Love Thaws: Melting

Will You Be My Snowflake?

Elsa dove for cover behind a birch tree, though she wasn't sure if it'd completely shield her from view. She was gasping for air, her throat dry. She fell silent when she heard the snap of a twig. She froze, not daring to breath beyond shallow, excruciatingly slow pants.

"Elsa..."

She pursued her lips tightly together.

"I'm coming to find you..."

She suppressed the laughter bubbling within her, though she wasn't able to stop smiling.

"Here, Elsa. Come here, girl." He even whistled.

Elsa shook her head and rolled her eyes, though she was still smiling. Eventually, the sounds of footsteps faded in the distance. Elsa waited a good minute before she began breathing normally. The forest air was so fresh and sharp, tinged with the scent of pine. Elsa slowly stood and peered around the tree. She let out a loud squeak when Jack grabbed her, pulling her to his hard chest so that her back was pressed against it.

"Found you." He gently stroked her hair.

Elsa huffed. "I don't really think that was fair."

"And why not?" Elsa could hear the smile in his voice.

"Because that was deceitful.

Jack chuckled. "Well, maybe this will make it up to you." He handed her a delicate piece of ice, shaped like a curving, elegant rose. The stem was long and slender, ending in a burst of translucent blue rose petals.

"Oh." Elsa handled the rose with care, gently running her fingers over the smooth ice. "I don't think I could make something this intricate."

Jack smiled. "I bet you could."

Elsa realized her mistake, but it was too late. "No, it's alright."

"Come on, I'll show you. It's easy," he assured her.

Elsa frantically shook her head. "No, it's okay."

"Just try."

Elsa shook her head again.

Jack tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her petite frame. "Please?"

Elsa adamantly shook her head. Her body stiffened as she tried to push away from him, but Jack's arms were like steel bands.

"It'll be fun."

"Jack..."

"Look, it's simple." He opened his palm. Ice magically appeared, growing and curving as an icy stem appeared and petals. Jack added the finishing touches before presenting it to her. "Try."

"Jack, please."

He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Come on, I'll help you. Just do it," Jack quoted with a smile.

Elsa pursued her lips and shook her head.

Jack smiled and leaned towards her, bending down. He captured her bottom lip between his, nibbling it slightly. A fiery blush rose to Elsa's cheeks as she gasped and drew away. Elsa placed both of her palms over her burning cheeks and shyly avoided Jack's gaze.