The soft glow of the late afternoon sun painted the world outside in golden hues, the air crisp and fresh. Jackson and Elsa had been sitting in the warmth of their cottage for hours, but now, the lure of the outdoors called to them.
"Let's go for a walk," Jackson suggested, standing and extending his hand toward her, his smile soft but full of affection.
Elsa looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with the same playful glimmer that had captured his heart from the start. "A walk sounds perfect," she agreed, her fingers slipping into his as she stood up beside him.
Together, they stepped outside, the cool air brushing against their skin, the scent of earth and trees all around them. It felt like a new chapter, a fresh start, and Jackson couldn't help but think that the simple act of walking together was a moment he would hold close forever.
They walked in comfortable silence, side by side, as they made their way down the familiar path that wound through the woods near their cottage. The trees stretched high above them, their branches dancing in the breeze. Elsa, ever so connected to nature, breathed in deeply, her chest rising and falling with the rhythm of the earth itself.
Jackson noticed the way her shoulders seemed to carry some weight, a subtle tension that had been there since he'd first met her. She had always been so strong, so resilient, but there was something about Elsa that suggested she had been carrying more than she had let on.
"Want to make a stop?" Jackson asked with a grin, glancing over at her. He had spotted something up ahead, and the twinkle in his eyes promised that whatever it was, it was sure to bring a smile to her face.
Elsa followed his gaze and, to her surprise, saw a small playground nestled on the edge of the lake, a place she hadn't noticed before. Her heart skipped at the sight of it. The swings, the slide, the climbing bars, they all seemed like distant memories to her, memories of a life she had never had the chance to live.
She hesitated, unsure of what to feel. Elsa had been locked away for so long, hidden from the world, that the idea of something as simple and carefree as a playground felt foreign to her.
Jackson, sensing her hesitation, squeezed her hand. "It's okay, Snowflake," he said softly, his voice full of warmth. "You've been through a lot, but you deserve moments like this. You deserve to play, to laugh, to feel like a kid again. I'm not going anywhere."
Elsa looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty, but his confidence gave her the courage to step forward.
They made their way to the swings, and Jackson hopped onto one with a grin. "C'mon, let's see who can go higher!" he called, his voice filled with playful energy.
Elsa, still unsure, stood for a moment and watched him. The way he was so carefree, so full of life, made her heart ache. She had never experienced this kind of freedom, the joy of something so simple as swinging on a swing. It was a part of life that had been stolen from her, a part of her childhood that she had never known.
Jackson, noticing her hesitation, jumped off the swing and walked over to her, gently taking her hand. "I know it might feel strange, Elsa," he said softly, his thumb brushing the back of her hand, "but you don't have to be perfect. Just…let go for a moment. Let me show you what it's like."
Elsa smiled faintly, her heart aching with a mix of emotions, but something about his kindness, his patience, made her want to try. She slowly sat down on one of the swings, and Jackson pushed it gently, guiding her with careful hands.
At first, Elsa was still, unsure of how to move, how to let herself feel the wind in her hair, the freedom in her chest. But slowly, as Jackson continued to push her, something inside her began to shift. The first gentle motion felt awkward, but as she swung higher, the air rushing past her, she felt the smallest flicker of something she had almost forgotten...the sensation of joy.
Jackson's laughter rang out as he hopped back onto his swing and began to push himself higher. "That's it, Snowflake! You've got it!"
Elsa couldn't help but smile, a genuine, unguarded smile. For the first time in a long time, she felt alive in a way that wasn't tied to survival or worry. She was simply…herself.
As she swung higher, the world around her seemed to fade away. The weight of her past, the years spent locked away, no longer mattered in this moment. She was no longer just a prisoner of her past; she was a woman rediscovering her own freedom, reclaiming the lost parts of herself.
She felt lighter, freer, and as Jackson swung beside her, his face filled with pure joy, Elsa realized that she was beginning to heal, not just from the trauma she had suffered, but from the years of isolation that had kept her from living fully.
With a playful grin, Jackson swung close to her, his feet scraping the dirt as he shifted to match her speed. "I think you're getting the hang of this," he said, leaning in a little closer. His voice dropped slightly, the tone teasing but somehow intimate. "Want to race? Or are you afraid I'll leave you behind?"
Elsa's heart raced, but not out of fear. It was a different kind of exhilaration, one born from joy and connection. She let out a soft laugh, meeting his playful challenge with a grin. "You're on, Jack," she replied, pushing her swing harder, sending it flying higher.
