Winters Revenge

Chapter Sixty-Seven-Steps Towards Healing.

Elsa and Jack walk down a corridor, holding hands, surrounded by people from their institute who are busy in their own world doing their work. Jack glances at Elsa, who is unaware. As they approach Jack's room, Jack feels his heart rate increase from their training session as he remembers how confident his girlfriend has seemed. Elsa is surprised by her newfound confidence during training, despite her nervousness from before entering the room. Jack opens the door to his room, and Elsa recalls waking up together that morning from the night before, the scenes rushing into her mind as she blushes.

Jack rushes over to the other side of the room, starting to change out of his training gear. Elsa watches him, feeling the absence of his touch and wanting him to come back to her side. As Jack removes his shirt, he catches Elsa's gaze and smirks.

"Enjoying the view?" he teases, his voice playful.

Elsa chuckles, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maybe a little," she replies, stepping closer. "You know, you looked pretty impressive out there today."

Jack raises an eyebrow, a grin forming on his lips. "Oh, did I? I think you were the impressive one. I've never seen you so confident."

Elsa feels a flush of pride mixed with shyness. "Well, I had a good reason to be," she says, her voice soft. "I wanted to show you what I can do."

Jack finishes changing and walks over to Elsa, gently taking her hand in his. "You always surprise me," he murmurs, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on her forehead. "And I love you for that."

Elsa smiles, her heart swelling with affection. "I love you too," she whispers, feeling a warmth spread through her as they share a quiet moment together.

Jack hugs her tightly, never wanting to let her go. He feels overwhelmed by love and pride for how she had found herself again. As they hold each other, Jack whispers, "You know, I can't get enough of you."

Elsa giggles softly, her breath warm against his neck. "Is that so? Maybe I need to give you something to remember me by."

Jack pulls back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. "Oh, I'm all ears," he teases, his voice low and playful. "What did you have in mind?"

Elsa's eyes twinkle with mischief. "Well, how about a kiss that you'll never forget?"

Jack grins, leaning in closer. "I think I like the sound of that."

Their lips meet in a tender yet passionate kiss, symbolizing their love and playful flirtation. Jack had always loved flirting with Elsa since they met years ago and eventually gave up, thinking she didn't feel the same. Now, as his girlfriend, she was in his arms. Holding her tightly, Jack's mind drifted to their steamy first night together. The memory made his cheeks redden, the heat of embarrassment mingling with the warmth of affection he felt for her. Unexpected as it may have been, the growing tension and passionate moments between them had made it inevitable.

Elsa's heart fluttered at Jack's touch, her body melting into his embrace. The warmth and security of his arms around her made her feel safe, cherished. Yet, despite the comfort of the moment, she couldn't help but notice the untouched pill bottle on the nightstand. The medication for her PTSD, given to her by Nick just the day before, remained unopened.

As Jack held her tightly, whispering sweet nothings into her ear, Elsa's mind wandered to the struggle she faced daily. The anxiety, the nightmares, the moments of overwhelming fear. She had kept it hidden for the fact she hadn't known she'd been brainwashed all these years; she was afraid to show her vulnerability and with Jack by her side she felt like she couldn't truly start to be herself and begin to open up with ease knowing he'd be there to support her. But now, with the medication staring back at her, she knew it was time to confront her past and accept what Pitch had done to her at the Black Corporation even if for some time it had been eating at her.