Jack Frost x Merida High School AU Collection

Comfort

AN: OOC. serious and mature Jarida and they're already in an established relationship here. ^^

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Jack couldn't help but think about that call the other night.

It wasn't that it was unusual for Merida to call. And it wasn't like she sounded different or anything. There wasn't really anything amiss.

It was her reason that got him thinking. She said she called because she wanted to ask if they would have a conference tomorrow in their history class.

Merida had never called him --of all people-- for something about school. She would call about buying a new bow or something about Angus--her dog, or even just because she was bored. It was the first time she called because of school.

"No, we don't." Jack said cautiously. "You were in school earlier. I think you even wrote it in your planner."

"Right." Merida said, sounding a little disappointed. "Sorry, I forgot."

"Are you okay?" Jack asked worriedly.

"Yes. Yes, of course." Merida said hastily. "Sorry I called. I'll hang up now. Good night." She didn't even give Jack a chance to answer as she already ended the call.

Jack stared at his phone, feeling more worried.

-

He'd almost forgot about the odd call from Merida but he was reminded by the movie they watched together just this weekend.

Jack was surprised when Merida chose to watch 'Hachiko'. They had watched it together before, and they were both crying at the end of the movie. After that, Merida had never watched it again, saying it was too heartbreaking for her.

"You wanna watch 'Hachiko'?" Jack couldn't help but ask.

"Yeah." Merida nodded. "It's been so long since I've watched this." She said with a fond smile.

Jack just smiled a little hesitantly, nodded at her, and placed the DVD in the player.

In all the times Jack had watched that movie, he had cried. Except that day. He was just too distracted by Merida who was freely crying in his arms. Somehow he knew it's not just about the movie.

-

"Jack." Someone called from his back.

He turned and smiled. "Rapunzel." He waved as Rapunzel made her way to him.

"Hey, it feels like it's been a while." Jack said. It really has been a while that they saw each other.

"Well, you've been busy." Rapunzel said with a grin. That was true as well. "Are you looking for Mer?" She asked.

"Yeah, do you know where she is?" He asked.

"I think she went to the library." Rapunzel said. "I'm not sure though, so better call her first."

Jack nodded. "Okay, thanks."

He was about to go, but Rapunzel called him once more.

"Hey…" She said hesitantly. Jack turned back to her.

"Yeah?" He asked, curiously.

"Are you and Merida okay?" She asked.

Jack looked at her in surprised.

"We're great." He said.

"Oh… then that's good." Rapunzel said with a small smile.

"Did something happened?" Jack asked.

Rapunzel's smile faded. "Well, lately Merida's a little more energetic and animated than normal."

Jack frowned, but nodded all the same. He knew what Rapunzel's trying to say. That there's something Merida isn't telling them. Something is bothering her, and she didn't want them to worry. So she was acting as if she's happy.

"Thanks for telling me." Jack said, a little glumly.

Rapunzel shook her head and smiled. "I'm sure it's nothing. Everything will be okay." She said.

Jack just nodded with a small smile, still worried.

-

"You look tired." Jack said as both he and Merida got on the train.

They were on their way home from their school.

"I am a little bit." Merida admitted.

Jack took hold of her hand and led her to a seat in the far back of the train car. They sat side by side. And without letting go of Merida's hand, Jack gently leaned Merida's head (with his free hand) on his shoulder.

"Try to sleep. I'll just wake you up later." Jack told her,

Merida smiled gratefully and nodded. She took out her earphones, wore one of her earpieces and offered the other to Jack. Jack graciously declined so Merida wore the other one as well. In just a minute or two, she was already dozing off.

Jack smiled fondly as he looked at her. All was quiet for a while until they reached the train's first stop. The sudden halt shook the car and one of Merida's earpiece fell off. Merida must have really been tired because she didn't even stir.

Carefully, Jack reached for the earpiece and was about to place it back on Merida's when he heard the song playing. He stopped and looked at Merida sharply.

Curiously, he looked at Merida's iPod that was lying on her lap. He frowned when he saw the playlist that was playing: 'Soar.'

Only a few of Merida's closest friends knew how this playlist means to Merida. It was a collection of songs that cheer her up. It was filled with songs with happy memories, songs about hope, songs of encouragement…

Only a few selected people knew that Merida only listens to this playlist when she's feeling depressed.

Jack sighed, feeling so useless, as he brushed away a lock of hair from Merida's sleeping face.

He wish he knew what was troubling her. He wish he could make all the things that makes her sad go away.

He just wants to protect Merida from any form of hurt.

-

He didn't really want to go to Brooklyn with his family as he is worried about Merida.

She was trying to hide it, but he could see through her façade.

So at least, the night before he go, he went to her house to see her.

She beamed when she saw him.

"Jack! Why are you here?"

Jack shrugged with a grin. "I wanted to see you." He said honestly. He'd be leaving first thing in the morning so he wouldn't be able to meet her tomorrow.

Merida smiled, looking a little sad. She stood in tiptoes to kiss him on his cheeks and then she hugged him very tightly.

Just as soon as she did, she moved to step back, but Jack held onto her.

"Let's stay like this for a little more while…" He whispered.

He saw --from his peripheral view-- that Merida closed her eyes, as if wanting to cry and then nodded, hugging him tight.

"I love you… so much." Jack's voice was carried by the night wind.

"I love you." Merida said just as softly.

They stayed like that for a long while until Merida finally stepped back to smile at Jack.

Once more, she stood in her tiptoes and pecked Jack on his lips.

"Thank you." She whispered. "I'll be okay."

-

Sometimes, all you need is a hug that tells you someone understands. They don't have to know anything specific but they would understand. And they would be there.