Seasons of Youth (RotBTFD)

Fall ☁ Part 3

Jack steps inside the library, feeling the room's characteristically chilly air. The marble floor and constant lack of sunlight provided the place with a cold atmosphere, however that didn't bother him at all. On the contrary, it was comforting.

Well, maybe not it. Not the place itself, rather then her.

Jack sees Elsa carrying a few books down an isle and follows her. She stops in front of a bookshelf, putting some of the books in their places. He puts his hands inside his pockets and approaches.

"Hey"

"Oh, hi, Mr Frost, how've you been?", she smiles politely.

"Okay... You?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Can I help you with anything?"

Jack tries not to let her icy politeness get in the way of what he was there for.

"I came to say thank you. For the book."

Elsa looks away, concentrating of the bookshelf and her task of organizing it.

"I'm almost halfway through it", he keeps his eyes on her.

"I'm glad you liked it", she gives him a quick smile and walks away with some books still in her arms.

Jack follows her up to another isle, continuing the conversation she tried to drop.

"Yeah, I really did. It took my mind off of things. I guess I needed that", he says to her back.

"As much as I appreciate you liking my present, and, as the school's librarian, heaven knows I appreciate a student enjoying a book, but I should say, Mr Frost, that there are some things you shouldn't take your mind off. Some things can't be postponed", she stops by another shelf and he stops beside her.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Mr North came to me the other day, saying he was worried about you."

"Please don't tell me this is about college again", Jack groans.

Elsa looks him straight in the eye, dead serious.

"This is important, Jack."

Jack sighs, running a hand through his hair. The last thing he wanted was to appear weak, or immature, in front of her. Yet, he felt like he didn't have a choice.

"I don't know what to do.", he breaths out, feeling the heaviness of the statement.

I have no freaking clue. Why is growing up so hard and painful?

Elsa puts a hand on his shoulder, smiling tenderly.

"It seems like you are in need of counseling"

He gives her a crooked smile.

"Most definitely."

- ☁ -

Hiccup knocks on the door, wondering if he's got the right number.

"Hey, man", Hiro says after opening it.

"Hey, buddy"

"Come on in"

"Thanks", Hiccup walks in, carrying his sketchbook and a pencil case.

Hiro's room was surprisingly tidy, for a fourteen year old. At least, Hiccup had seen worst, since he'd been living with Jack for the past four years. Hiro's roommate wouldn't be back until the end of football practice, so they would have space to work on their new project until nightfall.