voice laced with teasing.

Elsa immediately rotated around and rolled her eyes at his immaturity. "Jack, don't call me that."

Quick as a whip, he switched gears, calling her what he always did with a mock bow, "Okay, then Your Majes-" He halted mid-sentence, his eyes flicking to something behind her. "Oh look, our car is here."

Elsa turned in confusion, her eyes widening at the sight of a sleek black Rolls Royce pulling up. "Jackson Overland, this isn't an Uber or a taxi in any way."

Unfazed, Jack spoke calmly, almost as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Of course, it isn't; it's our car, and it'll be with you 24/7."

As if on cue, the man who got out of the car offered a warm, gentle smile. He was of middle age, impeccably dressed, and his demeanor screamed professionalism. "Hello, I hope I'm not late. I'm Sebastian."

Elsa blinked, stunned by the luxury and formality of the whole situation. Jack, always the master of keeping things light, shot him a mischievous grin. "Hey, Loki! And yes, you are very late."

Elsa gasped and swatted Jack's chest hard. "Jackson, be nice!"

At her command, Jack immediately stopped talking, though his amusement was evident. This seemed to entertain their driver, who was watching the playful exchange with a smile. "And you must be Elsa Overland."

Elsa froze, wondering how he knew that, but quickly smiled and extended her hand. "Yes, Sebastian," she said, shaking his hand after a brief hug. "It's nice to meet you."

Sebastian instantly warmed to her. She had such a natural charm, welcoming him with a smile, and treating him like a person, not just a driver. It was a refreshing change from some of the other people he'd worked for. Jack caught the moment, his heart swelling with admiration for Elsa. He had always known she was amazing, but seeing how effortlessly she connected with others only deepened his feelings for her.

"Alright, Loki, get us to our destination," Jack commanded with a smirk.

Elsa shot him a withering glare, her lips twisting into a playful scowl. "You're really pushing it," she muttered, but Sebastian found it all quite amusing.

"Yes, Master Jack," Sebastian said, half-mockingly.

Elsa, now thoroughly amused herself, had to step in. "Sebastian, please do not call him that. Call him Jackson or Loki, as he is one himself." She shot her husband a look that could melt steel. "And you, idiot, be nice to Sebastian."

Sebastian, grinning ear to ear, jumped into the conversation. "Please don't mind him. We go way back, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Jack hired me during some of my hardest times, when I could barely support my family. He gives me paid breaks, and the pay's generous. It's an honor to work for the Overlands, and now, for you, Mrs. Overland."

Elsa's heart swelled. "Please, call me Elsa. And you've been with us for so long, you're practically family. Honestly, I'll make sure you get a promotion for putting up with Jack for all these years." She placed her hand over her heart, overwhelmed by the kindness Jack had shown Sebastian.

Sebastian smiled warmly at her. "Thank you, Elsa. Shall we head to your cottage?"

"Cottage?" Elsa blinked in confusion. "I thought we were going to a hotel."

Jack, ever calm, answered, "I own quite a few properties around the world. A couple in Iceland, too."

So he was not joking around. Elsa's mind started racing. "Why? And most importantly, how? Since when are you this rich?"

Jack, amused by her reaction, shrugged nonchalantly. "I love to travel, and I built my fortune off it. Remember that app I made back in high school? It's popular. And I've got some businesses on the side, nothing major, just enough to make a living. That's how I'm rich."

"Oh."

He gave her a playful look. "Satisfied with the answer, or should I go on?"

Elsa couldn't help but laugh, butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the thought of their shared future. "Our cottage. I like the sound of that."

Before Jack could tease her more, Sebastian coughed, clearly wanting to move things along. "I suggest we leave."

The couple pulled apart awkwardly, both blushing, though neither had reason to. "Right. Right. Alright, Loki, take us home," Elsa said with a cheeky grin.

"Jackson Overland!" Elsa twisted his ear with a mock glare. "Apologize right now!"

Jack bent his head, groaning in exaggerated pain. "Goodness, woman! Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Let go of my poor ear!"

Sebastian couldn't hold back his laughter, thoroughly entertained by their antics. "It's quite alright."

Once Elsa released his ear, Jack straightened up with a mock bow, saying, "Here you go, Your Majesty."

Elsa, feeling free and lighter than she had in ages, responded with a playful curtsy. "Thank you, kind sir."

With a shake of his head, Sebastian smiled to himself as he climbed into the driver's seat, ready to take them to their next adventure.

The Arandelles, watching from their car, weren't pleased by what they saw. Their daughter, once again, had broken free from their control, and they could feel the sting of jealousy and resentment building. Elsa didn't deserve happiness, not in their eyes, not after everything. They still saw her as the girl who had been discarded, left behind, and they couldn't understand how someone like Jack could care for her so deeply. In their minds, she was cursed.

Meanwhile, Sebastian, ever the observer, couldn't help but smile as he listened to the conversation unfolding between the couple. After seven long years, he finally heard peace in Jack's voice, something he had longed to hear ever since Jack hired him. He had known Jack since the boy was struggling, trying to support his mother, and all Jack ever wanted was to help others. Sebastian could never forget how Jack had hired him during some of the toughest times in his life, all so his mom could go anywhere she wanted. Jack had always put people first, and now, after everything, he was taking care of Elsa, too.

As Sebastian started the car and drove off, Elsa relaxed her head on Jack's shoulder. "This feels nice," she murmured, letting the warmth of the moment seep into her.

Jack raised an eyebrow, poking fun at her. "I'm glad my shoulder gives you comfort."

Elsa smiled but then hesitated before speaking again. "I'd like to thank you, again, for saving me back there in front of my parents. And I'm sorry. It must've been embarrassing for you too. I thought we'd be staying with them, and I had no idea-"

Jack quickly cut her off with a playful smile. "It's fine, Elsa. And honestly, there's no way I'd let you stay with them. I told Sebastian yesterday to pick us up and take us to our cottage. And trust me, from what I saw, the only one who was embarrassed was them, not you."

She was genuinely dumbfounded. "I don't know what to say, other than…thank you. A lot."

Jack leaned in with a grin, his eyes twinkling. "No worries! At your service, Your Majesty! But look on the bright side, now we can tour Iceland and have a blast while we stay at the cozy cottage. What could be better?"

Elsa shifted awkwardly, then rested her arm on his leg, smiling shyly. "I'm looking forward to that. Maybe now I can finally make some good memories here."

Jack chuckled softly, snaking his arm around her and pulling her closer, his voice low and reassuring. "I'll make sure this is the best time you've ever had in Iceland, Elsa. You deserve it."

Elsa allowed herself to lean into him, feeling for the first time in a long while that she didn't need to worry. Maybe it was time to stop running from her fears and allow someone else to care for her, someone who wouldn't let her go, someone who saw her for who she truly was.

And maybe…just maybe…someone who could love her.