A/N: This is my fourth piece of work, and by far the longest. Please bear with me throughout the course of this story, my writing is unrefined still.
I dedicate this work to my wonderful best friend, TalkElsannaToMe. A truly amazing person without whom none of my stories would be here. It's hard to imagine my life without you in it, somewhere out there is a reality in which we never met, and that's not a reality I wish to consider. I write this story for you, and you alone, because you are the most amazing, incredible, wonderful, and downright awesome person I have ever had the privilege to know.
"Els?"
"Come in, Anna." Anna twisted the handle and swung the door open, stepping into the bedroom. Elsa was sitting cross-legged on her bed, in nothing but her underwear, clutching an Xbox controller in her pale hands, squinting at her television as she swept aside waves upon waves of goblins, or orcs, or...whatever. Anna had never been one for video games, but she enjoyed watching Elsa play.
The redheaded sibling took a seat beside Elsa's bed, raising an eyebrow at the blonde's state of undress.
"Lazy day today, Els?"
"Something like that," she replied, not breaking her focus from the game.
"What's that you're playing?"
"Diablo." Still immersed in the gameplay, she spoke swiftly and curtly. "Something you needed, Anna?"
"I...I just wanted to invite you to a little get together we're all having tomorrow."
Elsa's head snapped around, her right thumb simultaneously pausing the game. "You know I don't do parties, Anna."
"This isn't a party! It's a...um...gathering! There's only going to be a couple of us there, anyway."
"Define 'couple.'"
"Me, Luke, Rachel, and hopefully you."
Elsa narrowed her eyes. She had met Luke before, on one occasion, and while he was more than pleasant, she wasn't sure about interacting with him, or anyone else, in a gathering. And as for Rachel, no, no, no. She'd never met her before, and despite Anna's assurances that she was a delightful young woman, Elsa would have to meet her on a more formal basis before ever socialising with her on a larger scale.
"Elsa, it's hardly a larger scale," Anna admonished, after Elsa informed her sister of her decision. "You've met Luke before, so in essence, it's almost a one-on-one meeting!"
Elsa looked at her knees sadly, eyes downcast. "I don't know, Anna."
"Come on, Elsa! It'll be fine! Besides, all Luke and Rachel will most likely be doing is gaming out the entire time. It'll almost be just the two of us!"
Elsa's head shot up. "Gaming?"
Anna chuckled. "Thought that'd pique your interest, eh?"
"What games?"
"Oh I don't know. Rachel has more than you, I can tell you that much."
Elsa bit her lip, thinking. "Perhaps I will, Anna. Perhaps I will. But I have a few conditions."
"Name them."
"You know I feel uncomfortable in situations like this, so if I want to leave, let me leave, okay? And tell this Rachel about me before we meet, please? I don't want to scare her off with my...strangeness."
"Aw, Els!" Anna leaned in and hugged her sister, planting a kiss on her cheek. "You're not strange! You're you! And you're incredible."
"Thank you, Anna, truly." Elsa rose and headed for the door, presumably to the bathroom, perhaps even to shower, though Anna wouldn't bet on it. "I'm actually, perhaps, looking forward to meeting this Rachel. Sounds like she has an interest in the important matters of life."
"Gaming?"
"Of course." Elsa opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Just as she was moving out of sight, Anna called her.
"Hey Els!"
"Yes?"
"She's going to love you!"
The following afternoon, Els and Anna were preparing to drive to Rachel's apartment. Since she lived alone, get togethers were normally held at her place. Elsa was sweating, pacing back and forth, wringing her hands, and muttering under her breath.
"Els? What are you doing, sweetie?"
"Trying not to have a panic attack."
"Awh, Elsie," Anna soothed, rubbing her back softly, "you are going to be just fine!"
"What if she doesn't like me, Anna?"
"Elsa," Anna said firmly, "she will love you. What's not to love? You two are going to get along great, I promise."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Okay, then. Let's go, before I change my mind." And with that, Elsa strode out of the front door, head held high.
Chuckling, Anna followed, locking the door behind her.
"Hold on, Anna. Is it not Valentine's day tomorrow?"
"Yes, it is. Why, Elsa, got plans?" Anna said playfully.
Elsa scowled. "Of course not. But you're with Luke, shouldn't you be doing something...couple-ish?"
