Love Thaws: Melting

Dependent

Jack scrubbed his hair with the towel, making it stand on end. He turned his attention towards the mirror and carefully dispensed a dollop of shaving cream into one hand. He rubbed it over the lower portion of his face before snatching the razor off of the counter. He smiled widely at his reflection as he recalled Elsa's words. He tried to stop smiling, so he could shave, but found it rather difficult. Every time he thought of her... 

The smile he'd been trying to suppress appeared again. Jack put down the razor and tried to squeeze his face into submission. After half an hour, he'd managed to complete the task. He semi-tamed his hair with a comb before stepping out of the bathroom. He inhaled deeply. Something was cooking in the kitchen. He passed the living room and spotted Elsa curled up on the sofa, reading something. Just the sight of her made his heart race. 

He quietly crept into the room and stood behind Elsa. Her sweet aroma teased his senses. He gently tugged her hair out of its braid. Elsa froze in surprise before turning towards him, her hair cascading beautifully down her back and shoulders. Jack cupped her jaw and lifted her face to his. He paused mere inches from her face. A playful smile curved her lips.

"It hasn't been an hour."

Jack let out a huff of mock annoyance. "Hey, I just took a shower for you. I don't want to hear it." He smiled gently and ran his thumb along her soft lips. His breath caught.

"Oh, a shower. So impressive."

"It is," Jack insisted. "Very impressive. You know, I wouldn't take a shower for just any woman."

He saw a brief flicker of insecurity in her eyes. She gazed at him uncertainly. His fingers ghosted across her face. His breath hitched again when he felt a tingling spark pass between them, making his heart do a funny flip-flop inside of his chest. Jack wondered if a kiss would help soothe her insecurities. He leaned closer.

The door to the living room slammed open. "Dinner is—Oh! Umm, don't pay attention to me. Resume. Pretend nothing happened." Anna smiled widely and disappeared.

Jack cleared his throat. Elsa blushed prettily and shyly glanced at her lap. "I guess dinner's ready," he murmured.

Elsa nodded before standing and rushing past him. She smelled faintly sweet and minty. Jack followed after her, slightly disappointed. He seated himself beside her. Kristoff prayed briefly. When the prayer ended, he very reluctantly let go of her hand. Jack remembered last night, when he'd held her hand captive the entire time. The idea still appealed to him. Though he wasn't sure Elsa would like it. 

He glanced her way. Her hair, now loose, fell in soft, lush waves. A few tendrils fell in front of her face as she bent towards her plate. Jack twirled the stray locks around his finger and tucked them behind her ear. She froze for a moment. Elsa blushed again and looked down at her plate, hiding her face from view. Jack wished he could still see it. He liked to watch the way her pink blush blossomed on her cheeks. 

Jack tore his eyes away from her and glanced at his plate. It was lasagna. He cut off a corner with his fork. Elsa's leg briefly brushed his, making his heart pound and blood rush throughout his body. He glanced up and saw that Elsa was looking at him. He stared into her bright blue eyes, losing himself in them. Elsa inhaled sharply and she turned back to her plate. Suddenly, from across the table he heard a strangled snort. He glanced and saw Anna trying—and failing—to suppress her snickers. Within a few seconds, she was literally rolling on the floor laughing, giggles and snorts mingling together. Jack failed to see what was so funny. Anna finally stood and wiped her eyes before grabbing Kristoff's arm.