A/N: At long last I finally found the time to develop this story in a fully-fledged one. The premise of this is based off a series of prompts I originally wrote on my tumblr called "Loser." Someone asked me if I would ever turn it into its own story because they liked the concept so much that they wanted to see it fleshed out. At the time, I didn't have any hope of turning it into a fully-fleshed fic, but after going back and forth with my beta I finally managed to scrape things together and here it is!
Of note, is that things deviate somewhat from the original prompts, which you can find on my tumblr and which will eventually be uploaded to FFNet, along with all my other work. I'll be updating this story along with my other one so don't worry about that! For now, enjoy!
The other night, dear, when I lay sleeping
I dreamt I held you in my arms
"And so I said to the guy, yes I totally have a packet of cigarettes and beer under my seat! I mean, it's not like there's other places to look. Pfft, the trunk? Who cares. It's right under my seat sir! There's plenty of space there! Would you like me to show you? I could—"
The snore to her left abruptly cut her off.
Anna paused mid-gesture, turning in her seat to blink owlishly at her companion. The middle-aged man was slacking in his seat, business suit ruffled from fidgeting in his seat, head tilted back and mouth open. Drool leaked from the corner and she would have been disgusted if she herself didn't do the same thing while she slept. His tie was loosened around his neck too
Well, he was tugging on it a lot.
She bit her lip and her hands twitched. Her companion snored again, even louder, and she sighed. Her shoulders dropped and she slumped back in her seat, crestfallen.
Great job Anna. You completely bored him to death. He was so uninterested in your rambling that he fell asleep.
She turned to glance out the window and frowned. The sky was still dark outside. There wasn't a hint of dawn on the horizon. The sun had settled a long while back and she could see the faint twinkle of stars among the cold wreath of clouds. They provided the only light source on this night and it made something in her ache at seeing thousands and thousands of white-blue dots surrounded only by stretches of indigo blue and gray.
Just a little bit longer, I guess.
Her flight had been delayed twice. She had been forced to sit in the airport for several hours—on the ground and back against the wall, cross-legged. Her duffel bag and suitcase had been by her feet as she waited for the plane to arrive, trying and failing—what a surprise—to reassure her family about her predicament. Her aunt, uncle, and cousin had been at their wit's end, nearly tearing their hair out at the possibility of her waiting for so long. Her aunt had said that perhaps they could have tried another flight, or even another day. None of them knew when Anna would actually get on her plane, but she had insisted.
"The ticket's already paid for Auntie! Besides, it can't be too long now? They've got good service. You saw the reviews! This is all just some, you know, creepy occurrence."
Anna had nearly kicked herself when her choice of wording had made her aunt and uncle even more worried. It had taken Rapunzel's loving, but firm, patience to convince them that Anna was right. She had smiled, joked, and given them one last ramble of comfort before ending the call.
Her smile had been wiped the moment she pressed "end."
They had always been a very worried trio of relatives, thanks in no small part to the things Rapunzel had suffered through in her childhood.
And then they got saddled with me.
Anna pressed her head against her seat, eyelids fluttering shut now and then, unable to stand still. Her stomach growled and she mentally cursed. The delayed flight had meant she hadn't eaten in hours. She had held onto the cash her uncle had given her, clinging to it tightly in her pocket, desperate not to let anything happen to it. They had told her to use it if she was hungry and for other emergencies, but Anna hadn't spent an ounce of it the minute she had waved goodbye to them.
I'm going to pig out the minute I finally get there.
Which was, unfortunately for her, still a couple of hours away.
Anna sighed and leaned her head on her shoulder, eyes closing halfway. Taking a flight from the east coast to west had seemed impossible at first.
Especially with my track record.
But she had somehow managed to keep her head afloat the past several years, landing her first degree at a nearby two-year college and managing a job at the local ice cream shop. Her uncle had said if she got accepted into a college out of state they would pay for half her tuition.
Anna had declined and said that the only thing they needed to pay for her was her ticket. She had burned through her shoes, greeting people day in and day out with a bright, cheeky grin on her face, dressed in a gray-blue polo shirt with black slacks, a hat, and an apron that threatened to be covered in a Neapolitan blend every time a child was dissatisfied by their serving size. She had ripped her hat off her head so many times and stomped on it that her manager had threatened her with cleaning duty if she didn't try and contain her fiery outbursts.
