"Maybe that's why you've come along

To show me, it's not always bad

Coz I can feel it, baby

I feel like I'm falling for you

But I'm scared to, let go"

- Jem


Starry Starry Night

Chapter 3: Falling for you

I'm so happy to report that y'all will be getting a double dose of Frozen Swan tonight hehe-my beta is now correcting chapter four and five, yes they're already done. I don't think I'll post these tonight -but who knows-I'm extremely excited to see how everyone feels. So I might not be able to 'conceal it' it *crooked smile* -I'm sure I'll have to write more about these two - I promise - and I'm giving into another guilty pleasure and CanITellUSmThin; you know what I'm talking about *winks* hehe-in this chapter Elsa and Emma go on a date *gasp* it's one dramatic chapter enjoy-and remember I don't own Once or Frozen-I wish;) oh and btw I wrote a silly little song for Emma -I'll post it in chapter six ;)

Three hours later, it was pushing seven thirty and Elsa's arms were full of bags. She knew she'd gone overboard with the Christmas shopping but she couldn't stop. Emma had given her some money and told her to enjoy herself, which she had. After shopping together for awhile, Emma had told her she'd have to leave her for a bit. Elsa had tried not to be too disappointed or nervous queens shouldn't be either.

Emma told her they'd meet by the clock tower at 7:45 and she'd take Elsa to dinner. Then she'd ducked out into the snow to go and find something perfect for Elsa. She'd seen a necklace in a jewelry store around the corner, she'd thought would be perfect.

Elsa had watched her go and then realized she had time enough to buy something for Emma. So she went in search of the perfect gift, but she couldn't find anything. Now it was seven thirty, she'd found gifts for everyone else she'd wanted to buy for -but she'd found nothing for Emma. She'd even found a present for Anna and she so hoped she'd be able to give it to her. A new necklace since the last one had been lost. This necklace was also a crystalized snowflake, but had perfect blue stones that sparkled radiantly. When she'd held it in her palm she knew it was the perfect gift. The necklace hadn't been much, but it had taken the rest of her money. Not that it mattered she'd looked everywhere for anything. Something special for Emma but couldn't find a thing. Now she was walking back with all her packages to the clock tower very sadly. She was so engrossed in her thoughts she didn't notice where she was going.

"Ooof" said Mary Margaret unprepared to collide with Elsa.

"Oh my gosh Snow-uh Mary Margret-" Elsa stuttered out "I-d-didn't see you."

Mary Margret just laughed good naturally "Aw it's fine, I see you went Christmas shopping. Where is Emma, didn't she go with you?"

"Yes-but we parted ways an hour ago -she had something she had to do."

"Oh-?"

"She said she'd meet me at the clock tower at 7:45 and she'd take me to dinner."

Mary Margret smiled "That sounds like fun. I just stepped out to get something from the drug store. I should be headed back myself, don't want to leave Neal with David too long." As she turned to go, she noticed how upset Elsa seemed.

"Is something wrong?"

Elsa blushed profusely "No not really, I just couldn't find anything for Emma."

"I'm sure whatever you get her she'll love."

"No-well I know but it has to be special because she's special."

"Hmm-well just remember sometimes the best gifts are ones that come from the heart. I know you two have gotten very close recently. Maybe you could make her something, she seems to love your magic. Maybe something using your ice power?"

Elsa's frown quickly brightened and she nodded happily. "You're right she does and I could-I can make her something special. Something to tell her how much our friendship means to me. Thank you Mary Margret, I'm so happy I bumped -well not happy -I'm sorry for that -but I'm glad -well no -I'm just -thank you for the suggestion."

Mary Margret chuckled at Elsa's nervous rambling and wondered to herself why she should have such a hard time picking a gift for her daughter.

Saying goodbye she headed home only to stop short with a weird thought. Does Elsa like my daughter? Are they-oh no don't be ridiculous. She laughed at how silly the idea was, a hopeless romantic she was always looking for love everywhere she went. She totally wouldn't mind if Elsa preferred the company of her daughter since she obviously seemed to make her so happy But wait-. "Elsa and Emma a couple -hmm that has a nice ring to it."

Emma hurried toward the clock tower she didn't want to be late; she'd hated being away from Elsa. Even for the sake of finding her the most beautiful necklace that was now in a handmade wooden box. The snow had stopped and she was thankful for that as she rounded the corner. There was Elsa, she was turned in the opposite direction as though lost in thought. Emma rushed up and Elsa turned at her approaching footsteps and broke into a smile.

"Emma! I'm so happy to see you" Elsa said breathlessly "Look at all the presents I got."

"Oh my goodness-yes I see. I hope you're hungry because it's time for the next part of shopping -dinner out." She blushed, she couldn't believe she was taking Elsa out-well not out -I'm just paying for dinner and going to treat her like a queen-oh my god -do I want this to be a date?

"I'm more than ready, Granny's Diner?" Elsa said interrupting Emma's thoughts. "Hurry lets go!"

