An hour later, Jack's phone vibrated softly on his chest, pulling him from his thoughts. He opened his eyes to find Elsa peacefully sleeping against him. Snow had dusted their hair and clothes, but this time, Jack didn't reach for his phone to take a picture. He decided to savor the moment, knowing it would be etched in his memory forever.
Her chest rose and fell gently with each breath, and her nose was scrunched slightly as she slept. He knew it wasn't a nightmare, it was just how she looked when she slept so peacefully.
With a soft smile, he gently pressed his index finger to her shoulder. "Wake up, Elsa." He ran his fingers through her damp hair, coaxing her awake with tenderness.
"Hmm…You're up, babe?" she mumbled, barely awake.
Jack brushed the back of his hand against her pink cheek, his touch gentle. "Yes, I am. It's time to wake up, love. Let's go home."
Her eyes remained closed, but a smile tugged at her lips. "Your cottage?"
"Our cottage. Let's go home," he corrected, his fingers tracing the delicate line of her hairline.
Finally, her ocean-blue eyes fluttered open, locking with his. "I like the sound of 'our.' Home sounds nice."
Jack smiled, his heart full. "Sure does."
She took his hand and, with a playful tug, stood up from the ice. "Let's hurry then. It's almost 11 pm, and we haven't even started dinner."
"Don't worry, I got us a cook." Jack said, hoping Sebastian had indeed found one by now.
Elsa stopped in her tracks, eyeing him suspiciously. "And why on earth did you do that? Don't you have hands?" She pointed to his hands for emphasis.
Uh-oh. Jack knew he was in trouble. "Umm…Yes…No…I mean, yes, I do have hands, but I don't want to di...you to…get exhausted."
He hoped she'd buy the excuse, but of course, she didn't. "Just because you're rich doesn't mean you have to act like a spoiled brat."
Ouch. That stung a little. "Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Haddocks have cooks too? I just got us one…and they've got, like, a billion of them."
She crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Yes, they do, but Uncle Stoick is the Mayor and doesn't have time. We, on the other hand, have time, and we can cook."
To be honest, Jack wasn't sure he would survive her cooking. "Pretty please?" he pleaded, stepping closer. "Is it working?" He flashed his best puppy-dog eyes.
"No," she replied flatly, though she couldn't suppress the tiniest smile. "We'll go home, and the cook can leave. But for today, how about pizza?" She planted her hands on her hips, victorious.
Jack sighed, knowing he'd lost this round. "Whatever you want, Snowflake."
Elsa froze mid-step again. "Snowflake?"
"You don't like it? I think it suits you."
"It's cute, but honestly, I preferred 'Your Majesty.' Maybe I'll get used to this one too."
Jack chuckled. "I think every name suits you. Snowflake, Queenie, Your Majesty…but Elsa? Elsa is my favorite."
Trying to hide her blush, she turned away, though her smile betrayed her. "Okay."
Jack grinned, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the car, their footsteps syncing. "Don't hide your blush," he whispered in her ear. "I like it."
Elsa shyly swatted at his arm. "Idiot."
"So, idiot is my nickname now?" He gasped dramatically.
"Depends. Do you like it?"
He gave her a teasing smile. "Any name that comes from your lips is adorable."
The couple climbed into the car, and this time, Elsa requested the roof be opened. She wanted to try it, feeling it would be a good outcome. After all, she had conquered her fears and learned to ice skate today. Surely, an open roof wouldn't be so bad.
Jack glanced at her with concern, his eyes full of worry. "Are you sure, Snowflake?" He repeated the nickname that had already become familiar on his tongue.
It was such an endearing sight. "It's fine," Elsa reassured him, the words lingering in the air. Is this what it feels like to be cared for? she wondered, touched by the way Jack looked at her.
"Okay, then," he said, pressing the button. The roof slid back gracefully, folding open to reveal the sky.
The cold air hit Elsa's warm face, and in that moment, it felt like freedom. She stretched her arms out to the sides, her fingers dancing through the crisp, frosty breeze. Love was in the air. Cheesy, but true.
