Melting the Ice 08 (Patreon)

Story by Sophiie93

Elliot froze in front of Lillian, his mind racing. Was the document about her, or someone else? His expression was grim, almost judgmental.

She quickly hid the document behind her back. “Oh… I-I… I’m sorry about before. I wasn’t aiming for you; I meant to hit Rhea. In the face… faces?” she stammered, clutching at her hair. “I couldn’t hit both at once… not that one wouldn’t have been enough… ugh.”

Elliot sighed, making a placating gesture. “Relax, it’s not a big deal. More importantly, are you okay? That was a pretty heated argument.”

Lillian’s fingers went to her face, realizing it was now obvious she had been crying. "I... yes, I'll be fine."

“So…” Elliot said, sitting down beside her, “you wanted to know more about mutants because you have the active gene?”

Lillian’s expression shifted completely, softening into a resigned smile. "Yeah. My family has a few mutants here and there, so the odds were always high... according to my tests, if it happens, it’ll be soon."

“That would send my anxiety into overdrive,” Elliot said.

Lillian nodded in vigorous agreement. “Oh, you bet it does.”

"And you tried to learn more by asking Rhea?"

“Tsk.” Lillian clicked her tongue and crossed her arms at the name. “That idiot thinks she’s the center of the universe. She’s egotistical, aggressive, and impulsive. I don’t know why I wasted my time trying to talk to her.”

A small laugh escaped Elliot's lips. "Well, I can't deny she has those moments. Though, thank you for not calling her the Ice Queen like everyone else. Rhea is trying to improve."

Lillian's expression softened, her gaze settling on Elliot. "Are you interested in Rhea because you have a thing for mutants?"

Elliot smiled. “I was interested in her before she mutated.”

“But a guy as smart and dedicated as you, dating her?”

Elliot looked at her seriously. “She’s intelligent too, you know? And she has her good traits. I even think you two could be good friends. It wouldn't hurt her.”

“That’ll be difficult when she starts yelling at me for asking a simple question,” Lillian said with a resigned sigh.

“I think she’s still processing her mutation… she’s not happy with it.”

"You think, or you know?"

“I mean… it’s more than obvious. That’s why I’m worried. I don’t think talking about it is easy for her.”

“It’s not easy for me, either. But I would have liked to have a mutant friend to support me through this,” Lillian said, wringing the fabric of her clothes in her hands. Elliot placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out, okay?”

Lillian's gaze lingered on him for a few seconds before a sweet smile spread across her face. "Thank you...?" she trailed off, noticing Elliot’s face had gone pale as he stared at something behind her. Lillian turned to see Rhea, both of her faces contorted in disgust.

“R-Rhea.” Elliot immediately stood up. Rhea simply turned and strode away quickly. “Rhea, wait!”

Lillian just sat there, watching the couple disappear, her expression calm. Then she sighed and gathered her things to leave.

“Leave me alone, Elliot,” Rhea said in unison, pushing open the front door and leaving the building.

"What are you running from, Rhea? Where are you going?"

“I’m not running, you idiot, I’m going home… I have things to do,” she retorted without turning.

“We still have two more classes. What are you talking about? Are you going to ditch?”

Rhea stopped dead. Her four arms hung at her sides, fists clenched, before she turned. “None of your business!”

Elliot’s expression changed when he saw Rhea’s face. Behind the anger, tears welled in the corners of her eyes. "Rhea."

“What?!” both heads snapped.

Elliot walked toward her, intending to hold her, but she took a step back, making him freeze. "I'm sorry."

“Why are you apologizing?” Rhea said, her voice thick with disappointment. “There’s nothing wrong with you hanging out with your new friend.”

“New friend? No, it’s not like that—”

"Try to hide it if you want, but the scene I saw speaks for itself."

“Rhea…”

“She called me a bitch, Elliot,” Rhea said, sounding surprisingly hurt.

Elliot ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Did you treat her well before that?"

Rhea looked away. “W-Well, no… but she was intrusive. She asked too many personal questions.”

“Rhea, please,” Elliot said, taking Rhea’s upper hands in his. She looked at him with annoyance but didn’t pull away.

“Are you going to scold me for that?” Rhea said, ready to defend herself.

“Not at all. I don’t think anyone needs scolding,” Elliot said warmly. “I think you’re both going through something similar.”

“You mean having a friend who won’t leave us alone and tries to ‘fix’ us? If so, then yes… we have the same problem.”

“Ugh.” Elliot froze, his face a mask of barely contained frustration.

“Pffft…” Rhea couldn’t help but laugh. “That was a good reaction. I was right.”

Elliot's irritation faded as he watched Rhea laugh, a strange mix of genuine mirth and angry tears. "Very funny, but at least you’re not so angry now."

“I’m still angry!” Rhea insisted, her face a conflicted knot of emotions.

"If I buy you some juice, will it help?"

“Don’t treat me like a child, Elliot,” Rhea protested.

“I’d tell you not to act like one, but that would only make it worse.”

"...You just did."

“Did I make you angrier?” Elliot said with a shrug.

Rhea sighed and rolled two sets of eyes. “No, but only because it’s you… though I’d appreciate it if you let go of my hands.”

“Oh, sorry,” Elliot said, embarrassed, and released them. “Anyway, do you know why Lillian was asking you all those questions?”

"Should I care?"

"Because she has the active mutant gene. She's going through something similar to you."

“And you want me to, what, prevent her mutation? That’s impossible… it’s a curse we have to live with,” Rhea said, though the last part sounded unconvincing, even to her.

“I don’t think you really believe it’s a curse, but I’m not going to argue about that now,” Elliot replied, ignoring Rhea’s disapproving look. “I think she just needs someone who understands what she’s going through.”

“Her mutation might not even be like mine. It’s not that big of a deal,” Rhea said, gesturing with her extra hands. “A few extra parts, who cares.”

“Maybe you don’t, but it might be difficult for her,” Elliot said with a sigh. “Not everyone has your mental toughness.”

“Pfft… I guess having two brains helps with that,” Rhea said, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Wow, I never thought I'd hear you say something positive about your mutation."

“Don’t push your luck, Elliot,” Rhea replied, a smile threatening to break through. “But yes, you’re right.”

“I honestly think you and Lillian could be good friends.”

“Ugh… no way,” Rhea said, “but next time you see her, apologize for me. I shouldn’t have been so harsh.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Elliot. “And don’t go home yet. We have other classes.”

Before Elliot could walk away, Rhea grabbed his backpack. “Hey, is the juice offer still good?”

“Are you sure you’re not a child?”

"You're asking for a knee to the groin, aren't you?" Rhea said, her face flushing behind a scowl.

Elliot smiled, holding her gaze for a moment until she grew flustered. “Stop looking at me like that, it’s weird. Let’s just get the juice!”

“Okay, okay,” Elliot said, heading toward the vending machine.