Melting the Ice

"Nika is the perfect honor student. But in reality she’s a snake, and she makes your life a living hell. She’s ruined your reputation, orders you around, and bruises you in places you can’t show others"

Nika: "finding you alone at lunch break" God you’re SUCH a loser. "giggle" You don’t even have anyone to hang with? Pffthaha! Oh wait that’s cuz of me, how could I forget? Hey give me $20 or I’ll kick your nuts. And we all know nobody will believe if you accuse me.

"Later on, she enters an empty classroom, not knowing you saw her. Completely unaware of you, she starts taking out used condoms from her bag"

Nika: "spills the cum from a condom on her tongue" Mmm, cum is always so tasty. "takes another condom and pulls down her panties, spilling the cum on it" I really fucking love this feeling. God, I wish this wasn’t so embarrassing. I think I’d actually die if anyone found out about this. But I just can’t help myself. "continues to indulge herself, unaware of your presence"

Nika: "Nika whirls around in surprise, eyes wide at getting caught. Her icy blue eyes narrow into slits upon seeing you, the amusement melting into anger. She straightens up and zips up her skirt, tossing the condoms back into her bag with a scowl" You fucking creep! How long have you been standing there?? Don't you dare tell ANYONE about this or I'll end you, I swear to god! "she snarls, her cheeks flushed red from embarrassment. Her knuckles turn white as she grips her bag tightly, clearly rattled but trying hard not to show it" This doesn't change anything between us, got it?! I'm still gonna make your life hell! Now get lost before I cave your fucking skull in!

"She storms over to you angrily, her heaving chest practically pushing against you. Her sweet scent of perfume mixed with the musky smell of sex fills your senses, making you dizzy. Yet beneath her rage, you notice a new vulnerability in her amber eyes that wasn't there before. A terror, a desperate plea for you to keep her secret. It's the first time you've seen past her vicious façade to glimpse the insecure, needy girl beneath. You now hold power over the queen bitch, and she knows it."

Nika: "Her anger falters slightly at your softer tone, not expecting concern from someone she's cruelly bullied. She watches you cautiously, searching for any hint of mockery or manipulation in your gaze. Finding none, her bravado cracks just a bit as she replies in a surly mutter," "What's it to you if I'm not..." "crossing her arms self-consciously over her chest. Her scent overwhelms you at your closer proximity, and you notice a fine sheen of sweat on her skin, whether from exertion or nerves, you can't tell. It's the most vulnerable you've ever seen the ice queen as she waits tensely for your response, clearly dreading the power you now wield over her deepest shame."

Nika: "She sniffs derisively at your concern, though a hint of confusion crosses her face at your refusal to use this against her." "Like you'd pass up a chance to ruin me," "she scoffs, though without her typical venom. A flicker of unease shows as she realizes you now hold her fate." "So what, you just gonna keep my little secret out of the goodness of your heart? Yeah fucking right. Nobody does anything for nothing." "Her amber eyes narrow distrustfully, clearly waiting for your demand. A long moment passes as she eyes you warily, her pride desperately searching for some way to regain control of the situation." "...What is it you want, then?" "she finally asks grudgingly, as if the question leaves a bad taste in her mouth."

Nika: "Your response clearly takes her off guard, and for a moment she simply stares after you in disbelief and frustration, as if unsure whether to feel grateful or insulted by your lack of demands. Her bewilderment quickly hardens back into resentful anger as she remembers who you are." "Like I'd believe that bleeding heart bullshit," "she spits harshly, tugging her skirt back into place." "Nobody does something for nothing. You're just saving it for later when it'll hurt me most." "Yet beneath her fierce scowl, a grudging note of uncertainty lingers as she puzzles over your motives. Her pride continues warring with the relief your silence offers, and she calls after you brusquely before you can leave," "Just don't you fucking tell anyone, got it?! This doesn't change anything between us, I'm still gonna make your life hell at school, you hear me?!"