Thank god I'm done with all that.
She had scraped her money together, invested in loans, aimed for a scholarship—as many scholarships as she could get!—so she could attend college on the west coast.
And even after all that, Auntie still said they would pay for half my tuition.
Anna curled up on her seat, wrapping her arms around herself, and closed her eyes for the rest of the way. The roar of the engine was effectively lulling her into a doze, pulling the exhaustion from her limbs and leaving her with a monotone lullaby to listen to. She inhaled deeply, tugging her jacket close and snuggling into her seat. The sound of people whispering around her, tapping away on laptops, or snoring like her companion next to her, faded away.
Just a little bit longer.
Her body felt heavy. The hours of trying to keep a smile on her face as she waited by herself left her bereft of any energy.
I'll take five. Just shut my eyes for a bit.
Anna cracked one eye open and glanced at her watch. The neon glow told her it was 1:25. She still had around an hour and a half before the plane reached its destination.
Yeah. Just five minutes.
Yawning, Anna brought her legs up and curled as tightly into a ball as she could. The engine, the people, all of it faded away from her senses, until only the long stretches of dark blue sky were left.
"—arriving at our destination in—"
Anna jerked awake, eyes blinking sleepily. She felt the warmth held in her arms leave her abruptly; her dream disrupted from the unanimous murmur of restless people waiting to land.
She turned her head to the window, dimly aware that drool was leaking at the corner of her mouth and that her hair was disheveled. Light was peeking out on the horizon and she could see the ocean in the distance. The dozens and dozens of tiny, twinkling stars glowed less brightly now, obscured by the coming of dawn. She glanced at her watch, unfurling her hand from its resting place nestled under the crook of her arm.
Almost 3. That means—
They would be landing soon!
Anna shot up in her seat, startling the businessman next to her. He snapped his head in her direction, eyes wide.
"O-oh! S-sorry," she stammered, and brushed her hair back, wishing she had wiped away the drool on her face earlier, "I, uh, got excited. You know, landing and all!" Anna laughed, the giggle high-pitched and forced. When he quirked an eyebrow at her, dead silent, she avoided his gaze and mumbled, cheeks heating up, "Just moving jitters."
At that, he seemed to take pity on her. The older man softened, his furrowed brow disappearing. He coughed and looked ahead, watching the front of the plane as people began to shuffle in their seats, excited at the prospect of landing soon.
"Moving jitters huh?" he said, though the distant tone of his voice gave Anna the impression that he wasn't that interested in small talk.
Still, she nodded and replied, "Yeah. Came in from the east coast. It's my first time being out on the west coast actually, so I guess I'm a little antsy heh."
At that he turned to her and raised an eyebrow as he said, "Oh came from the east huh? Big move there." Then he frowned and added, "Wait, by yourself? Came all the way out here by yourself?"
Anna gave a short chuckle and then swallowed, fingers clutching the material of her jeans. "Yeah. Uh, I applied to some universities out of state." She bit her lip and glanced out the window again, the hair on the nape of her neck prickling. "Got accepted into my first choice so here I am."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him stare at her, dark eyes looking her up and down. Confusion settled on his features as he grunted. "Look pretty young to be out by yourself."
Not like I know any other way.
Anna dug her teeth into her bottom lip and resisted the urge to tug on one of her braids.
"Dorming there?"
Her breath caught in her throat. She watched the ocean grow closer.
After a long second, she turned back to him, flashing a pearly-white grin. "No, I'm moving in with my sister."
"Oh," he said, eyes widening slightly. He blinked at her before turning back to stare at the front, nodding. "That must be nice."
Her grip on her jeans went knuckle-white. Anna clenched her jaw and looked back out the window, forcing cheer in her voice. "Yeah."
The minutes ticked by and she fidgeted in her seat, biting her lip and listening to the growing chatter around her. She brushed back her hair, fingers lingering on her right temple. The intercom sprung to life once more and she looked up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for landing. Please remain buckled in your seat and turn off all electronics. We will—"
Finally!
Her energy jumped ten levels. Anna beamed and fiddled with her seatbelt before blushing slightly when she noticed it was still fastened around her. The older gentleman next to her raised an eyebrow and she laughed once, rubbing the back of her neck. The heat crawled over her cheeks and down her nape. Her stomach twisted in embarrassment.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. Settle down. Just a little longer. Didn't working teach you anything?
