Love Thaws: Melting

The Ice Queen's Gambit

Elsa stared at the fading black dot until it vanished into the distance. The last helicopter had left. She felt a rush of happiness at the empty, overcast skies. She left the window and walked into the living room, where Jack was using his spoon to swirl his Cheerios.

Elsa bit her lip, which had healed perfectly within the past few days. "Jack?"

He looked up. "Yes, Elsa?"

"There are no more helicopters."

He frowned and stood, making his way towards the window. He peered out. "No. There aren't." The furrow between his brows deepened.

"Which means the coast is clear."

Jack shook his head.

Elsa huffed and put her hands on her hips. "Jack, you're being unreasonable and-and paranoid!"

He snorted. "And you think you're behaving more reasonably than I am?"

"Yes!"

"Elsa. Drop it." His tone hold her the conversation was over, but Elsa wasn't done yet.

"Jack—"

"No."

"Just consider—"

"No!"

Elsa exhaled slowly through clenched teeth. "Jack, you're not being fair."

"Life isn't 'fair,' Elsa!"

Elsa took a step back, surprised by his sudden outburst.

Jack sighed and took a step towards her. "Elsa... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice. I just... I don't know." He rubbed his hand over his face and shook his head.

Elsa sighed silently. She could tell his concern over Abitha was tearing him apart. If only he'd consider visiting her. "Jack, you wouldn't worry so much if we visited—"

"Elsa," he warned.

"Jack! How can you not want to visit your dying—"

He grasped her shoulders tightly. "Do you think I don't want to?! Of course I do! What big brother wouldn't?!" He shook her slightly.

"Jack—"

"Which part of no don't you understand?! The N or the O?"

"I don't understand why you're making such a big deal of this!"

"Because I'm prioritizing."

"Prioritizing?! Jack, she's dying—"

"Don't you think I realize that?!"

"And that's what I don't understand, Jack. Shouldn't she get to see you before she dies?!"

"Elsa—"

"I just don't understand. Why?! Why would you do this to her? Why are you putting my safety over her life?!"

His grip on her shoulders tightened. "Because I love you!" His stopped suddenly, as if he realized what he'd just said. He took a step back, looking bashful. "I-I mean... it's okay if you don't feel the same—"

Elsa barreled into him, wrapping her arms around his lean waist. Didn't he remember her telling him the exact same thing? Maybe not. He had lost a lot of blood. She gazed up at Jack, resting her chin on his chest. "I love you too."