Hey guys, this is my first attempt at writing any kind of fan fiction, particularly Elsanna so go easy on me! :)
The idea for this Elsanna one-shot came to me while I was sporadically planning/writing bits and pieces of my novel, although the content and plot of my story is drastically different to this one-shot. There is one particular scene that I originally wrote for my novel that inspired this whole one-shot and it'll come in a later chapter (I'll let you know which scene it is) ;)
What else? Oh, this one-shot was meant to be for the Elsanna week in September but I was too excited about it so I'm releasing only the first chapter earlier than intended and if I can hold onto my patience, the next few chapters will be released during that week so hang around!
"Okay, okay. Calm down, jumping bean."
Kristoff glanced sideways in amusement at his best friend, Anna as he pulled into their pre-booked parking spot at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. Anna was wriggling around in her seat, eager to jump out, grab their bags and hightail it for the domestic terminal to catch their 4pm flight that would kick start their 4 and a half day trip to Melbourne.
This was a once in a lifetime experience and they couldn't believe their luck. The English Premier League football giants, Liverpool Football Club aka the Reds were going to play against the A-League outfit, Melbourne Victory in a pre-season friendly in Australia for the first time in forever.
This was a cause for celebration for both Anna and Kristoff as they are passionate Liverpool FC supporters and attending home games at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England are a dream they've yet to fulfil. Not that the duo are not financially able to afford such a trip, but Anna was reluctant to take leave from work for a long time as she was well into her second year on her first job since graduating university. Not to mention that Kristoff's highly successful pizzeria business was booming since he and his partner, Hans have expanded into two separate locations.
A pilgrimage to Anfield is nevertheless still on the cards, they just needed to sit down, make plans and figure out the most appropriate time for it.
When the news first broke out that Liverpool was definitely attending Australia for a pre-season friendly, not a single moment was wasted in making preparations for leave from their respective jobs. They also had to buy the tickets and book accommodation and flights…
Anna recalled the moment she sat at her laptop with a mug of hot chocolate in hand, eagerly awaiting for the release of premium tickets at 9am that were exclusive only to the Australian international members of the club. Once the transaction of 2 tickets in the Melbourne Kop area of the stadium was completed, Anna's poor laptop paid dearly for her jubilation and excitement when she knocked over her half-full mug onto the keyboard.
She couldn't care less… (or give a fuck).
Anna and Kristoff were one step closer to their dream of watching the team play in person, as opposed to squinting at tiny figures decked out in all red, running around with a ball on TV at 2am in the morning. That was the price they chose to pay for their steadfast dedication to watching the matches live, regardless of the ungodly hours due to the damned time difference between England and Australia.
She had sent a text of confirmation to Kristoff to say that the tickets were bought and that evening when he arrived home to their shared apartment from work, they set about booking flights through Jetstar and making hotel reservations.
The excitement was palpable from that moment forward in April, counting down the days until Monday, 22nd of July when they would leave for Melbourne.
Kristoff helped Anna with their luggage out of the boot of the car. Not much was needed for only a few days down south. Apart from the basic necessities such as toiletries and phone chargers, their duffle bags were jam-packed with Liverpool jerseys, Liverpool shirts, jumpers, scarves, beanies and warm jackets to battle the bitter cold that Melbourne was known for. The only non-Liverpool clothing the pair packed in their bags were denim jeans and shoes.
Yes, they are that fanatical and obsessed.
After locking Kristoff's car that he affectionately calls 'Sven', they made their way to the nearest bus stop to catch the shuttle that would take them to the domestic terminal. Kristoff noted that they were a little ahead of schedule but nevertheless, it would give them plenty of time to grab a bite to eat in the airport lounge and relax before boarding the plane.
The short bus ride seemed to take forever, well at least to the perpetually impatient Anna. As soon as they reached the terminal, they grabbed their bags and left the bus. Kristoff had to chuckle at the way Anna forced her bag off the shelf which ended in an audacious expletive and a sliced finger. Luckily, he knew something like this would happen and had the foresight to pack several Band-Aids in his wallet so he promptly opened it and gave one to a cursing Anna.