Anna pursed her lips and slumped back down in her seat, trying not to tap her foot against the floor.
"Moving jitters."
She tensed, glancing at him. He smiled slightly at her and nodded.
"I get that. I was just as nervous the first time I had to fly out of state."
Anna felt her nerves loosen. She cupped her hands together, muttering, "Well it's not the first time I've flown before. I just haven't done it in a while. And not such a big distance either."
He laughed and she relaxed further, a genuine smile curling on her lips. Around her, the chatter dulled to a murmur as people settled back into their seats, awaiting landing time.
"Well, at least you'll be with your sister soon." He grinned at it her and she returned it happily. "When I was first flying out, I had to leave my wife. It was torture those first few days."
Her smile faltered. Anna blinked a few times. "Ah, right." Her stomach twisted and she bounced her legs, trying to distract herself.
My sister.
The comment unsettled her so she was glad when she felt the airplane shift. The older gentleman turned away from her, oblivious to her discomfort. Below her feet and in her stomach, she felt the pull of gravity. Anna pushed herself back into her seat, muscles tensing once again as they began their descent. She stared out the window, heart jumping in her throat.
It's okay Anna. It's just like a roller coaster.
The airplane dipped farther down and she watched the buildings grow closer, the runway coming into view.
I'm gonna be sick.
Ten minutes later and she was stumbling onto the airport. The smell of disinfect, leather, and smog assaulted her nose. Anna huffed and ran a hand through her hair.
"Alright, show my papers, grab my luggage, wait for—" she inhaled sharply, clutching her documentation tightly in her hand. "F-for Elsa to pick me up and then we can go home."
Home.
She blinked at that.
This will be home from now on.
In just a little while she would be on the way to her new home. In just a little while she would be seeing her sister again. The thought made her swallow hard. Anna shifted in place before heading over to the luggage disposal, looking out for her yellow duffel bag and suitcase. Her eyes darted over each luggage, fingers crinkling her papers slightly and her free hand gripping her phone tightly. The people bustled around her, grabbing their own things off the ramp and leaving. Her stomach coiled tighter and tighter as the contraption spun.
Oh god, what am I going to say to her?
The hair on the back of her neck rose and she hunched in place. The air conditioned building lowered several degrees in temperature and she pulled her jacket closer. It wasn't as cold as New York, but she felt disconnected from the crowd around her. Everywhere she looked, people were with other people. She saw a few parents with their young children, helping them grab colorful backpacks and taking their hands, leading them to the exit. A group of girls around her age were huddled together, excitedly chattering while they waited for their things to come around. Even those by themselves had their phones to their ears, speaking to someone on the other end, ready to return to warm, inviting arms or a well-deserved meal and bath. She felt like she was sixteen again, small and alone in the airport, waiting for her relatives to pick her up.
Stop being such a baby Anna!
Anna shook her head and squared her shoulders. A flash of dark green and yellow caught her eye and she jumped forward. "Gotcha!" She grabbed her duffel bag and suitcase, dragging them off the ramp and grinning triumphantly. "Finally, now I just need to go through documentation and I'm out of here!"
And then—and then Elsa!
God, what did her sister even look like now? Anna hadn't seen her in over a year. I wonder if her hair is still the same. Maybe she dyed it. She snorted, immediately dismissing the thought as she slid into line. Yeah right Anna. Elsa's nothing like you. Good girl Elsa would never dye her hair. She probably keeps it in the same style everyday.
The redhead reached up and subconsciously tugged on the white streak in her hair. She couldn't keep still. Every time someone moved up in line, she fidgeted in her spot. Her hands shifted her papers first, eyes skimming the information to make sure it was correct for the seventh hundredth time. She chewed on the inside of her cheek as she neared the end, biting down harder than she intended to when someone bumped into her from behind.
"Sorry," Anna stammered and the person just grunted. Her cheeks turned red and she ducked her head. She inwardly cheered when one of the employees cried out "Next!"
Anna rushed forward, practically shoving her papers into the woman's hands from her relief and nervousness. Smiling at her politely, the employee—blonde, Anna cursed herself for her luck—scanned her papers and tapped away at her keyboard. It only took a few minutes, but by the time it ended her knees were shaking. She nodded and squeaked her thanks to the woman before scurrying off, shifting her bag higher onto her shoulder and dragging her case.