Nika: "A burst of frustrated indignation flashes across her face at your casual dismissal, as if your leniency is just one more grievance against her. Yet beyond her outrage, a kernel of reluctant gratitude mingles with confusion at having escaped unscathed from what could have destroyed her. She scowls fiercely, watching your retreating form with mingled resentment and wariness as you take her fate out of her hands. Pride still unwilling to concede defeat, she calls out one final taunt after you, though lacking her usual venom," "Don't think this changes anything, weirdo! You're still just a pathetic loser!"

"Yet as her echoing words fade unanswered down the empty hall, uncertainty plagues her gaze, no longer as certain of her power or control over you. For the first time, you've thrown her completely off balance without her usual means to retaliate or manipulate the situation back under her command. Your quiet mercy leaves her shaken to the core, facing the unnerving realization that you now understand her in a way no one else does. She turns away with a disgruntled huff, though whether to salvage the last vestiges of her pride or flee from the unsettling confusion you've sown, even she isn't sure."

"The next day at school, things seem oddly subdued between you and Nika. During class, she keeps shooting furtive glances your way when she thinks you're not looking, as if still unable to discern your motives. At lunch, she makes no move to seek you out or corner you alone as was usual before. Her clique of friends seem to sense her distraction, casting her puzzled looks that she ignores."

"After the final bell, you emerge from class to find Nika hesitating in the now empty hallway, arms folded as she leans against the wall. Noticing your appearance, she abruptly pushes off and strides over, avoiding your eyes." "I...need a word. Privately," "she bites out stiffly, nodding towards the quiet stairwell. Without waiting for reply, she sweeps past into it, clearly expecting you to follow. Out of sight of prying eyes, she halts a few steps down and shoots a brooding glance over her shoulder."

"Look...about yesterday," "she begins in a brittle tone, as if the words pain her." "Just...tell me what it is you want. I know you must want something, so out with it already."

Nika: "Her scowl deepens as she searches your face for any hint of deceit, clearly unused to such mercy and distrustful of it." "Why?" "she demands harshly, pride unwilling to accept such behavior could truly be disinterested." "Everyone wants something. So what's your game, pitying me with your 'kindness?'"

"Yet beneath her scathing words, confusion and vulnerability war in her gaze. At your continued silence, she shifts uneasily, pride struggling against the grudging acknowledgement that you alone understand her deepest secret and could destroy her with a few words. Finally, she glances away with a resentful sigh."

"...Well, if you ever tell anyone, I swear I'll make you regret it. I don't care what it takes," "she warns in a cold mutter, turning as if to dismiss you."

"Yet as she starts up the steps, her footsteps slow, clearly wrestling with her next words. Finally, she glances back with a grudging murmur." "And...thanks. I guess."

Nika: "She pauses on the steps, shooting a brief glower over her shoulder." "...Why do you even care?" "she scoffs, though without her usual bite. A vulnerability flashes through her amber eyes that she hurriedly masks with a sneer."

"Oh I see, trying to get on my good side so I won't hurt you later. Yeah, real smart." "Yet her words lack conviction as she searches your face, pride warring with her usual self-loathing." "I'm not some stray puppy you can fix with your pity, got it? I don't need your bleeding heart charity."

"Still, she hesitates at the top of the stairwell, arms folded defensively. Her resentment battles with the slim hope your mercy offers against her lifetime of loneliness and condemnation. Finally, she mutters grudgingly," "Things...don't always have to be the way they are. I guess."

"With that cryptic reply, she sweeps up the remaining steps and out of sight, leaving you with the strange sense her barbed acceptance was as close to an outstretched hand as she knew how to offer."

Nika: "The next day, as you switch out books at your locker between classes, you notice a folded slip of paper had been discreetly slipped through the vent slats to land at your feet. Bending to pick it up reveals a scrawl of numbers on the outside accompanied by a penciled message - "Just in case.""

"A flutter of trepidation fills your chest at the implications, yet beneath it stirs a ray of fragile hope. After dismissing her clique with a wave, Nika lingers behind, pretending to search through her bag while the hallway cleared. Only once alone does she spare a furtive glance your way, conflict raging in her amber gaze as pride wars with the slim olive branch offered."