"Shuddup, you know patience is not one of my strongest virtues." Anna growled as she snatched it off his offered hand and slipped it onto her finger.
"Anna, look at me. I know it's exciting but take a deep breath and keep your inner fangirl under control, otherwise I'll go crazy too." He breathed in and out and gestured for Anna to do the same.
His seriousness was blighted by his own excitement and mirth in light of Anna's situation. It was infectious and he knew it was only a matter of time before he would burst as well but Kristoff was the most level-headed of the pair so he was determined to keep it in for his best friend's sanity.
Anna sighed. She knew that he had a point; she was getting ahead of herself here and willed herself to take several deep breaths. I hate it when Kristoff is right. My enthusiasm will probably be the death of him.
"If you think this is the worst you've seen of my excitement, just you wait til we get to Anfield."
"Oh, I think I can wait…" Kristoff replied sarcastically and poked his tongue out at the redhead, promptly receiving a punch in return on the shoulder.
He put his arm around Anna's shoulder as they both picked up their bags from the sidewalk and walked into the entrance. They walked around amongst the bustling activity for signs of where they should go to check in and then settle down. Soon, after a few questions from an airport official, they headed in the general direction of the Jetstar check-in counter.
The check-in and security screening were successful with the exception of Anna's Perfecto motorbike leather jacket. She forgot to take it off when she went through the metal detector so she had to endure an extra pat down from a female official much to her chagrin. Is this seriously necessary? It's just a fucking piece of clothing that I forgot to take off! Either that or that lady just couldn't get her hands off my rockin' hot bod.
Leaving behind the security drama, the pair walked through the shops and headed straight for the airport lounge where they dumped their bags as well as themselves on the comfiest-looking seats they could find.
It took them a minute to realise that almost everyone around them were also wearing Liverpool gear. Kristoff and Anna looked at each other wordlessly and chuckled, glad to know that they weren't alone. There was nothing left to do but sit, talk, eat, muck around until the first call for boarding was called out. They had 2 and a half hours til their flight.
Wednesday night couldn't come any quicker for Kristoff and Anna…
The airport lounge was crowded with Liverpool supporters. Practically every single person was decked out in Liverpool attire, whether it was a scarf, a jacket or shirt. When Elsa and Olaf left the security detail behind, they literally stopped dead in their tracks and looked around to take it all in.
Sure, I may have been expecting something like this but it's one thing to imagine it and quite another to see it a reality! Elsa was simply stunned as they walked through the mob, trying to find decent seats.
Every now and then, she'd catch someone's eye and give them a smile and nod as if to say- "Yeah! We're going to watch Liverpool play! This is happening and you are awesome as well." Of course, we're awesome. Liverpool supporters are the best in the world!
Elsa looked around in awe, "I still can't believe what I'm seeing."
"It's like a dream. Heh, I'd like to see a scum fan try and walk right through this mass of people without getting so much as a comment or dirty look." Olaf stated to her.
"Hypothetically speaking, that scum supporter will get his innards gutted and disembowelled." Elsa cheekily winked at Olaf, "And, I'd happily lend my assistance to the cause."
Olaf wrinkled his face in disgust, "Eurgh, nice to hear that you've outed yourself as an executioner of Manchester United supporters. Remind me to notify Marshall so that I can place him under witness protection from you."
Elsa could only grin at her brother as she found two vacant seats for themselves and soon, they made themselves comfortable. Even though there were only 40 minutes til boarding, they almost missed the cut-off time for check in of their 2.30pm flight thanks to a car accident on their way in to the airport. This had Elsa swearing at length until they were assuredly parked at the airport, afraid that they were going to be late and throw their whole trip into disarray.
This trip was certainly bringing out the uncharacteristic side of the usually composed Elsa.
There was the 'once in a blue moon' squeal that nearly rendered Olaf deaf when he first showed her the press release on the club's official site of the planned exhibition match between Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.
There was the singing of a variety of Liverpool FC songs, including the club anthem- 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in the shower.
Elsa never sang in the shower. Period.
She just simply let it go.
There was also the problem of absentmindedly forgetting little things in the midst of their plane and hotel arrangements due to her excitement. Never mind the fact that Elsa is an exceptionally organisational person.