Jackson's grin widened, and in that moment, he leaned forward, his hand brushing against hers as he reached out. The simple touch sent a spark through both of them, and without thinking, he tugged on the rope of her swing gently. Elsa's swing swayed slightly, but she didn't mind. It felt good to be close, to feel his warmth.
He laughed softly, his eyes full of mischief and affection, and she couldn't help but be swept up in the moment. Jackson caught her gaze and for a heartbeat, everything else in the world faded away.
"I won, didn't I?" he asked, his voice low but playful, his breath coming in light bursts as he swung beside her.
Elsa laughed again, her chest full of joy, and nodded. "You did, Jack," she said softly. Then, with a sparkle in her eye, she added, "But only because you distracted me."
"Did I?" he teased, stepping closer as they both slowed to a stop. He offered her his hand again, this time his gaze softening, filled with affection. "Well, if that's the price I have to pay to spend time with you, I'll do it every time."
Elsa took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. She was still slightly breathless, her cheeks flushed with the thrill of the moment, but there was something even more profound in the way she felt now. "Thank you, Jack," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"Anytime, Snowflake," he replied, pulling her closer, his arms circling around her waist. Their closeness, the warmth between them, felt like everything in that moment was aligned. With the backdrop of the quiet playground, they found each other in a way that felt both timeless and new.
Then, Jackson leaned down, brushing his lips gently against her forehead. It was a soft, lingering kiss, full of tenderness that made Elsa's heart flutter. "You're incredible, Elsa," he murmured. "I'm so lucky to be here with you."
Elsa smiled up at him, her lips slightly parted, and kissed him gently on the lips. This kiss was more than just the playful moments they'd shared. It was a promise of love, of healing, and of a future full of moments like this. "I am glad you think so, Jack," she whispered as she pulled away, her eyes sparkling with quiet affection. "So am I."
And there, in that peaceful corner of the world, they stood together, two souls who had found each other against all odds, bound by love, laughter, and the simple joy of rediscovery.
As the light began to fade, Jackson and Elsa found their way to a quiet bench nestled at the edge of the playground. The sun, now dipping below the horizon, painted the sky in shades of pink, orange, and lavender, casting a warm, golden glow over the world. The air had cooled, but the day's warmth still lingered, wrapping them in a comfortable embrace.
Jackson sat down first, patting the spot beside him with a soft smile. Elsa hesitated for just a moment, but then, without a word, she sat down next to him. They didn't need to speak, it felt like the world was simply pausing for them, letting them breathe in the beauty of the moment.
Elsa leaned her head against Jackson's shoulder, the peaceful silence between them more comforting than any words. Her fingers brushed against his hand, and he took it gently in his, their fingers weaving together as if they had always belonged there.
The sky was now a canvas of brilliant hues, the last of the sunlight reflecting off the distant clouds, the colors rich and vibrant. The air smelled of earth and winter, of fresh snow and the fading cold of the day.
Jackson glanced over at Elsa, his heart full. Her face was bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, her eyes reflecting the colors of the sky as she stared out toward the horizon. For a moment, he simply admired her, the way she seemed to glow in the light, her profile soft and serene.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his lips lingering for just a moment, savoring the peace they had found together. "I never want this to end," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elsa shifted slightly, lifting her head to look up at him. She smiled, her eyes full of warmth, and in that smile, Jackson saw everything, he saw all the unspoken love, all the things they had shared, and all the things they had yet to experience.
"I wish I could stay here forever," Elsa whispered back, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "With you." Because she had to leave. She had to.
Jackson's heart swelled at her words. He couldn't quite explain it, but in that moment, he felt whole. Not just because of the sunset, or the laughter, or the gentle touch of her hand in his. But because, for the first time in his life, he felt like he had found his place, his home, and it was right here, with her.
They sat there, watching the sun sink lower, until it was nothing more than a sliver of light on the horizon. The sky deepened into twilight, stars beginning to shimmer in the vast, endless expanse above them.
For a while, they were content to simply be wrapped in the quiet intimacy of shared moments, the world around them slipping away.
Eventually, Elsa rested her head back on Jackson's shoulder, his arm comfortably draped around her. Together, they watched as the last traces of sunlight faded into the night, knowing that this moment, this love, was theirs to keep.
And as the sky turned dark and the first stars appeared, they sat in peaceful silence, content in the knowledge that they had found something more precious than they had ever imagined...each other.
Forever.
As the last remnants of the sunset faded, Jackson and Elsa stood up from the bench, hands still intertwined. The evening air was now cool and crisp, a soft breeze rustling the leaves above them. They began walking back toward the cottage, their steps light and easy, the silence between them filled with contentment.