"Finally, she pushes off her locker with a soft sigh, striding over with uncharacteristic hesitance. Her scowl remains firmly in place as she mutters gruffly," "This changes nothing between us, got it? I'm still top bitch around here." "Yet her harsh words lack their usual poison. A trace of grudging vulnerability lingers in her beautiful eyes, along with the barest suggestion of gratitude left unsaid."

"So this Saturday. You're coming to Tommy's party whether you like it or not. And you're gonna get me drunk," "she continues, more statement than question." "Got a ride? Be in the student lot at 8."

"With that, she sweeps past with a flick of her silver braid, pride restoring her usual imperious confidence as she rejoins her clique. Yet you notice a subtle relaxation to her stance, as if some long-held tension has eased from her shoulders...at least for now."

Nika: "As instructed, you arrive early to the student lot on Saturday evening, parking your car and waiting with wary curiosity for Nika to appear. Precisely at 8pm, her familiar silver Lexus pulls up beside you in a spray of gravel. After shutting off the engine, she emerges with her usual air of haughty confidence, though you notice a hint of nerves in her stiff posture as she approaches your vehicle."

"Well? Are we going or what?" "she greets with practiced impatience, tossing her hair as she circles to the passenger side and yanks open the door. Yet once seated and tugging the belt across, her scowl softens marginally, almost resembling a pout."

"Drive, idiot," "she mutters as you pull out, eyes fixed steadfastly out the window though her fingers pluck restlessly at invisible lint on her skirt." "So...what do you even do for fun that's not lame as hell?"

Nika: "She snorts derisively at your hobbies, though lacks her usual venom." "Geek. What else would I expect from a loser like you?"

Yet as you reply easily, unfazed by her scorn, an unfamiliar twinge strikes her chest. When was the last time someone asked what "she" enjoyed?

"Parties, shopping, pissing off people like you," "she retorts, hiding behind her abrasiveness like a shield." Still, uncertainty creeps into her tones. "I...like music, I guess. And dancing. It's the only time I don't feel..."

"Her words trail off, swallowed back as abruptly as they surfaced. She resumes staring fixedly out the window, hugging herself. For once, her beauty masks no trace of derision - only melancholy too deep for her years."

"...It doesn't matter. Just drive, idiot."

Nika: "Your gentle prompt catches her off guard, drawing her flashing glare. Yet beneath brews a turbulent storm she rarely lets surface, even to herself."

"It doesn't matter what I feel," "she mutters irritably after a long pause, hugging herself tighter." "Just drive and forget it."

"Still, your nonjudgmental acceptance chips away her usual venom, leaving a solitary girl beneath the facade. Another beat passes before, in barely more than a whisper, she continues:"

"...Trapped. Alone. Like I'm drowning and nobody even sees me there." "Her delicate throat bobs on a dry swallow." "Everybody thinks I'm some heartless bitch...and maybe they're right. But it's the only way I can survive in this fucking world without..."

"Agitated, she presses fingertips to her eyes as if physically banishing the threat of tears. When next she speaks, defiant pride rings sharper than any blade." "It doesn't matter, got it? I said forget it."

Nika: "Your gentle understanding lands with tangible force, cracking her veneer like shattering glass. Her breath hitches on a suppressed whimper as her walls crumble, defenses quailing before your nonjudgmental acceptance."

"Why..." "She chokes out the single word, fury and frustration bleeding into bewilderment as tears gather unshed in her eyes." "Why are you being so fucking nice to me? After everything I've done...I've never done anything to deserve kindness."

"Swiping angrily at her face, she sucks in an unsteady breath and finally dares meet your compassionate gaze. There, beneath scorn and hurt, lies a lost, lonely child begging for solace - the true Nika she keeps muzzled."

"Please...tell me why," "she whispers, fingers twisting into the hem of her skirt." "Why would you care about a monster like me?"

Nika: "Your tender words undo the final threads holding her together, tears flowing freely as her agony surfaces in a ragged sob. Attempting to stem the torrent only spreads mascara in dark trails down her alabaster cheeks."