"Ah, pfft! Neither he nor I have any time for that mushy crap!"
Elsa snorted.
The drive to Rachel's apartment was uneventful, and it seemed to Elsa that no time had passed before they were pulling up outside her building. Exiting the car, they walked up the footpath to the front door. Elsa began to scan the buzzer panel for her apartment number.
"Don't bother, Els." Anna pulled open the unlocked door and strode inside, immediately ascending the stairs.
"What's that smell?" Elsa asked, sniffing the air, nose wrinkling.
"I'm not actually sure. Always smells funky in here."
They walked up two further flights of stairs before reaching Rachel's door. Panting slightly, Anna knocked sharply.
"You really need to get into better shape," Elsa remarked.
"Shut it."
The door opened and they were greeted by a tall man in his early twenties. Elsa recognised him as Luke, Anna's boyfriend.
"Anna!" The two embraced, exchanging a brief kiss, before parting. Anna pushed past and entered the apartment, shouting for the still-unseen Rachel.
"Hi, Elsa. Good to see you again! Please, come in."
"T-thank you. I-its good t-to see you again," Elsa stammered.
Luke smiled. "Please, sit down," gesturing to the couch. "Can I get you something to drink?
"Water, t-thanks."
"You got it. Be right back." He rounded the corner to the kitchen, where Elsa could hear him bustling about, ostensibly searching for his own drink too. Her attention was drawn away by a series of giggles emanating from what she presumed to be the bedroom door. Seconds later, Anna emerged.
"Elsa! Meet Rachel!" Just relax, she mouthed silently.
Elsa's heart was pounding. She was about to meet someone new, a total stranger, no less, and not in her own home! She couldn't do this, she was panicking, she had to get out…
And then she saw her.
Standing in the doorway was a girl. Elsa had expected a girl. Maybe a tall brunette with piercing green eyes, or maybe a fiery redhead like her sister. She had expected a lot of things, various expectations of what a Rachel may look like. What she hadn't expected, however, was for her breath to be taken away.
Standing in the doorway was a girl. The most beautiful girl Elsa had ever seen. She was shorter than Elsa by a head. She had blonde hair much like Elsa's own, flowing loose. She wore glasses, but they complimented her face perfectly. Even the vivid blue beanie she wore didn't look out of place in the slightest. Elsa had always known she was attracted to women. Nothing ever came of it, of course. She never left her house, what could happen? But she was here, right now, standing face to face with a beautiful blonde. She couldn't speak. Every time she tried to open her mouth to say hello, no sound came out. Instead, she stood there, flapping her mouth like a trout.
Rachel didn't seem much better off. She hadn't said a word, either, only kept staring into Elsa's eyes. Elsa felt her heart flutter. It was strange. Normally, when she met someone new, she wanted to run in the opposite direction. But not with Rachel. She wanted to run to her. She wanted to hug her, to kiss her, to-
Nope, don't go there! Elsa mentally chided herself. Save that for later…!
FInally, Anna snapped. "Aren't you two going to say something?"
Elsa jolted. What shall I say? What if it's stupid? What if she laughs?
"Hi!" both girls said simultaneously.
Realising what they had done, they both laughed. Rachel's laugh was so musical, Elsa felt that flutter in her heart once more.
"Um...h-how are you?" Rachel stammered.
"F-fine. H-how are you?"
"G-good." She's just as nervous as me!
"Here," Anna said, rising from the couch, "you two sit here!"
Rachel and Elsa slowly made their way over to the sofa. Rachel flung herself into the seat, whereas Elsa tentatively perched on the very edge.
At that moment, Luke came striding into the living room with a laptop. "Pizza time! What does everyone want? I'm having chicken!"
"Pepperoni!" Anna said.
"Steak and bacon!" Rachel and Elsa said simultaneously.
Did that just happen? Elsa looked at Rachel, and Rachel at her. Both girls burst out in peals of laughter, neither of them able, nor willing, to stop. Finally, the laughter died down, tears streaming from their eyes, they were left gasping for breath.
Anna chuckled. "You two are so perfect for each other."
"Yes, we are," Elsa said under her breath.
"What was that, Elsa?" Rachel asked.
"Oh, nothing!" She turned to Luke. "Two steak and bacons please!"
Luke nodded, and began tapping away on the laptop, muttering slightly under his breath.