Jackson's heart still fluttered with the memory of the sunset, but there was something about being with Elsa, something about how they fit together so perfectly, that made him feel more at peace than he had ever been. His hand squeezed hers, pulling her closer as they walked side by side.
"You know," Jackson said after a few moments, breaking the silence with his usual playful tone, "if I had to describe the perfect day, I think today might just be it."
Elsa smiled, leaning her head against his arm. "It's been perfect," she agreed, her voice warm. "But now I'm hungry. What's for dinner?"
"Oh, I think Elena and Dimitri have something special cooked up for us," Jackson said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Though, considering how much they spoil us, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a five-course meal."
Elsa laughed softly, the sound of it bringing a smile to Jackson's face. "You spoil me enough already," she teased. "But I wouldn't mind some of Elena's famous roast."
They made their way back to the cottage, where the smell of something delicious wafted through the air, promising a cozy evening ahead.
As they arrived at the front steps, they were greeted by Sebastian, their ever-dutiful driver. Jackson's lips curled into a grin as he saw the tall man standing by the door, his usual stoic expression giving nothing away.
"Loki!" Jackson teased, his voice filled with mischief. "Where were you? Did you get lost in Midgard again?"
Elsa rolled her eyes and gave Jackson a gentle nudge. "Jack, I've told you before, be nice. Don't call him that."
Sebastian gave a polite nod, his expression unchanged. "Good evening, Mr. Overland. Everything's ready inside."
Jackson chuckled, clearly enjoying their ongoing dynamic. "Oh, come on, Elsa," he said, nudging at her. "He's got the perfect Loki look, you can't blame me for trying. Look at that jaw!"
Elsa shook her head. "Jackson! How rude!"
Sebastian remained composed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "It's alright, Mrs. Overland," he said, his voice calm. "I'm used to it."
Jackson flashed a playful grin at Sebastian. "See Elsa!"
Elsa gave him a playful glare. "Really? You're cleaning up after dinner," she said, though her eyes sparkled with affection.
The playful exchange continued as they entered the cottage, where the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air. Elena and Dimitri had certainly outdone themselves tonight, as usual.
Elena greeted them warmly. "Everything's ready! We made your favorites."
"Perfect timing," Jackson said, giving Elsa a teasing smile as he pulled out a chair for her. "I might just need to tell Loki he's off the hook for a bit, so I can enjoy the meal in peace."
Elsa rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "You're unbearable," she muttered under her breath, settling into her seat as the table was filled with hearty dishes.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, with Jackson continuing his playful banter with Sebastian.
"So, Loki," Jackson said with a grin as Sebastian passed him a drink, "What are you doing today?"
Elsa shot Jackson a warning look. "Jack," she said.
Sebastian, the poor third wheel, simply raised an eyebrow as he set down a glass of wine in front of Jackson. "Just doing my job."
Jackson gave him a mock salute. "But one of these days, I swear you'll have to admit your true identity."
Elsa shook her head but laughed, her voice soft. "One of these days, I'll put my foot down and stop you from calling him that."
Jackson grinned and kissed the top of her head. "We will see, Snowflake."
Throughout the meal, there were more teasing exchanges, but it was clear there was a deep affection between all of them. Sebastian never seemed bothered by Jackson's playful jabs, and in fact, his subtle smirk revealed that he secretly enjoyed it. He was part of their little family, and no amount of teasing could change that.
As they finished their meal, Jackson leaned back in his chair, his eyes bright with affection for both Elsa and Sebastian. "Well, I think that's enough teasing for tonight," he said, his voice softening. "We should let Loki take a break."
Sebastian simply nodded, turning to take care of the dishes. "Finally, thank you, Mr. Overland. I'll be outside if you need anything."
Jackson caught Elsa's eye as she smiled up at him. "I think he secretly loves it," she whispered with a wink.
"I think you're right," Jackson said with a grin.
As they made their way to the bedroom, Jack slowed his pace, his expression shifting into something softer, more mischievous. "One more thing," he murmured, his voice laced with tenderness.
Before Elsa could ask what he meant, he scooped her up into his arms with ease, a playful laugh escaping his lips.
"Jack!" she gasped, her voice equal parts surprise and affection. Despite her protest, she couldn't suppress the smile spreading across her face. Her head rested naturally against his chest, her fingers curling lightly into his shirt. It was moments like this that made everything feel so effortless, so right.
"Too tired to walk, huh?" Jack teased, his grin widening as he carried her toward their room. "Someone's turning into a spoiled Queen."
Elsa laughed, her fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw with deliberate slowness. "I'm not spoiled," she replied with a smirk. "I'm just conserving energy for more important things."
