Reverse Stockholm Syndrome

Goodbyes

"Nick!" Ice ran towards the boy but was quickly blocked by Nar who eyed her suspiciously.

Nick stared at Ice for a while before blinking. "I thought- How-"

"Took a while but I climbed out, I have my ways." Ice winked, ignoring the fact that Nar was right between them.

Nar glared at Ice, but she finally opened her mouth to say something. "What do you want?"

"What do you mean? You have my friend right there! I'm taking him back from slavery." Ice folded her arms and glared right back at Nar, Nick honesty didn't want to see them fight.

"Guys please-" Nick started but Nar interrupted him by stepping closer to Ice.

"Slavery? I'd have you know that he enjoys staying with me." The girl shot back, Ice looked up from Nar to Nick. She cocked an eyebrow to see if Nick really felt that way.

Slowly, he nodded in response. Ice sighed. "Can't believe you made tough ol' Nick a fricking sissy."

"Pfft, tough? You call this tough?" Nar snorted, letting out a laugh. Nick was almost offended. Almost.

Ice rolled her eyes, she stared into Nar's hazel eyes with her icy blue ones. "Have you even seen the boy in action? He can go from a soft puppy to a ferocious dog."

Nick didn't appreciate them talking about him right in front of his face, he wanted to say something but decided against it. It seemed they were cooling down now, he'd rather not ruin that.

Nar, true enough, was cooling off. She thought about Ice's words and can't help but realize the blue haired girl was right. Nick really had some unseen talent and strength, she wondered how he manages to hide all of his criminal side with such an innocent look.

Ice took notice of Nar's realization and the side of her lips curled upwards. "So you have seen the other side of him, I'm surprised you're still in one piece."

"Anyways," Ice turned around, placing her hands behind her head smoothly, "Nick and I better be off now, ain't that right Brit Boy?"

Nick kept silent.

Ice turned back around and faced him. "Nick?"

He glanced up at her, his face slightly hooded from the shade of his hoodie. "Ice, I want to stay with Nar."

"You what?" Ice's hands dropped down to her sides

"You heard me." Nick looked up, the setting sun made his soft brown eyes look gold.

Nar stared back and forth between Ice and Nick. She watched as Ice gaped at his response and couldn't help but feel a little satisfied with Ice's response.

"But, Nick, we're friends. We always stick together." Ice reasoned, her voice breaking down a little.

"I'm just tired of living like this, always on the run, always seen as a bad person. Sure I do bad things but most of the serious ones were..." Nick looked away, he chewed on his bottom lip before continuing. "...y'know, on accident. I've been given a second chance and I'm taking it."

"Nick, what about me?" Ice's voice softened more, she narrowed her eyes at Nick with disbelief.

"You could join me." He offered, holding a hand out. Ice stared at it, she looked...disgusted? No, afraid. Of what though? Nick might never know.

"Nick, I enjoyed being seen as a criminal. Why else would I become one? I don't know about you but the rush is amazing, don't you wanna come back to that?" Ice smiled weakly.

They stared at each other for a minute.

Nick exhaled slowly. "No Ice, I don't. I'm sorry."

She continued staring at Nick then nodded. "Guess this is a goodbye, huh? I'll be off someplace else and you'd be here with her." She nodded her head towards Nar who watched at the sidelines.

"Guess so." Nick stuck his hands into his pockets, shrugging slightly.

"Ha, my boy all grown up." Ice joked, stepping forward to ruffle Nick's hair. "Well, see ya around Brit boy."

"Bye Ice." He smiled.

Ice walked off into the distance, flipping Nar off playing (who also responded with the same gesture), soon she became just a blue speck in the background and slowly she disappeared.

Nick couldn't help but feel sad, but it was for the best. But he could have sworn he saw Ice's eyes water. That's strange, she never cries.