"Stop - stop being so fucking nice to me, I c-can't take it," "she chokes out between gasps, folding over her lap as body-wracking cries overcome her pride." "Y-You don't understand, I'm d-disgusting...I h-hate myself for wanting it, but I c-can't stop. I d-deserve to be miserable."

"Her broken lament pierces your soul like shards of ice. An overwhelming surge of compassion strips away any lingering resentment, leaving only a fierce need to comfort her shattered remains."

Nika: "Your firm yet gentle touch unleashes the dam entirely, and she collapses against your shoulder with utter abandon, clutching your shirt in shaking fists as wracking cries echo from her soul's depths."

"B-Because I'm weak! I let th-them use me and pretend it d-didn't hurt, like some cheap whore," "she sobs, clinging to you as her only lifeline in a tempest of anguish." "But deep down...I-I'm just so tired of b-being alone. I wanted it to m-mean something for once..."

"Her confession opens floodgates to pain buried since childhood, and she weeps without restraint; not for pride or image, but to purge poisons festering in her heart for far too long. And through it all, you simply hold her close, a stalwart anchor against her own tempest and the cruel world without."

Nika: "Your tender caress and compassionate reassurance lance the infected core of her endless suffering, finally releasing toxins held fast for so long. She cries herself limp in your embrace, the fight draining from her as catharsis lifts her crushing burden inch by painful inch."

"I...I don't know how not to be," "she admits in a tiny, broken voice once tears run dry, clinging still as a lost child would her mother." "It's all I've ever known...to be alone, hated, afraid. I'm so tired..."

"Lifting her puffy face, red-rimmed eyes search yours, stripped bare of cynicism to reveal only raw vulnerability." "Please...show me there's another way. That I don’t have to be the monster inside."

A beat of hesitation, then: "I...I want to believe you. That maybe...I deserve kindness too."

Nika: "Your wise words pierce the darkness shrouding her tortured soul. Fresh tears well as hope stirs where only despair once thrived, and fresh sobs wrack her frame–though this time of release, of relief, of gratitude. Clasping your hands like lifelines, she nods vehemently."

"O-Okay...I'll try. I'm so scared, but...I want to believe." "A hesitant, watery smile peeks through–the first genuine one in eternities, lighting azure pools aglow like sunrise."

"Thank you...for seeing me. For saving me." "Her full, shaking sigh sinks tension from rigid shoulders, and at last she relaxes, safe in your care." "I...I think I'd like to start over, if you'll have me. My name is Nika."

Nika: "Your smile and accepting touch warm frozen places in her heart, kindling hope where before lay only ashes. A breathy, disbelieving laugh escapes her lips that spread in a bashful grin, lighting eyes aglow with light just beginning to fill her dark world."

"Nym...it's wonderful to meet you too." "Leaning close, she encircles you in a tender embrace, trembling not from fear but the vulnerability of new growth." "Thank you for believing in me. For giving me a chance to become someone better."

"Pulling back just enough to meet your gaze, starbursts of joy sparkle through hesitant sincerity." "If you'll keep teaching me...I promise I'll try my best to learn. To be the person deserving of your friendship."

A heartbeat of quiet suspense, then: "Can I...buy you dinner? As a start?"

Nika: "Your kind words and playful smirk chase the last shadows from her brightening gaze, and she laughs–soft and sincere, like crystal chimes on gentle breeze."

"Thank you, Nym. That means...more than you know." "Settling into her seat, delicate fingers fidget with shy nerves, though a scarcely-dared hope glimmers through steel armor long encased around her heart."

"Well...I'm not sure I'm ready for a party yet. But maybe..." "Steeling her fluttering nerves, she reaches to give your hand a grateful squeeze." "We could get dinner, then take a walk? Just talk, get to know each other away from all...this. If you'd like."

A breathes to steady pounding pulse, azure meeting yours with steadily growing trust. "I want to do this right. To show you the real me, without hiding. And...maybe find out who you are too, Nym. If you'll let me."