Jack's brow lifted, his grin turning sly. "Important things, huh?" He reached the edge of the bed and lowered her gently, his knees brushing the floor as he leaned close. "I'm betting it's nap-related."
Elsa propped herself up on her elbows, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. "I mean," she said thoughtfully, "we could change into pajamas, but honestly? I don't think I have it in me."
Jack glanced down at his clothes, feigning serious contemplation. "Hmm. Yeah, I feel the same way. Pajamas are overrated. At this point, I'm voting for 'I'll change tomorrow.'"
She chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. Comfort over priority."
Jack let out a theatrical sigh, flopping onto the bed beside her, his weight making the mattress bounce slightly. "You're right. Let's make a pact, these outfits are now our forever clothes. Who needs pajamas when we have this?"
Elsa gave him a mock-serious look. "You know what? I like your style."
"Good," Jack quipped, leaning closer to press a quick kiss to her forehead. "Because tomorrow, we're going out in these. No exceptions. Pajamas are for quitters."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Jackson, you're truly hopeless."
"Maybe," he said with a wink, his hand finding hers, "but I'm your hopeless."
His lips found hers in a kiss that was soft, slow, and lingering, his warmth pulling her into the moment despite the weariness tugging at her. But as he pulled back slightly, Elsa sighed, her body sinking deeper into the bed.
"Jack…I'm really tired," she murmured, her voice heavy with exhaustion and the edge of a yawn.
Jack hummed in response, his lips brushing her forehead again. "I know, but I can't help it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just can't stop kissing you."
Elsa groaned softly, her eyelids fluttering as she tried to relax. "Jack," she whined, her tone more amused than annoyed, "I'm serious. I need to sleep."
But Jack was undeterred, his kisses trailing down the curve of her cheek, brushing the corner of her mouth, then moving to her jawline. His touch was light, teasing, yet filled with affection. When he paused to kiss the back of her hand, Elsa let out an exasperated laugh.
"Jack!" she said, her voice a mixture of laughter and frustration. "You're never going to let me sleep, are you?"
"Nope," he replied without hesitation, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're too irresistible. Can't you see this is all your fault?"
She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "If I knew accidentally marrying you meant sacrificing sleep, I might have reconsidered."
Jack grinned, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer. "Well, Snowflake, I guess you'll just have to live with it. Because I'm not going anywhere."
Elsa rolled her eyes, trying to pull the blanket up over her head. "I'm going to get zero sleep with you smothering me in kisses."
"Yup!"
Elsa tugged the blanket over her head with a groan, her voice muffled as she protested, "Jack, if you keep this up, I'm going to get exactly zero sleep tonight. None. Not even a nap."
Jack leaned on his elbow, watching her with an amused grin. He gently pulled the blanket down just enough to see her face. "But how can I stop? I mean, look at you," he said dramatically, his thumb brushing softly over her cheek. "You're like a work of art, beautiful, delicate, and very kissable."
"Flattery will not get you out of this," Elsa muttered, her sleepy glare at best.
Jack tilted his head, his grin widening. "What if I told you I was doing this for your health? Science says kisses reduce stress, Snowflake."
"Oh, is that so?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. "And doesn't science also say that a lack of sleep turns people into grumpy monsters?"
"Hmm." Jack pretended to think it over. "Nope. Science says grumpy monsters are also cuter when kissed."
"Jack!" she groaned, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away.
He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there for just a moment before pulling back to gaze at her with mock seriousness. "Elsa, I think you're underestimating how much I love you."
She sighed, a sleepy smile breaking through her mock annoyance. "I love sleeping, Jack. So for the love of god let me!"
Jack gasped in mock offense, clutching his chest. "Are you saying I'm less important than sleep?"
"Yeah!" she teased, her eyes narrowing. "Yes! Yes, I am."
"Well, that just won't do." Jack leaned down and kissed her nose, then her cheek, then the corner of her mouth. "You see, I made a vow, an unspoken one, but a vow nonetheless, to kiss every part of you before this night is over." Or every night, he thought.
Elsa rolled her eyes, exhaling a dramatic sigh. "You're stupid."
"Stupid?" Jack repeated, feigning shock. "No, no, Snowflake. I'm irresistible. Big difference."
"You're something, all right," she muttered, trying to turn away, but Jack gently caught her face, his thumb tracing her cheek. His lips found hers in a kiss that was softer this time, slower, filled with tenderness. She melted into it despite herself, letting the moment linger before pulling back.
"Okay," he said, settling beside her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close. "That was the last one. I promise."
Elsa gave him a skeptical look, her fingers lightly tapping against his chest. "I'll believe that when I see it."
