Love Thaws: Melting

My Sunshine

The soothing, rhythmic thrum of rain on the roof woke Elsa. It made a soft hushing noise as millions of rain drops pattered to the ground. Elsa savored the feeling of the rain-cooled air around her; the temperature had dropped considerably. Elsa slid out of bed. She felt a warm hand gently grasp her wrist.

"Where're you going?" Jack asked sleepily. Elsa couldn't help but smile at his slightly drooping lids and boyishly tousled hair.

"I'm just getting something to read. I'll be right back."

Jack's beautiful azure eyes met hers. He let his hand drop from her wrist. "Alright."

He reclined against the soft, plump pillows on the bed. Elsa padded down the stairs, the cool floor boards creaking underfoot. The chilly air enveloped her; she loved it. Elsa glanced at a bookshelf, flushed against the wall. Her fingertips brushed the spines of the book as she browsed the titles.

Some were so worn, their covers peeled back, revealing soft, age-worn paper, but most were pristine and fresh, smelling wonderfully of new paper. Elsa picked out Pride and Prejudice, one of her all-time favorites. She hadn't read it in years.

Elsa ran back up the stairs, her footsteps thumping soundly against the creaking wood. She crept back into bed, pulling the cozy comforter around her. She heard Jack exhale with relief as he drew her close, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Elsa tried to read. Jack would occasionally caress her, or smooth her hair, or rub her arms, as if constantly reassuring himself of her presence. After five minutes, Elsa realized she hadn't read a page. Jack was proving distracting. She set the book down and craned her neck to look at him.

"Is something wrong?"

Jack paused. "No. Why? Am I disturbing you?" He scooted away from her and was preparing to draw his hand away when she gently touched his wrist.

"No, you're not. Are you sure nothing's bothering you?"

"Nothing."

Elsa turned to face him fully. They both knew he was lying. For the past few days, he'd been sullen and quiet. Elsa sensed he was still worried about Abitha. What good brother wouldn't be? She set the book down on the nightstand and turned towards Jack, wondering if he found her presence as soothing as she found his.

She gently rested her hand against his cheek. Jack pulled her close again, hugging her tightly. He buried his nose in her silky hair, inhaling her sweet, comforting scent deeply. He wove his fingers through her sleek, soft tresses, savoring how it felt against his hands. She was so delicate and petite. He laced his fingers through hers and gently kissed the inside of her wrist, where he could feel her pulse softly thrum underneath his lips. He held her and cuddled her and cradled her. He felt a rush of euphoria and gratitude when he touched her. He'd spent countless hours in the past three years simply dreaming of what it'd be like to hold her again.

Jack was flat on his back, Elsa lying on top of him with her head resting against his chest. He traced the length of her curving spine with his fingertips. Elsa shivered and nestled closer. He cautiously kissed her forehead, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, not wanting to drive her away. She rose and fell in synchrony with his chest, as he inhaled and exhaled. His stomach rumbled, and Elsa giggled. Jack loved her tinkling, bubbly giggle. He hadn't heard it for so long.

She shyly rested her forehead against his. Her long lashes fanned against her soft cheeks as she blinked. "Shouldn't we go get breakfast?"

Jack moaned, not wanting to end his precious moments with Elsa.