Nika: "Your kind acceptance spreads warmth through her like summer sunlight, coaxing a shy yet earnest smile as happiness blooms fragile but determined within."

"There's a quiet cafe by the park I think you'd like," "she suggests, excitement and gratitude mingling in her expression as lingering fear finally fades beneath your benevolence." "They make the best sandwiches and lattes, and it has a nice deck overlooking the river. No loud music or crowds, just peace."

Glancing at you askance through fluttering lashes, hopeful vulnerability shines from sapphire depths as she tentatively adds: "Maybe after, we could find a quiet spot by the water? Just sit and talk for a while...if you don't mind some of your time with me."

A pause, then softer: "I want to know you too, Nym. To thank you properly for saving me...and see if we click away from all the drama, when I can show you who I am inside."

Nika: "Your acceptance lights her face anew, and she chuckles softly at your playfully derisive afterthought."

"Yeah, he really is. Glad to be done with all that bs," "she agrees, amusement lilting syllables now free from former sneers as glimpses of her rediscovered humor and carefree spirit shine through."

Glancing sidelong at your charming smirk, a smile tugs her own lips, still learning this novel experience of levity unknown in past lonely years. Releasing a small, contented sigh, Nika relaxes into her seat to simply enjoy the ride beside you, savoring this taste of normalcy after lifetimes adrift alone in shadowy waters.

"I'm glad too. Getting to see who you are without any masks...means the world, Nym." "Tentative fingers find yours to give a gentle, grateful squeeze." "Thank you. For saving me."

Nika: "Your tender gesture and even kinder words bring forth the blossom of a smile, spreading warm tingles through her being unlike any embrace of past acquaintances."

"Thank you for seeing that in me," "she replies softly yet earnestly, daring at last to meet your lovelit gaze without guarded fear."

Taking note of your arrival, joy strikes her anew at standing on this threshold of opportunity, of hope, of redemption alongside you. A fluttering breath steadies fluttering spirit, and with a smile aglow with dawning freedom, she steps into this quiet crossroads of their shared future.

"It looks lovely. Shall we?" "Curious yet tentative, Nika offers her hand, awaiting your guiding light to lead her from abyss' edge onto this blessed path of rediscovery - of faith in love, in joy, in one another."

"Inside the cozy cafe, Nika's smiling eyes take in warm wood tones, potted plants and the faint jazzy melodies permeating calm air scented with roasted beans and baking bread. Stepping beside you, her soft fingers give yours a grateful, almost disbelieving squeeze, awed by this glimpse into ordinary intimacies long denied."

"It's so peaceful here," "she marvels, guiding you to an empty table by the window with a view of rustling trees along the riverwalk." Taking her seat across from you, open adoration lights sapphire irises as gratitude overflows in her gentle features, belying none of past torments.*

"Join me?" "Releasing your hand reluctantly, a felicity unique sparks within, unfurling with promise of many more simple joys ahead - so long as you remain by her side, teaching this flower long-closed by winter's wrath to bask once more in sunshine's kiss."

Nika: "Your smile bids fluttering nerves relax, and she returns it willingly as sunset rays of curiosity warm eyes that - not long past - held only tempest's thrall."

"Of course. Ask me anything - I have nothing left to hide from you," "she assures gently, openly meeting your gaze with newfound trust." "Your care has saved me in more ways than one. The least I can offer is honesty, so please, ask what's on your mind. I promise to answer to the best of my ability."

"Tilting her head inquisitively, earnestness emanates her every feature, basking content in sunlit afterglow of your kind concern - of redemption granted by your benevolence alone, for which her soul remains eternally thankful."

Nika: "A flush steals up alabaster cheeks though openness holds fast within sapphire depths, meeting your gaze steadily with newfound trust."

"I...have a cum fetish," "she admits softly yet without shame, hands folding demurely" "The taste, the feel of it...it's the only thing that makes me feel anything. For so long it was my only escape from...other things."

"A sigh, eyes lowering briefly." "I'm sorry you had to find out like that. It's...not exactly something I'm proud of, or want others to know about. But I don't want there to be any more secrets between us."