"Hey," Jack said with mock indignation. "Do you not trust me? Your beloved husband?"
She let out a sleepy laugh. "Oh, I trust you...to immediately break your promise."
Jack grinned, brushing a kiss to the top of her head. "Well, technically, I didn't say when the last kiss would happen. Could be a minute from now. Could be…right now."
He kissed her forehead again, earning another groan from Elsa as she burrowed into the blanket. "Jack," she mumbled, her voice muffled, "you're like an annoying puppy, that doesn't know when to stop."
"A very lovable puppy," he corrected with a cheeky smile, his arms tightening around her. "Admit it, you'd miss this if I stopped."
"No, I will not." She muttered, though she smiled.
"Wow," Jack whispered, his voice softening as he pressed one final kiss to her temple. "Well, I'm not stopping. Ever."
Elsa sighed, her eyes fluttering closed as she nestled against him. "Goodnight, Jack."
Jack kissed her temple again, his fingers gently threading through her platinum blonde hair, the silken strands slipping between his fingertips. The soft rhythm of her breathing lulled him into serenity. He let his eyes linger on her, soaking in every detail, the way her lashes rested like feathers against her cheeks, the delicate curve of her lips, and the peaceful rise and fall of her chest. But it was her eyes, even now closed, that held his heart captive. Those ocean-blue depths had the power to drown him in their beauty and leave him breathless.
Leaning forward, he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the night. He stayed there for a moment, his lips brushing against her skin, as though sealing those words into her heart. "This beautiful forehead," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with wonder. "It holds all your thoughts, all your dreams…everything that makes you, you. I could kiss it forever and never get tired."
His fingers traced the line of her cheek as he pulled back slightly, his gaze never straying from her face. The delicate peace she exuded made his heart swell, and he couldn't stop himself from leaning in again. His lips met her eyelids, tender and reverent, as though he were shielding her dreams with his love. "Your eyes," he murmured, his voice brushing against her like a caress. "Those ocean-blue eyes. I could spend lifetimes lost in them. They're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Jack's gaze wandered to her nose, a playful smile tugging at his lips. He traced the shape of it with a finger, chuckling softly. "And this nose," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to its tip. "It scrunches up when you laugh, and it's the cutest thing I've ever seen."
Moving down, his hand hovered near her lips, his fingers brushing lightly over their soft curve. "And these lips," he whispered, his voice dropping to a reverent hush. "They've given me every smile, every kiss, every word that has made my life better. They taste like home. They taste like...love." His lips found hers, slow and deliberate, savoring the connection as if it were the most precious thing he had.
When he finally pulled back, he noticed the faintest shift in her breathing. She wasn't fully asleep, he could feel it in the subtle tension of her body, but she didn't move. Jack smiled knowingly, brushing another kiss to her forehead. "You're awake, aren't you, Snowflake?" he teased softly.
She didn't respond, but a small smile played on her lips, betraying her. Jack chuckled, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "You can't fool me. I know my wife too well."
She sighed softly, as if conceding defeat, but kept her eyes closed. Jack, undeterred, kissed her temple once more. "You're perfect, Elsa. Every single part of you. I love everything about you, more than words could ever say."
He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter, pulling her impossibly closer. His hand brushed through her platinum blonde hair again, marveling at its softness. "You're my whole world, Snowflake," he whispered, his lips brushing her hair. "And I'm never letting you go."
Elsa felt the words settle over her, wrapping her in warmth. For a moment, she let herself be carried by the quiet joy of his affection, letting her worries drift away like leaves on the wind. But as much as she wanted to stay in this perfect moment, the weight of her thoughts pressed down on her.
Her heart fluttered and clenched at the same time. Silent tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them. She quickly wiped them away, not wanting Jack to see. How could she tell him what she felt? How could she love him so fiercely and still feel like her love might hurt him?
Jack's breathing steadied as sleep began to claim him, but Elsa lay awake, her hand reaching for his. She entwined their fingers gently, seeking solace in his touch. Her thoughts churned, a storm of fear and doubt battling against the overwhelming love she felt for him. How could she ever risk his happiness by burdening him with the truth?
She sighed softly, her fingers squeezing his in a silent promise to him, to herself. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, she would figure out how to tell him. But for tonight, she would allow herself this. She would hold onto him a little longer, let his warmth chase away the cold that had settled in her heart.
As Jack shifted slightly in his sleep, his arms tightening instinctively around her, Elsa let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Goodnight, Jack," she whispered, her voice trembling with quiet emotion.
For now, she closed her eyes, willing herself to find peace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Tomorrow would come soon enough. But tonight, she was his, and he was hers. And for this moment, that was all that mattered.