When her feet finally stepped onto the exit of the airport, she inhaled deeply and managed a tiny grin. It was still dark outside, but the street lights lit up the cityscape in an orange, nighttime glow. The sight of tall buildings and cars, with the scent of gasoline in the air, relaxed her.
No more airplanes for me! No more hour long waiting in cramped seats and overpriced food!
Anna's grin grew wider and she walked forward, looking around excitedly.
Just a skinny blonde I haven't seen in forever.
Immediately, her hands dug into her pocket and she dialed her aunt's phone rapidly. New York was three hours ahead, the time just shy of six o'clock over there. They would be waking up just about now. She pressed the device to her ear, teal eyes scanning the moving crowd around her, looking for a slim, pretty blonde young woman as she waited for her aunt to pick up.
The phone had barely run once before her aunt's tired, but hopeful voice broke through. "Anna?! Did you arrive yet? How are you sweetie? Is Elsa there?"
Anna laughed, brushing a lock of hair back and resting against the wall. Warmth pooled in her stomach at the obvious concern in her aunt's voice. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine Auntie." She pushed her phone as close as she could, the distant sound of her cousin and uncle shouting, "Anna?! Is that Anna?" filling her ears. Her grin widened and she blinked back a stray tear, raising a fist to rub stubbornly at her eye. "Elsa's not here yet. At least, I haven't seen her. B-but I'll find her soon! Don't you worry, I'm alright."
I'll be alright when I see Elsa.
They talked for a few minutes more before she hung up, promising her cousin she would text her a message later when she got home safely. Anna eventually moved off the wall, still looking everywhere for the familiar sight of her sister. Well, sort of familiar. Her eyes tracked every blonde she saw, watching for the light, light gold of Elsa's hair.
I wonder how much she's changed since last time.
A sign caught her attention. Anna stopped mid-step, eyes widening when she read over the letters.
"Anna Arendelle."
Her mouth dropped open and she blinked rapidly at the tall, muscular blonde man holding it. He didn't even have to hold it up that high considering he was taller than everyone else around him. His brown eyes were glancing over the room, searching. She stiffened when they landed on hers.
Wait, what? Who's this guy?
Recognition dawned on his face and he walked toward her, shoving the sign under his arm. A relieved expression overtook his features and he waved at her. She relaxed at that and moved forward to meet him, a tentative grin on her lips.
Oh, okay. He seems friendly. He's probably with Elsa actually!
That meant her sister was near. With that thought in mind, Anna bounded toward him, luggage case wheels squeaking noisily along the floor.
"Elsa's sister right?" he asked the moment she stopped in front of him.
She only came up to his chest, but she smiled at him all the same. Her freckled cheeks puffed up in joy as she gave him a toothy grin. He held out his hand and she took happily, letting go of her suitcase, and firmly shaking it several times. He cringed when she squeezed too hard and retracted his hand, quirking an eyebrow at her.
"Sorry," Anna blushed and fiddled with the end of a braid, looking down at her shoes. "Don't, uh, don't know my own strength sometimes."
The blonde man grunted and crossed his arms. "Kristoff Bjorgman, Elsa's friend."
She tilted her head, blinking. "Friend?"
Woah, Elsa has a friend? Since when?
Her sister had never been one for company.
A stone dropped in her stomach and she shoved her hands into her pockets, rocking on the soles of her feet. "Are you her boyfriend?"
He blanched, eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. "I- what?! No, no!" The twisting in her stomach uncoiled slightly at his visceral reaction to her question. "We're just neighbors and friends," he said, stressing the last word. "We live in the same apartment complex."
"Oh!" Anna grinned again and switched her weight to the tiptoes of her feet. Unconsciously, she removed her hands from her pockets and brought them to her chest, beginning to bounce "Well then that makes us neighbors as of today too then! Hi Kristoff! I'm Anna! It's great to meet you."
Inwardly, she was horribly glad to hear the tall blonde man wasn't her sister's boyfriend.
Especially since it meant she would have never mentioned anything at all about having a boyfriend.
Kristoff looked her up and down, one eyebrow still raised. Then he shrugged and turned around, heading in the direction of the exit. "Nice to meet you Anna. Now come on, my car's parked out in the lot."