Elsa glanced nervously at Rachel, then quickly returned her gaze to her knees. Rachel shifted slightly, twiddling her thumbs.
"Soooo…" Rachel began. "I...um...what do you do?" she finished timidly.
Elsa flushed. She's talking to me? The most beautiful girl I've ever met is talking to little old me? Managing to pull herself together, she squeaked out a response. "I-I'm an artist. I d-do commissions for p-people online."
"Really? That's so awesome!"
"T-thanks. What about you?"
"Still looking for something, actually. I really want to work with animals, though!"
Elsa smiled, beginning to gain a little more confidence. "Do you h-have a boyfriend, or a-anything?" she asked, almost fearing to hear the answer.
"No, I don't." Phew. "How about yourself?"
A boyfriend? Ew! "No, I don't either. I-I've been s-single for...well, ever."
"I can't believe that! A pretty girl like you must turn a few heads!"
Pretty? She thinks I'm pretty! Holy fuck, she thinks I am pretty!
"T-thank you," she stammered. "I-you're pretty too!"
"Awh, thank you!" Rachel replied. "Though, I'm in the same boat as you! Never had a...um...girlfriend."
Elsa's eyes widened. Holy shit, she's into girls…
"A girlfriend?"
"Yeah! I mean...yes...I suppose I'm into girls. Does that bother you?"
"God, no! It's awesome!"
Rachel grinned. "Good! I'm glad!" She bit her lip, seemingly returning to her previous state of shyness.
Sensing that this was a prime time to change the subject to one less awkward, Elsa spoke next. "Tell me, Rachel...do you game much?"
Rachel's face lit up. "Elsa, I thought you'd never ask!"
Elsa spun around in her seat. "You're kidding!
"Nope! What are your favourite games?
"Let's see...Diablo 3, Mass Effect, Borderlands, Warcraft, Dragon Age, Velvet Assassin, Amalur -"
"Wait, wait!" Rachel interjected. "Kingdoms of Amalur?"
"Yes…"
"That is my all time favourite game!"
Elsa gasped. "You're kidding! It's one of my favourites too!"
"No way! Seriously? You've just become ten times more awesome, my friend!"
Elsa giggled. She was amazed. Never before in her life had she ever felt more at ease with another human being. For the first time in forever, she was actually having an actual conversation, with a veritable stranger no less.
They continued to talk long into the night. Long after their pizza had been demolished, straight through two movies and several reruns of The X-Files, much to Luke and Anna's vexation, and long after the couple had fallen asleep on the couch. Upon first meeting Rachel, Elsa was immediately attracted to her. She was beautiful. But now, after talking for so long, she was certain she was falling in love. She had never been in love before, and she wasn't sure how it was possible to fall in love with someone she had only just met, but she was more sure of it than anything. She wanted to be with her, in every way. She was fantasising about their hypothetical life together, from the mundane things such as shopping, to the more salacious topics such as what she would like to do to the young woman in bed.
It was nearing three in the morning, and Elsa and Rachel's conversation had turned to the topic of romance.
"I really dislike Valentine's Day," Rachel was venting.
"Really? Why is that? It doesn't bother me so much."
"Oh, I don't know. It's just stupid! All these happy couples around me and here I am, sat in my pyjamas, day in and day out. I can't socialise with people, Elsa!"
"It's okay. Neither can I. Sometimes I wish I could have someone I could share my life with. I just want a nice girl who -" She stopped herself as she realised her mistake; she never told Rachel earlier that she was gay.
"Girl?" Rachel asked, a confused expression on her face. "Els, you never told me earlier…"
"I'm sorry!" Elsa said, blushing. "I was still too nervous around you!"
"It's okay, Elsa," Rachel said, reaching over to cover her hand in her own.
Elsa's heart fluttered. Rachel's cheeks flushed. Elsa took Rachel's other hand in hers, and the two sat there, gazing into one another's eyes, not a word spoken between them. Their faces inched closer, and in that moment, Elsa knew exactly what was going to happen. After what seemed like an eternity, their lips touched.
The kiss was explosive. Elsa's mind was racing. She was kissing Rachel. And what's more, Rachel was kissing her in return! It was a simple kiss, quite chaste, but full of passion. All of Elsa's feelings, her lust, her attraction, her love, was poured into that kiss.
