Love Thaws: Melting

Grieving

Elsa pushed the soap pump, a glob of transparent soap oozing into her hand. Elsa inhaled the aromatic soap. It smelled good. She lifted it closer to her face and inhaled deeply. Like fresh, juicy cherries. Elsa smacked her hands together and scrubbed, covering her hands in a sheen of foamy bubbles. With a flick of her wrist, she turned the sink on and rinsed her hands. The foam ran down her hand, disappearing into the steady stream of water. 

Elsa turned it off and turned to wipe her hands clean on the green hand towel off to the side. She self-consciously checked herself in the mirror. She thought she looked prettier today. Of course, it could just be Jack's flattery was getting into her head. Despite herself, Elsa smiled, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. She smoothed wisps of hair down from around her head and walked out of the bathroom, a warm, baked aroma instantly hitting her.

To Elsa's surprise, Jack baked frequently for them. Apparently, he'd learned more than just how to stitch up gashes in the past three years. Elsa ran down stairs and strode into the kitchen. Jack was staring blankly out the window. Elsa peered over his shoulder, but saw nothing except trees. He blinked. It seemed he hadn't noticed her. Or he was ignoring her. Either one would be strange for Jack. 

He winced and closed his eyes, as if recalling a bitterly sad memory. His brow was furrowed slightly. Elsa silently stepped to his side and placed a cool hand on his face, smoothing the crease between his brows. His eyes fluttered open and he glanced at her, his eyes filled with raw pain. She wondered what could be hurting him so badly. She felt utterly, completely helpless. She couldn't think of any way to take his burden from him. Elsa was frowning now too. She had to help him.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Jack offered her a weak smile. "Noth—"

"Jackson Overland Frost. Don't you dare."

His smile was slightly more genuine. "Elsa." 

He placed his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them. Elsa shivered, despite feeling warmth curl within her. She liked it when he did that. 

"You have enough to deal with as it is." He leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on her forehead. "But thank you." His lips moved against her smooth skin. 

Elsa blushed furiously and ducked to hide it. He chuckled and cupped her face, bringing her gaze back up to his. His azure eyes were so intense, they left Elsa breathless. To Elsa's astonishment, her cheeks grew hotter. She didn't think her blush could deepen anymore, but Jack always had ways to surprise her. She inhaled deeply and tried to clear her thoughts. Whatever she'd been trying to do a few minutes before, she knew it was important.

"Jack, tell me," she demanded, though it ended up sounding more soft than assertive.

His eyes dimmed slightly as he gently caressed her cheek. Elsa hated to bring up such and obviously painful memory, but she needed to help him. To return the support and compassion he'd shown her.

"It's Abitha."

Elsa's eyes widened. "What about her?"

"She's just not feeling well..."

"Oh?" Elsa prompted.

Jack flinched. She knew it was hurting him to tell this, but maybe once it was out he'd feel better. Or at least, Elsa hoped so. 

"She..." He flinched again and looked away. "—has terminal cancer."

Elsa stopped breathing. "What?"

He didn't speak for a long time. He looked rather pale. "I... found out just before we came here."

Elsa felt incredibly selfish. Jack had been spending all his time and resources on her when Abitha... "How did you find out?"

"My mom can still communicate me. Don't worry, it doesn't put you in any danger." 

Elsa certainly wasn't worried about that. 

Jack inhaled deeply before exhaling. "They don't suspect I'm involved, so you're still—" 

Elsa touched her fingertips to his lips. She didn't want to hear how she'd be kept safe. Jack was sacrificing everything for her.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat, suddenly feeling weak and nauseous. Elsa swayed slightly. Jack stretched his arms out to steady her, but she drew back. She gave him a long glance. He shouldn't be sacrificing so much to help her.

"Elsa?" Jack looked confused and slightly hurt.

Her shoulders slumped. She had no idea how to help him. Elsa had felt like a social klutz before, but after the lab... She glanced at his beautiful blue eyes, brimming with tears. Hopelessness wrapped around her, suffocating her. She couldn't breathe. Elsa ran her hands through her hair, still shying away from Jack's touch. She didn't want Jack to sacrifice so much for her. Maybe if she left... that would free Jack. He could see his sister. He could live his life instead of sneaking around, hiding from the government. Her heart clenched. 

Scarcely breathing, Elsa glanced at his eyes, filled with agony. "Jack... I've taken so much from you. I don't want to take anymore."

"Then don't!" His voice trembled. "Don't run, Elsa. Don't take the most precious thing I have."

Elsa frowned. "But... I'd leave everything here."

"Everything but yourself," he whispered. He glanced up at her. Bare, tender emotions churned within him, visible through his gaze. "You are what I treasure most, Elsa. I gave everything else up because—" He inhaled sharply.

Her heart thrummed steadily inside of her, singing at his words. Elsa had never heard something so lovely. She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his lean, muscular waist. Jack fully returned her embrace, a sigh escaping his lips. He rested his forehead against her shoulder and she felt wetness seep into her shirt. Elsa buried her head into his chest, hugging him tightly as he silently grieved.