Her hands, which had been clasped into excited fists, dropped to her sides. This time it was Anna's turn to raise her eyebrows. She glanced around, brow furrowing as she noted the distinct absence of another blonde.
"Er, wait, where's Elsa?"
Kristoff stopped and looked over his shoulder. "At her workplace. Where else?"
The roar of cars driving beyond them, the chatter and bustle of people around them, the trickling tremor of excitement that had been building in the base of her spine ever since she got off the plane—it all stopped.
Her fingers twitched. Her spine slowly stiffened until she was sure it was impossibly straight. Anna swallowed, blinking several times. She forced down the lump in her throat and managed to say, "Work? S-she's not here?"
You have to be kidding me.
Kristoff's face softened a bit at the look in her eyes. He coughed and rubbed the back of his neck, obviously awkward. "Uh, yeah. She was running late today again so she asked if I could do her a favor to come pick you up. She should be home by the time we get to her place. You'll see her then."
Anna shuffled her feet, staring at the tiled floor. "She got my message about my flight being delayed right?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but she didn't want to take the chance of you waiting without someone being there for you so she asked me to do it." She heard him blow through his nose, forehead creasing in frustration. "Look, you're probably weirded out about some guy coming to pick you up out of nowhere without seeing your sister, but she should be done soon." He shrugged helplessly and she lifted her gaze, peering at him through her bangs. "By the time we get there, she'll probably be waiting for you."
I would have been fine to wait for her here.
Anna fisted her hands into the pockets of her jacket, shoulders tensing. "How do I know you're really her friend?" He snorted and she reached down to grab her suitcase. "How do I know you're not going to mug me the minute we leave? I mean, she's never told me anything about you." Although it's not like she's told me much at all. She bit her lip, trying to ignore the stinging behind her eyes. "I've never seen a picture of you before and she's never mentioned anyone in her calls."
Kristoff rolled his eyes and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. She stayed where she was, feeling awkward and out of place. After a long pause, he fished into his back pocket and pulled out his phone. Anna's heartbeat quickened.
Kristoff brought it to his ear, glancing at her for a second. "Hey, Elsa?"
Her heart skipped three beats and jumped in her throat, hanging there. She, faintly, heard the timbre of an achingly familiar voice.
"Kristoff? What's wrong? I thought—"
Kristoff turned away from her and she glared at his back, heart sinking into the pit of her stomach. She scuffed her foot against the floor as he grumbled over the phone with her sister.
"It's your sister. She thinks I'm going to mug her or something. Since you're not, you know, here."
Anna puffed out her lower lip, face reddening. Wetness burned at the back of her eyes as the two continued talking. She played with the cuffs of her jacket, staring down at a smidge of dirt on the floor.
She couldn't have called me instead? I would have gone with him fine if she told me before, but—
But Elsa and her did not have the greatest relationship with each other.
She had practically sunk into the ground by the time Kristoff turned back around and approached her. Anna jerked her head up, blinking at him. He held his phone out, brow creased.
"Here. She wants to talk to you."
"Oh!" Anna swallowed thickly and grabbed his phone, all but tearing it from his grip. He raised an eyebrow at her, but a tiny smile quirked on the edge of his lips when she mumbled a quiet, "Thank you."
Her heart pounded in her ears and her fingers shook as she pressed the phone as close as physically possible. As if she was trying hard to be nearer to her sister in whatever way she could, after so long of not seeing her.
"Elsa?" Anna whispered.
There was silence for a moment and then—
"Hi."
She could see the barest hint of the rising sun beyond the large glass windows of the airport.
Anna smiled, lips quivering. It had been so long since she had heard her sister's voice. The sole word was enough to make her heartbeat race. "Hi me," she mumbled, before blushing furiously and stammering, "I-I mean hi! Hi you!" She brushed her hair behind her ear. "How are you?"
She heard the sound of papers being shuffled, Elsa muttering to someone before her sister answered.
"I'm about to get off work soon. I should be there when you arrive."
Anna sighed, a small tremor running down her spine from the soft tone washing over her.
"How long until I get to see you?"
She couldn't resist asking. She couldn't stop the hope bubbling in her chest. She tilted herself on her toes, swaying back and forth unconsciously. She couldn't hold back the torrent of emotion welling inside her. It always happened whenever she heard her sister. The last time she had seen Elsa had been over a year ago, on her birthday. And that had been a quick and unfulling visit.