Soon, snow began to fall again, soft flakes drifting down. Elsa's eyes widened. "Oh shit!" she exclaimed, panic rising as her fingers scrambled for the button. She didn't want to ruin this magnificent, expensive car.
Noticing her frantic movements, Jack reached over, gently taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers. "Just enjoy," he said, his voice low and soothing.
How did he do that? How could two simple words have such an effect on her? The way he spoke, with that quiet certainty, made her feel like the world had slowed. His voice was warm and soft, like the snow itself.
Elsa leaned back in the seat, a soft sigh escaping her as she brushed her thumb over the back of his hand, then traced the lines of his fingers. "Thank you, Jack."
"For what?" he asked, his eyes still focused on the road ahead.
"For…everything," she replied, her smile gentle, eyes closed as memories of the past days rushed back to her like a movie.
It was painful, what she'd learned about Jack, that his whole life had been about making things comfortable for his mother, showing love, taking care of others. He'd done it for Hiccup, and now, he was doing it for her.
Who took care of him?
Did he even tell others when he was sick or hurting?
Who was there for him?
All these questions hit Elsa like lightning and thunder together. It anguished her to think about his life.
She unhurriedly opened her eyes and discreetly peeked at him from the corner of her eye. "Oh, Jackson," she whispered to herself and her eyes closed again.
Jack Overland didn't know it yet, but the dynamics were shifting. Elsa was ready to show him how to enjoy life, just as he had done for everyone else. He just hadn't realized how much she cared, and that she was more than ready to take care of him, too.
A few hours later, they pulled up to the drive-through at Pizza Palace. "Hey, Queenie," Jack said, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "What kind of pizza and drink do you want?"
By now, the snow had stopped, and Elsa felt at ease. She smiled, her voice soft. "Just a cheese pizza and a Fanta for me, please."
"Got it," he replied, turning to the employee at the window. "One cheese pizza and one veggie pizza, please. Also, if you could give us a Pepsi and a Fanta, that'd be awesome. Thanks."
"Is that all?" the young man asked.
"Yep," Jack said, handing over his debit card. The total came to 63 after conversion, a drop in the ocean for Jack. Just a few hours earlier, he'd rented out an entire ice rink and cleared it out with a refund and a bonus fee. This was nothing.
As he paid, his thoughts were on Elsa, and how she seemed to fill his world in a way he never expected. He was completely smitten.
They drove to the next window and picked up their order. Elsa set the pizza box carefully in her lap, and Jack made sure she was comfortable before continuing the short drive to their cottage, just a few minutes away.
When they arrived, Elsa started to reach for the pizza.
"Jack, can you help with-"
Before she could finish, Jack was already at her side, opening the door and taking the food from her hands. "Of course," he said, making sure she was empty-handed before gently closing the door behind her.
They walked into their cottage to find Sebastian passed out in a chair, looking as if he'd been knocked out by a soft pillow, while two unfamiliar faces bustled in the kitchen. It was the kind of picture that could only be described as witty.
Jack raised a finger, eyes wide, and with a bemused grin, asked the intruders, "Before I call the cops…who are you guys?"
Sebastian, suddenly springing up from the chair like a guilty puppy caught stealing socks, quickly answered, "Hello, Mr. Overland. Here are the requested employees."
Elsa, still processing the scene, opened her mouth to tell them they weren't needed, but before she could, the new arrivals spoke.
"I am Dimitri, and I'll be your housemaid during your stay," said a middle-aged man, giving an exaggerated bow that nearly took out the coffee table. There were no crowns here, but Dimitri acted like they'd just walked into a royal court.
"And I am Elena, and I'll be your cook. I can't thank you enough for this job. It's an honor working for the Overlands," said Elena, a woman in her thirties who looked as if she might start singing the national anthem at any moment.
Jack shot Sebastian a look that could only be described as 'You're in big trouble, Loki.'
Elsa, trying to avoid the awkwardness of sending them away, gave a tight smile. "It's lovely to meet you, Dimitri and Elena, and thank you for your willingness to help. But for tonight, my husband and I will be fine. You can start tomorrow, and Sebastian will take you to your place. Don't worry; all the bills are covered."