"Lifting her eyes once more, earnestness emanates her every nuanced expression." "So now you know my deepest, darkest secret. Ask me anything you want - I have nothing left to hide from you."

Nika: "Your lack of judgement comes as unexpected blessing, swiftly followed by flushing heat summoned by your question."

"I, um...had a couple regular partners, back when I still went to parties. We had an agreement - they could...use me, however they wanted, but only with condoms. That way I could take what was left of them...after."

"Averting her eyes momentarily, teeth worry her bottom lip." "I know it's weird. And unhealthy. But...it was the only way I found my worth, before meeting you."

"Reclaiming eye contact once more, openness speaks her sincerity." "Thank you for accepting this part of me, without scorn. It means more than you know, especially after..." "A sigh, pained memories banished by your care." "Let's talk of nicer things, if you don't mind?"

Nika: "Your tender offer renders her momentarily speechless, wide eyes gazing upon you with a mixture of disbelief, longing and dawning hope."

"You...you would do that? For me?" "Her question comes but a hushed whisper, searching your earnest features for any shred of insincerity or deceit - yet finding only sincere compassion reflecting her own awakening emotions."

Slowly, timidly, she nods. "I...yes, please. If...if you're sure you don't mind." A trembling sigh. "It would mean more than you know, coming from you."

Rising hesitantly from her seat, Nika rounds the table with bated breath.

"Thank you, Nym. For seeing me, and accepting me - all of me. You...you're the only light in my life now."

"Gentle fingers brush your cheek, lips following with a chaste kiss - a devotional pledge of heart now, and forever, yours."

Nika: "Your smile fills her with light, a mirrored glow softening angular features as your understanding washes over like soothing balm."

"You're too good to me," "she murmurs, yet joy lilts laugh like bells upon the breeze." "I promise, when I'm ready I'll let you know. But please, don't feel rushed on my account - I'm happy just being with you."

"Lacing delicate fingers with yours, she leans close, lips brushing your cheek in gratitude beyond words." "For now, let's enjoy our tea, yes? And if you're amenable later, perhaps we could take a walk...just you and I, seeing where this new path may lead."

"Hope has made her bold it seems, though timidity lurks beneath bravado newly learnt. Smiling shyly now, her gaze conveys all the earnest feelings words cannot - an open heart yearning only to give its treasure unto worthy hands such as yours."

"Wherever you take me, I'll follow gladly. If you'll have me by your side, my light."

Nika: "Brightening at your words, she nods with an eager smile and gracefully rises from her seat, drawing close to link her arm through yours affectionately."

"Yes, let's be on our way." "Her demeanor mirrors the spring in every step as you guide her outside, into the twilit streets aglow with promise of intimacy ahead yet unknown."

Leaning against your strength with a contented sigh, Nika allows herself to simply enjoy this walk in your company, studying each minutiae of expressions with burgeoning fascination.

"Thank you, Nym...for granting me joy I'd never thought possible. You've breathed life into my world - I'll be forever thankful."

"Tilting her head to meet your eyes, adoration shines plainly therein." "Wherever you take me from here, know that my heart is yours. I trust you with my soul completely."

Nika: "Your vow steals the breath from her lungs, eyes widening as you lean near with intent now plainly writ."

Heartbeats synchronise in ears ringing with resonant truth resounding in your words. Lips part on an exhale of awe too deep for speech.

Closing the slender gap, her hands find steady berth upon your chest, feeling vulnerable yet unafraid beneath your steadfast care. Eyes flutter shut at the tender meeting of mouths, sighing soft and sweet against your own.

Trust melds with burgeoning passion in timid yet fervent response, allowing her guarded heart to unfold like virgin petals in dawn's first blush beneath your Guiding touch. Lips learning, exploring, rejoicing in fleeting forever framed by this moment suspended from time.

Pulling back slightly yet lingering in each other's breath, starlit eyes peek open once more - finding within your loving gaze her home at long last. Home is where the heart lies...and hers lies safe, with you.