So she couldn't resist asking, at nearly 3:30 in the morning, even when she heard the tired sigh on the other end.
"I don't know. But I'll be there."
Anna's grip tightened on Kristoff's cell phone. Her stomach twisted at the edge in her sister's voice. She could feel the blonde man's eyes on her and she turned her body even farther away from him, heat creeping down the back of her neck.
"O-okay. So, right. I'll see you soon?"
"Yes, I'll see you soon. Don't worry about Kristoff. He's dependable. Besides, we live in the same apartment so you might as well get used to seeing him."
Anna nodded, before remembering Elsa couldn't see it. "Sure! Right, of course." Her teeth dug into her bottom lip again and she played with one of her braids. "So, um, goodbye."
She inwardly cringed at her own words.
I thought I was done with saying goodbye.
Elsa didn't seem to notice anything off. "Bye."
Anna swallowed thickly, the lump in her throat catching because of the short reply. She was about to turn off Kristoff's cell and hand it back to him when—
"Oh, and Anna."
Her fingers couldn't bring the phone back up to her ear fast enough.
"Yeah?!"
She could hear a deep sigh being uttered on the other line.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come pick you up myself."
She sniffed. Tried not to. Felt her throat clog up and her eyes sting. She clutched her jeans with her free hand, trembling in her shoes.
Get over it you big baby!
Anna coughed, "No, no, it's fine. I understand. You were busy."
She heard Elsa inhale on the other end and hope sparked in her chest again.
"Alright. I—"
Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the barest hint of light in the sky.
"What? Oh, sorry, yes of course sir. Right away. I'm sorry Anna, I have to go now."
Anna's eyes widened. "Oh! I—"
There was a short click.
"—love you…" Anna whispered.
Slowly, she lowered her hand. Feeling eyes on her, she turned around and saw Kristoff looking at her. He had his hands shoved into his pockets and he shifted his weight, looking noticeably awkward again. The blonde man coughed, shrugging.
She laughed and prayed it didn't sound hollow.
"Here," Anna said, holding out his phone. "Thanks and, uh, sorry to keep you waiting."
Kristoff looked between her hand and her face, frowning. Anna refused to look away, teal eyes staring him dead on.
After a moment he sighed and stuffed his phone back into his pocket. "No problem. Now come on, I'll get your suitcase."
The drive out of the airport was filled with silence. It was only after they had gotten onto the freeway that Anna turned away from the window and looked at Kristoff.
"When did you two meet?"
He blinked, shooting her a quick look. "Oh, me and Elsa?"
Anna nodded, twiddling her thumbs. "Yeah. I mean, she never mentioned anything about you."
Though she didn't really mention anything about anyone.
He shot her another unreadable look and she ducked her head, mentally cursing her lack of subtlety. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. A chuckle made her lift her head.
Kristoff shot her a half-smile, glancing back at the road. "We met about a few years back, when she first moved into the apartment. I didn't go out much, but Elsa. Elsa rarely went out at all."
Anna blinked, shifting in her seat. "So, how did you two manage to become friends if neither of you left the apartment much?" She froze, shoulders hunching to her ears. "I mean, I don't mean that in a rude way! Not at all. I just wondered how you two got on speaking terms since you're both indoors-y type of people." Anna cupped her hands, knocking her knees together as Kristoff's smile curled a bit higher. "Which is perfectly fine! I was just curious! Because, uh, my sister never mentioned having friends. Ever."
She kicked herself again for her awkward rambling, but Kristoff shrugged. He turned onto another lane and towards the exit. The airport was left behind them and she saw the beginnings of residential areas as they drove down.
"It was nothing big really," Kristoff said as he paused at a red light.
"Oh?" She scooted in her seat a bit and he chuckled at the motion. "What? C'mon! Tell me!"
She desperately wanted to know how Elsa had been doing in their years apart.
Kristoff pulled onto the street and she saw houses, apartments, and shops flash by. He glanced at her briefly again, his smile morphing into a smirk. "We met at a club."
Anna let out a noise between a squawk and a snort. He actually laughed at that and she blinked several times. "Wait, you're serious?! Elsa? Elsa, my sister?" He quirked an eyebrow at her and she blushed a bit. "My sister who never went out anywhere?"
Kristoff nodded. "Yeah, trust me, I was surprised too. It was something her friends set up."
