Mr. and Mrs. Frost [completed]

X: Celebration

The snow outside had begun to form a soft, pristine blanket over the ground, shimmering under the pale light of early evening. Jack took a deep breath, his exhalation visible in the frigid air, and excused himself from Jaime's side. Each step felt heavy, as though drawn by an unseen force. He moved through the crowd, his gaze unwavering, until he reached Elsa.

The temperature around her seemed colder, as though the warmth of the gathering couldn't quite touch this spot. Elsa stood by the glass wall, lost in her thoughts, her delicate form clad in a blue knee-length dress and a thin white cardigan. She was breathtaking and fragile against the winter's cruel embrace. Without hesitation, Jack stepped closer, wrapping his arms firmly around her waist from behind. The sudden, familiar warmth of his body pressing against hers jolted Elsa from her reverie. He lowered his head to rest on her shoulder, his breath soft against her neck.

The sensation of his touch, the strength and the tenderness mixed so effortlessly, made Elsa's heartbeat quicken. She leaned back against his chest, letting the safety of his hold envelop her. Her hands instinctively found his, pressing them closer to her waist.

"What are you doing here all alone?" Jack's voice was low, his words a whisper lost to the wind. "You're cold." His arms tightened their hold as if to ward off the cold that he couldn't stand her feeling.

"Just a little," Elsa admitted, her voice soft. "But I've always loved the winter, the way snow falls and turns the world quiet and beautiful." Her eyes sparkled, watching the snow drift lazily outside.

Jack's gaze softened as he looked past her to the falling snow. "I love winter too," he murmured. His eyes met hers, the light in them catching the memory of their first meeting. "But your body isn't built for it." The words were familiar. They were the same ones he'd spoken to her that night after the hockey game when she waited alone in the cold.

Elsa's breath caught. She reached up, her fingertips tracing the line of his jaw before resting gently against his cheek. Something deep within her stirred—a realization that left her chest tight. She was in love with him. Truly, completely. Will you love me too, Jack? The thought remained unspoken, but her eyes pleaded with him for an answer.

Jack felt his heart thunder against his ribcage. His eyes flicked to her lips, the sight of their softness tempting him in ways he didn't understand. Before he could stop himself, he leaned in, inch by inch, until their noses brushed. Elsa's eyes fluttered shut, surrendering herself to whatever came next. The world faded away as their lips met, a tentative touch that grew more confident with each passing moment. Her lips were warm, soft—everything he hadn't known he needed.

Jack deepened the kiss, his arms tightening as if to anchor them both in this fleeting perfection. Elsa's hands slid up, tangling themselves in his hair. The memory of their staged kiss when they first moved into the village came rushing back. That had been for show, an act. This was different. Real.

The thought struck Jack like a knife. He broke the kiss, pulling back just enough to press his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the cold air. Elsa's eyes opened slowly, searching his. "What's wrong?" she asked, worry clouding her gaze.

"Nothing," Jack lied, forcing a smile. He kissed her forehead gently, his eyes closing against the turmoil inside him. Why does it hurt so much? He had no answers, only questions that gnawed at his soul.

"Hey, lovebirds!" a voice called out, cutting through the tender silence. Jack turned, instinctively positioning himself between Elsa and the curious crowd. Everyone was grinning. "Get a room!" Petter teased, winking as he pointed at the children playing nearby. Laughter erupted, lightening the tension.