They parted, and Elsa felt a pang at the loss of contact. She looked Rachel dead in the eyes, licking her lips slightly.
"That was nice…" she murmured.
"Yes...it was." Rachel replied. She leaned in and kissed Elsa firmly, this time cautiously probing forward with her tongue. Elsa felt this and immediately granted her entry. Rachel's tongue on Elsa's own was electric, and her heart began to race, thudding in her chest so hard she thought it would burst. She grabbed Rachel's face in her hands, and pushed her back so she was lying flat on the sofa, with Elsa atop her, lips still locked in the passionate embrace. For several minutes they made out, neither of them pushing an further, simply enjoying the feel of the other person. They broke apart after several minutes, as both their mouths were beginning to feel sore. Elsa yawned widely, sitting up.
"Tired, sweetheart?"
Elsa nodded.
Rachel smiled. "Would you like to sleep with me? I didn't mean it like that!" she hastily added, as Elsa quirked an eyebrow. "I just meant, you could sleep here, if you like."
"I would like that, yes, very much so."
Rachel stood, offering her hand to Elsa. "Come on, then."
Elsa took her hand, and was led into the bedroom.
Elsa awoke late the next morning, or rather, the next afternoon, to sunlight streaming in through the windows. Her arms were wrapped tightly around Rachel, and her face was buried in the blonde's shoulder.
"Psst, Rach!"
"Mmm, can't we sleep a little longer?" Rachel murmured.
Elsa responded with a quick kiss on her lips, and Rachel smiled widely, opening her eyes. "Good morning, snowflake."
"Snowflake?" Rachel giggled. "What made you think that one up?"
Elsa shrugged. "Oh, I don't know. "It's fitting though, don't you think?"
"Is that so?" Rachel smiled, kissing Elsa on the nose.
"It is!" Elsa insisted. "You're blonde, unique, and beautiful. So, so beautiful…"
"Awh...Els…" Rachel whispered. She leaned in and kissed Elsa on the lips, her tongue intertwining with the other's in heated passion. Elsa's hands slid up Rachel's body, and over the sides of her breasts. Realising what she was doing, she gasped and quickly ceased.
"Gettin' a little handsy there, Els?" Rachel remarked.
"I'm sorry! I don't know what I was doing!"
"Relax, Els. It's okay," Rachel said with a giggle. "Besides, there'll be plenty of time for that later," she added with a wink.
Elsa's heart was doing somersaults in her chest. They had known each other for less than twenty-four hours, and now this girl wanted to take things...further? As if reading her mind, Rachel spoke:
"I don't know what it is, Els. We've barely even met, but it feels like we've known each other for years. This feels so...right."
Elsa smiled, kissing Rachel lightly on the cheek. "I know, snowflake. Everything is just...perfect. But I do have a question for you…"
"Go ahead."
"What do you see us as? Girlfriends?"
"I-I was certainly hoping so! I mean, if that's okay with you!"
"Rachel, that is more than okay with me! That's wonderful!"
Rachel smiled. "Mmm, Elsa, my girlfriend. My girlfriend! I can hardly believe it! Come here."
They spent the next twenty minutes passionately kissing in bed, before they heard movement in the living room. They broke apart, eyeing the door cautiously.
"Luke and Anna still here, you think?" Elsa asked.
"Not sure. Anna didn't say they'd be staying," Rachel replied. "I'll go check."
"No, it's okay. I'll go. You stay there"
"Awh, thank you, sweetheart. But we'll both go. Someone has to protect you if there's a vicious axe murderer out there!"
"Such a gentleman!" Elsa teased.
Rachel responded by giving Elsa a firm smack on the behind, causing the taller blonde to yelp, partly in surprise, but mostly in delight. The duo crept cautiously towards the bedroom door, and opened it as quietly as they could. Rachel peeked her head around the doorframe.
"Oh, it's just you two!" She exited the bedroom, leaving Elsa alone. She heard Luke's and Anna's voices, still foggy from sleep.
"Morning, Rach."
"Seen my sister?"
"I'm here," Elsa said, entering the living room.
"What were you two-?" Anna began, at a loss for words. Luke simply raised an eyebrow with a smirk
"I-nothing!" Elsa said, flustered.
"Good time last night?" Luke said, with a wink.
"I-no! No! God no!" Elsa jabbered.