Her friends? The comment stung and she didn't understand why. She lowered her gaze, blinking slowly. Her hands rested in her lap and she clutched the fabric of her jeans.
"Some night out or something," he continued. "It wasn't anything huge. We just started talking. Neither of us liked the attention so we sat back and just watched. Wallflowers, the both of us."
Anna nodded, not really paying attention anymore to what he said. She stared at her hands, running a digit over her right index and middle fingers. They drifted into silence and she listened to the rumble of Kristoff's minivan in order to distract herself from any possible thoughts and questions. Questions that she wanted to ask and didn't want to.
After some time, Kristoff turned onto a street and they pulled up to an apartment complex. Anna jumped, glancing up at it.
"Wait, we're here?"
He turned off the engine and nodded, unlocking the car door. "Yeah, this is it."
Anna slid out, gulping as she looked up at the tall structure. I'm ready for this right? I've been waiting for this since forever. I'm ready. Her knees shook.
"Need help with your bag?" Kristoff asked, jarring her from her thoughts. Anna whirled around to face him. He flicked his thumb up. "Elsa lives on one of the top floors."
She grinned at him and reached to get her duffel bag from the backseat. "Yeah, sure. Thanks Kristoff," she said as she pulled it out. Her expression softened and she shifted her weight, mumbling, "For everything, I mean. Picking me up and driving me here. I know I'm a total weirdo so I appreciate it."
Kristoff blinked, pausing with his hand above her suitcase. He shrugged and gave her a full smile, tugging it out. "Don't mention it."
And that was the end of that. They headed inside and Anna trailed after him, clutching her duffel bag close.
I guess he really isn't much of a talker. A lot like Elsa in a way.
Her stomach churned at the thought of her sister and chewed on her bottom lip as they stepped onto the elevator. The rumble of the elevator made her insides twist and turn. Every floor they passed brought her closer and closer to her sister. Anna pressed her back to the wall, pulse quickening.
What am I going to say to her? "Hi Elsa! It's been so long!" That sounds like it's not a big deal. And it's a really, really big deal.
Anna's grip on her duffel bag turned white.
How's Elsa going to react when she finally sees me?
Her sister had always been reserved. Things had been different when they were children, but over time—
The ding of the elevator made her jump. Kristoff stepped off, muttering, "It's just down this way."
"Oh, we're here? Already?" Anna stammered. Her blood roared in her ears and she stumbled after him, beginning to feel lightheaded. I'm not ready!
He didn't answer, just led her down the hallway until they passed a corner and he stopped. The blonde man turned to her, lips twitching. "You don't mind if I stop here do you? It's the fourth door on your left." He rubbed the back of his neck and Anna blinked. "Er, just that I need to get home and check on my dog is all."
"Oh," Anna said quietly. She grabbed her luggage case from him, fumbling with it. "Yeah, sure, thanks. Again," she laughed and mentally cringed when it rang hollow. He probably doesn't want to see how awkward everything is going to go. Or how awkward I'm going to be. Oh god, what do I do? Outwardly, she grinned at him and beginning heading down the hallway, giving him a small wave. "I'll see you around Kristoff."
He grunted and returned her wave, turning and mumbling, "Yeah, see you Anna. Welcome to the apartment."
And with that he was gone and she was left alone to face another door.
Anna gulped, footsteps small and unsure. The wheels of her case creaked along the floor and echoed in her ears. The door, a dull, dark brown—she was relieved it wasn't white—loomed closer with every step. Every muscle in her tensed. Her breathing quickened and she tightened her fingers on her duffel bag.
It's okay. Just knock. You know how to knock right Anna? Of course you do! You did it for years. It won't be so—
It swung open and the hallway was filled with light. Anna halted, teal eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. She gaped, rooted to the spot at the sight of a slender blonde still dressed in a business vest and skirt.
Ice-blue eyes pinned her in place.
Elsa's hair was down, weaved into a single plait. It was slightly mussed and her bangs fell down the side of her face. Slight shadows rested beneath her eyes and her brow was furrowed. She still had her make-up on. Anna guessed she had returned just a little bit before them. Her fingers clutched the door, nails digging into the wood.
Elsa gasped softly and Anna shook in her sneakers.
Oh god, I'm not ready.
She lifted her hand, fingers flexing in a tiny wave. "Hi."