Sebastian's grin was wide and utterly sincere, as if he'd just been handed a golden ticket. "Of course, I'll take them. Dimitri, Elena, please follow me."
"Have a good night, Mr. and Mrs. Overland," they said, then did the signature pivot, walking a few steps back and turning in unison toward the door, as if they were part of some very formal routine.
Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Jack, why do they always exit like that?"
Jack shrugged, clearly amused. "Sebastian started it when he first joined. Now, he makes everyone do it. It's like some weird tradition. I think he watched too many old movies."
"Weird, indeed."
Jack chuckled as they began setting the table with plates and glasses. "I thought you didn't want a cook or housemaid. What changed?"
Elsa leaned back in his chair, grabbing a slice of pizza and eyeing it like it might run away. "This is true, but honestly, I guess...I don't know. You can't just take away someone's job when they're this thankful. And hey, it's not like I mind the help." She took a dramatic bite of his pizza. "I mean, we could definitely use someone to clean up after all my…pizza-induced messes."
Jack smiled, sipping his drink. "They seem like nice people. And you are right it's not like we should take away their livelihood. Their families depend on them. Plus, we could actually use a little help."
Elsa mirrored him, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Isn't my wife just the nicest person in the world?" She rubbed her hands together like a cartoon villain planning his next evil move. "Now, let's eat before I devour this entire pizza with my eyes."
"Yes, my husband."
Elsa wrinkled her nose in disgust as she stared at his plate. "Jackson! Do you actually like olives? They're revolting!"
"Wha-" Jack blinked, doing a double-take. "I love them!"
The difference in their tastes was instant: one loved olives, the other didn't. It was the perfect representation of their relationship, different yet complementary.
The Olive Theory, as they jokingly called it, was now forever sealed in their dynamic.
After dinner, they left the dishes on the table, deciding to tackle them later, and made their way upstairs. Elsa tossed a smile over her shoulder as she changed into her nightwear. "Thanks for dinner. It was delicious."
"No problem," Jack muttered, pulling off his shirt and slipping into some comfortable shorts. Out of nowhere, he had started singing.
Elsa, still adjusting her pillow, called from the other side of the room. "Jackson Overland. I'm trying to sleep here!"
Jack turned, his playful smile making her heart skip. "Are you now?"
"Yes!" She protested, her voice muffled from the pillow she clutched.
His fingers wiggled in the air like a mischievous villain. "And now you aren't."
Before she could react, Jack's fingers were all over her, causing a burst of laughter. "Jack, stop!"
"Oh, so this is your ticklish spot, Snowflake?" He grinned, relentlessly tickling under her chin and around her stomach.
Elsa's laughter became uncontrollable, and she struggled to catch her breath. "Oh, so this is how you want to play?"
He nodded proudly "Yeah."
She acted fast, flipping him over with a swift movement and straddling his chest. "Startled now, are you?"
"Of course not," he grinned, trying to maintain his cool. "I'm not ticklish."
Elsa's smirk widened. "Oh, we'll see about that."
Her fingers slid to his side, and the effect was immediate. Jack burst into laughter, louder than she expected, like the laughter of a child.
It was raw and uninhibited, and Elsa couldn't help but treasure the sound. There was something so pure about it, and for a moment, she realized just how much she loved hearing that laugh.
In the blink of an eye, Jack had her pinned against the mattress with one hand, his playful smirk still intact. "Startled now, are you?" he repeated her earlier words.
Elsa blinked up at him, her heart racing, before she managed a teasing smile. "Hmm," she hummed, turning her head slightly to hide the warmth creeping up her neck.
Jack grinned, his thumb brushing over her wrist. "I promise l'm not as dangerous as l look." He winked and added, "Unless, of course, you count my tickle attacks as dangerous." His grin widened as he saw her attempt to stifle a laugh.
Elsa chuckled softly, finally relaxing a bit. "Jack," she muttered, her cheeks still flushed from their playful tussle.
Jack rolled his eyes dramatically, easing off her to lie beside her. "Alright, alright, l'm letting you off the hook this time. But just because, we've got a family party tomorrow." He kissed her cheek "Let's sleep now, okay?"