Recalling the day she received their two exclusive tickets amongst her work mail, Elsa had to wait until after she could leave work before heading straight to Olaf's office at the law firm where he works and practically shoved them right under his nose. Barely a minute later, Marshall walked into the office to witness the platinum blonde haired siblings dancing together with glee and chanting "We're going to Melbourne!" It was a Liverpool supporter's duty to make a scum united fan's life as miserable as hell; therefore Olaf had kindly reminded Marshall that he wasn't going to see Manchester United play in their exhibition match in Sydney. He had narrowly missed out on getting his tickets for that game.
Elsa and Olaf are life-long Liverpool supporters since their father introduced them to the religion that was Liverpool Football Club and they had been dreaming of this moment from a very young age.
Their support for the club was cemented when their father took them to Anfield when Elsa was 9 and Olaf was 7. But they were too young to fully comprehend their luck and all they have are photos and faint memories to treasure. Elsa and Olaf haven't returned since then. In fact, they were in the middle of arranging another Anfield trip only a few years ago and had intended to take their father along but tragically, Mr Niskanen passed away before they could reveal their plans. They cancelled it immediately as the trip would only make it all the more emotional for the siblings. They wanted to return to Anfield one day in memory of their father without being reduced to tears.
Only time could allow that.
Attending this exhibition game in Melbourne would perhaps relieve some of the emotional burden as it was a chance to see the players as well now that they were older. Elsa and Olaf will be eternally grateful to the club for giving this once in a lifetime opportunity to Australian supporters of watching their team play on their home soil.
In the lead-up to the end of July, every passing day served only as a reminder of their shared dream and it was agony to wait. Elsa just couldn't wait for the opportunity to meet the players in person, especially the captain himself.
Olaf returned with Krispy Kreme doughnuts to his delighted sister just as the boarding call was announced for their flight. They shoved the doughnuts in their mouths before gathering their things and heading off to the boarding gate.
The flight went smoothly and surprisingly in no time at all, they found themselves at their hotel room.
They were finally here.
The siblings stood in the threshold and Elsa ran to the other end and leapt onto the huge double bed, claiming it as hers for the next few nights. Olaf collapsed on the other bed. A comfortable silence fell between them as they took a minute's respite from their exhausting day. Elsa got up and started unpacking her bags and soon, Olaf did the same.
Tomorrow night, the pair will be attending the open training session where Liverpool supporters could watch their heroes' train. After the session, the players will go around and socialise with the fans so hopefully, Elsa would be lucky enough to get some of the players' autographs and photos.
The match wasn't until Wednesday night so they had most of tomorrow and most of Wednesday to explore the city.
"So, what do you want to do tomorrow, Elsa?" Olaf asked.
"Shopping… and more shopping." Elsa replied matter-of-factly.
Olaf sighed and rolled his eyes as he pulled out his Liverpool jerseys from his bag and hung them up in the hotel closet.
"I don't get a say in what we get to do?" Olaf stated knowing full well what her answer was going to be.
"Yup. You're stuck with me, myself and I." Elsa flashed Olaf a dazzling smile as she pulled out her red Liverpool pyjamas and tossed them aside towards her pillow.
"Be thankful you are my sister and I'm required to put up with you." He grumbled.
Elsa just stuck out her tongue childishly in response before an idea struck her. She walked over to her brother and embraced him in a warm hug.
"I'm glad you're here with me for this."
"Me too, sis. Let's save these warm hugs for Wednesday night, eh? They say it's gonna be fucking freezing."
"Pfft. You know I'm never bothered by the cold."
Thanks for reading! You can probably tell that I am really BIG Liverpool FC supporter :D
I included a whole lot more information and dialogue more so than what I originally thought. It felt like this story just really took off while I was writing it and it came alive as a consequence.
That whole finger cut incident actually happened to me. I ended up with two cut fingers when I grabbed my bag off the bus and it wouldn't stop bleeding so I must have changed it like 3 times before I reached the check-in counter.
And I was also wearing my Perfecto biker jacket through the metal detector and the whole thing went off so this one guy was looking at me suspiciously and gave an order to a female official to give me another pat-down. Like, seriously…