"Els," Rachel held out a hand to stop her, "let's tell them."
"Tell us what now?" Anna said, with a mischievous grin on her face.
Elsa took Rachel's hand in her own, and held them up for Luke and Anna to see.
"We're um…"
Rachel said nothing. Instead, she grabbed Elsa's face in her hands and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Luke and Anna stood there, jaws halfway to the floor, neither saying a word.
"So…" Rachel said, "anything to say…?"
"Whooooooooooo!" Anna screamed. "I'm so happy for you two!" She raced forward and enveloped the two in a bone-crushing hug. She pulled away after several minutes.
"Congratulations, you two," Luke said, giving each of them a hug, albeit less excitably than Anna's.
At that moment, Elsa's phone buzzed. Pulling it from her pocket, she read the text;
Anna, are you still at Rachel's?
Come home soon,
"It's Mom," Elsa said. "I think we have to go."
"Awh!" Rachel complained, drawing herself closer to her new girlfriend. "I was hoping we could spend the day together!"
Elsa gave Rachel a quick kiss. "I'll come back tonight, snowflake."
"Mmm, that would be wonderful. What would you like to do?"
"Why don't we see where the night takes us, hmm?" Elsa replied with a smile.
"Sounds perfect." Rachel leaned in for a quick peck, which quickly blossomed into a passionate kiss.
Anna cleared her throat, blushing slightly. "I'll be in the car!" She turned to her boyfriend. "You heading off too?"
"Nah, I think I'll stay for a bit," Luke replied. "Rach is probably going to want to talk about this!" Noting the girls' current activities, he added, "Maybe I'll go to the bathroom first though!"
Anna laughed, and gave him a quick kiss before walking to the door. "Okay then! Text me later, okay?"
"Sure thing." The two parted company; Anna out of the apartment and to the car, Luke to the bathroom to give the girls some privacy.
After several minutes, Luke heard the girls begin to talk once more. Taking this as a sign that they were no longer occupied, he exited the bathroom.
"Luke, where'd my sister go?"
"Oh! She's waiting in the car. You off home?"
"Yeah, my mother needs us," Elsa replied, voice coloured heavily with disdain. She turned to Rachel. "I will see you later," she said in a lustful tone.
"Can't wait," Rachel replied, with a kiss. "See you later, darling."
Elsa's heart fluttered, and with great effort, she managed to walk from the apartment, pausing only to blow her girlfriend another kiss. And then she was gone.
Luke strode over to her, and, taking her by the arm, guided her to the sofa. "Sit," he said. He handed her some leftover pizza. "Eat." He sat next to her. "Tell me everything!"
Rachel took a deep breath. "So, yesterday, Anna rang me and told me she wanted to introduce me to her sister. Not as a hook up, or anything. She only told me that she was incredibly shy, and thought it would be best to meet someone who is similarly...uh...sociologically inclined, so to speak. Basically, we're as awkward as each other," she added, in response to the quizzical expression on her best friend's face.
"Anyway, I was a little nervous. I've never liked meeting new people. Always made me apprehensive. But I wasn't too worried. But from what Elsa told me, she was bordering on a panic attack. I mean, can you imagine that? It's just little old me! Anyway, as the meeting grew closer, I found myself growing more and more nervous…"
"My heart was pounding, Anna!" Elsa was speaking vigorously with her sister, as they both sat on the eldest's bed. "I had never been so nervous in my entire life! When we walked up those stairs, and you knocked on that door, I swear I was going to pass out." Anna smiled sadly at her sister.
"But when I saw her, Anna," Elsa continued, "it felt like time itself had stopped. Standing in front of me was a girl, just a regular girl. I...I have never felt more connected to another person in my entire life! Anna, I am not kidding you, Rachel is the most beautiful, breathtaking girl I have ever seen in my entire life! I-I mean, just look at her! Those eyes! Her hair is so soft, it suits her so well. She even has a cute nose!" Elsa paused to regard the expression on her sister's face. It was a mixture of strong admiration and utter glee.
"And then we started talking," Elsa continued. "She likes games, Anna! My favourite games too! S-she's like...the perfect woman for me, Anna. I-I know this sounds silly, b-but I think I'm falling in love with her…"
Unbeknownst to Elsa, Rachel had just confessed the exact same thing.
"I think I'm in love with Elsa, Luke…"