And just like that, Jack was out like a light, his breath steady and deep as he fell into an easy sleep.
Elsa scooched closer to him, her body naturally gravitating toward the warmth he radiated. She rested her arm across his waist, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart, her own syncing with it, like a melody that echoed through her chest.
A handsome man. She smiled, tracing the lines of his jaw, feeling the mix of sharpness and softness that made him so uniquely beautiful.
His skin was flawless, almost glowing in the dim light, like something crafted with care by an artist's hand. He was, without a doubt, a work of art-something to be admired and cherished.
Her fingers brushed through his soft white hair, and for a moment, she couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly it shimmered in the dim-light. How could something so unique look so perfect? The color, something she had once been insecure about, now felt like a secret she shared only with him. Her hands lingered in his hair, almost as if appreciating the beauty that he saw in her hair.
Then, as if in a dream, Jack's nose scrunched in sleep, and without realizing it, he pulled her closer, his arm slipping underneath her, bringing her flush against him. Elsa's heart skipped, but her breath caught in her throat when she realized-he was shirtless.
Her face burned as she blushed from head to toe, her thoughts swirling with embarrassment and a strange sense of comfort. She had never expected to feel so...exposed, yet so safe at the same time. Her hands instinctively curled at her sides as she tried to focus on the soft rise and fall of his chest, her heart racing from the closeness.
Still, the warmth of his body surrounded her, his steady breathing and the feel of his skin calming her like a blanket. In each other's arms, their coldness melted away into something that was theirs alone-their own warmth, shared in silence.
Messages
10: 23 pm
Astrid - So how was Ice skating?
Elsa - It was nice we even danced and it was snowing.
Astrid - That sounds romantic.
Elsa - It was. What about you and Hiccup? How's it going?
Astrid - Well yesterday he showed up at my door DRUNK and told me he had loved me since we were kids.
Elsa - I mean cute for sure but weird. But again we all knew that.
Astrid - Then Dad of course punched him straight in the face and gave his drunk ass a lecture on how to treat me.
Elsa - And THAT sounds like the Uncle Finn I know. Also how is Uncle Finn taking his princess dating? What did he say?
Astrid - It was pretty awkward he told me to use protection since he doesn't want grandkids. I died of embarrassment. BUT THEN HE SAID HE CAN'T WAIT TO BE A GRANPA. Like pick a side lol.
Elsa - I'm literally on the floor dying of laughter. I wish I was there to see it.
Astrid - Yeah.
Elsa - It feels like you're hiding something Astrid.
Astrid - Dad has been sad recently. I think now that I'm dating it really hit him that I'm not his little girl anymore. Almost makes me want to break up with Hiccup. I can't see Dad sad.
Elsa - It is a significant change but don't worry Uncle Finn is smart. He'll handle the change fine but it might take some time tho.
Astrid - I hope so. Anyways how are Jack and you?
Elsa - Astrid I like him.
Astrid - Excuse me? IT HAS BEEN THREE FUCKING DAYS.
Elsa - Whenever I'm with him, everything seems right. I think I love him Astrid.
Astrid - I'm happy for you. Really really happy for you. Never thought a day would come where you wjll like someone. And love...wow?!
Elsa - Thanks and I'm happy for you too. Just three days and that idiot says he loves you. But well Hiccup has lived you since he was a baby. The entire Berk knows.
Astrid - Yeah true. Also these two are so similar I can't even.
Elsa - Yup. Ok I have to go now. Love you so much. I'll ttyl.
Astrid - Love you more. Bye
Messages
8: 34 pm
Hiccup - I told Astrid I love her. She's the one for me dude. I know it. Also Uncle Finn punched me.
Jack - Nice. Well you probably deserved that punch.
Hiccup - Shut the fuck up Asshole.
Jack - Shutting up.
Hiccup - So what else?
Jack - I love her too man.
Hiccup - What the fuck! I told you I love Astrid. Don't pull this prank man.
Jack - You dumbfuck I'm talking about Elsa. She makes me feeeelllll things man.
Hiccup - Well that's love for sure.
Jack - Alright I gotta go bye Hiccy.
Hiccup - Bye Jackie.