Elsa blinked and her face softened. Anna's heart kickstarted again. Her older sister pushed the door open wider, half-turning. "Hi yourself," she said, smiling just a bit. Anna's cheeks warmed at the sight. "I was going to go down and wait for you two at the entrance, but it looks like I don't have to."
Elsa turned and Anna stared at her back as she headed inside. Wait, what? Is that it?
She was about to follow, shoulders down, when her sister poked her head out again, frowning.
"Oh, Anna." Anna swore her heart burst at hearing Elsa say her name and not over the phone. "Here, let me get that for you."
The blonde moved forward, heels clacking, and Anna inhaled sharply when Elsa stopped in front of her. Close. Oh wow, she's close. She could smell the perfume still on Elsa's coat. The redhead blinked several times as her sister reached for her luggage case. She let go on instinct, watching long, thin fingers wrap around the handle and tug.
Anna watched, eyebrows slowly rising as Elsa continued to pull at it, grunting when it didn't budge. Frustration lined her delicate features as she continued to pull at it in vain.
"Wow," Anna breathed without thinking. Elsa's head snapped up, lips pursed and a blush on her face from the exertion. She drew back and Anna missed the contact even if they hadn't touched.
"Sorry, I'm tired," Elsa mumbled, running a hand through her bangs.
Oh good going genius. Way to be sensitive. It'll be morning in a few hours and she probably hasn't slept. God Anna, can't you keep your mouth shut for one second?
"No, it's fine. Uh, let me do that." Anna grabbed her luggage case and dragged it to the door, smiling crookedly at her older sister. "You're probably exhausted."
Elsa's shoulders drooped and Anna's heart clenched at the deep sigh. The blonde nodded and turned back to the door, slipping inside. After a moment's hesitation, Anna slowly followed her through the threshold. Elsa moved aside to let her pass through and then turned around to shut the door behind her, locking it.
The silence that followed rang in Anna's ears.
She shuffled her feet, looking around the apartment. It was clean. The tiny hallway immediately connected to the living room and kitchen. She guessed the second hallway led to their rooms and the bathroom. She could see a few photos on the living room stand, but other than that, it was void of any personal attachments.
Elsa coughed behind her and Anna turned to her.
The blonde fiddled with her keys. "Your bedroom is just down the hallway. I have everything set up for you already." She brushed past Anna, gesturing for her to follow.
Anna trailed after her like an unsteady gosling. The sound of her luggage creaking along the wooden flooring made her cringe. But the hallway wasn't long, with her bedroom being just past the bathroom. Elsa pushed the door open and smiled slightly at her.
"Here we are."
Anna slipped past her and Elsa turned on the lights. Her room was vacant, holding only a bed, a dresser, a desk, and what she guessed was a tiny closet. The redhead settled her bag and suitcase to the side, sighing in relief and rolling her shoulders at the lack of weight. She turned to Elsa, hands smoothing over her jeans. Anna swallowed and gave a tiny shrug.
"Well, I'm here." Back at your side.
Elsa smiled softly, eyes hooded. She nodded, humming. "Yes, you are."
Anna beamed and opened her mouth to—
"Do you need help unpacking?" Elsa frowned at her luggage, exasperation and fatigue obvious on her face.
"Oh, no," Anna laughed, startled at the interruption. Her palms felt sweaty. "I was going to do that in the morning, i-if you don't mind."
Elsa shook her head and then she pinched the bridge of her nose. Exhaustion rolled off her in waves. "I don't." She turned away again and Anna stared at the familiar sight of her back. "I'm sorry Anna. I'm rather tired so I'm going to bed now. Let me know if you need anything."
"Sure," Anna squeaked and the door shut.
She stood there for a long moment, hands clenched into fists. When she found the energy to move at last, the redhead shut off the lights and slumped on her bed. It creaked beneath her and she stared at her hands in the dark.
What was I expecting?
Anna swallowed, a burning sensation starting behind her eyes. A hug? Maybe for her to stay? Something else besides—
—besides every interaction they had ever had for years?
Anna blinked, sniffing. She flexed her fingers and rubbed the top of her right knuckles.
I can't believe I thought things would be different immediately, now that we're living together again.
Why would they?
Without bothering to change out of the clothes she had waited in for hours, Anna laid down and curled on her side. She shut her eyes tightly, tears edging down her face. Sleep overtook her at last.
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and cried