"Um-" Emma stuttered "I was thinking maybe we'd try something a little different." She was so nervous she felt faint but she gulped "I found a new place-it's called Tony's it's really sweet and it's quieter -" more intimate she thought romantic even but-does she know -can she see how much I adore her? "Is that okay-that we go somewhere new together?"

"Of course Emma, I'd love to go anywhere with you-" Did she just-

Elsa linked arms with Emma all too happily and then let her lead her to this new special place she'd found. She was practically skipping with delight at being so close to Emma.

Emma could barely think let alone breath being in such close contact with Elsa, who just merely delighted in more of the window decorations on their way. She was all too content to let Elsa lead the conversation she was completely mush.

Tony's was a little Italian restaurant, nearly covered in snow - a new place that had come over in the last curse. Its windows were painted with snowflakes and candles danced pleasantly from panes. Elsa stopped in awe and Emma nearly tripped into her with surprise.

"Sweetie?" Emma said getting a little more confident "You ready?" and Elsa followed her through the door.

"Ah- I help you ladies" said a portly man with a white apron. He jovially said "Welcome to Tony's." He was smiling deeply "It's one of Storybrooke's best kept secrets-our little restaurant it isn't well known. Come in-come in out of the cold -and please sit anywhere."

Elsa was mystified she'd never been to a fancy dinner -outside of the palace. Tony's had white table clothes on all the tables and candles burning on each. She let Emma lead her to a table by the window.

"So you can look outside and enjoy the snow" Emma said softly.

Elsa was so touched and her cheeks were burning -she looked down shyly. Why is she so nice to me-after all the trouble I caused -she's so loving with me.

She couldn't believe she was here with Elsa and that she seemed so happy to be with her alone. Their hands were close and without even trying they could touch. Her heart was racing so hard but- she somehow kept it together. Relax it's not a date-it's just two friends hanging out-oh come on who are you kidding -

Her thoughts were again interrupted as a waiter approached their table, this man was much leaner than the host. His name tag read Joe and he was all smiles.

"My ladies" he said congenially in broken English "Our menus - I recommend the spaghetti a la meatballs-chef, he is an amazing cook. Molto Bene." He drew his fingers to his lips and kissed the air.

Elsa giggled and blushed more and Emma couldn't stop the butterflies.

"We'll definitely try the spaghetti and meatballs" Elsa said saying the strange words-she'd never had either.

"Two specials for two belle ladies?" Joe said happily "Chef is generous - big helpings maybe -share?" He winked at Emma who felt a scarlet heat burning on her cheeks. She couldn't bring herself to look at Elsa - her stomach was in knots.

"Joe!" the host hollered from the kitchen-Elsa took him to be the chef. "smettere di preoccuparsi-such belle donne-"

Joe jumped and clamored toward the kitchen in a rush just stopping to say "I bring you one you share." Then he ducked into the kitchen and there was more loud talking -and much banging of pots.

Elsa put her hand over her mouth stifling her laughter "Aw but they're both so cute. Oh Emma thank you this is perfect" she reached out and took Emma's hand.

She's holding my hand! Emma could vaguely hear Frank Sinatra playing in the background -over the roaring of ears. Can she hear my heart beat?

Elsa couldn't figure out what had possessed her to take Emma's hand but she just had to and she was losing herself in her perfect eyes. Stop-you can't she's a girl -she's your best friend-But her body wouldn't obey and she kept smiling and blushing drawing her eyes down. She traced perfect circles on Emma's hand and watched her friend's cheeks blush. She felt her heart picking up pace and she felt a desire begin, something new.

All too soon the spell was broken as Joe returned with their dinner. The plate was huge and the portion of pasta was definitely big enough to share, Emma noted.

Elsa saw Joe's return as a reason to let go of Emma's hand she was being very loving toward her and she knew it was probably not allowed. Again although not wanting to let go of her hand -she was scared of what Joe would do.

"Tuck in" said Joe - "Tonight we have live music- enjoy."

Emma felt the loss of Elsa's hand but didn't say anything, she simply cut the meatballs for them.

"You'll love this Elsa" she said "You spin the pasta on your fork." She demonstrated and Elsa laughed when she splashed the sauce.

Neither girl noticed Tony and Joe watching from the kitchen big smiles on their faces. It reminded him back to a night some time ago - when a tramp once brought his lady to his restaurant. He smiled wider at the memory and went to fetch his accordion.

Elsa thought the food was delicious, she was captivated and let herself go - flirting a little even though she knew it was wrong. She spun some pasta on her fork and turned to Emma. She put her hand under the fork and held it up to her lips "Here try" she said softly and with a mischievous smile.

Emma thought she was going to swoon but let Elsa put the pasta into her mouth and sighed dreamily. She was lost again, Elsa's azure eyes -twinkling -with a fire burning so hot she nearly moaned. She's teasing me - she must know what she is doing -

Elsa saw Emma's blush and knew she was the cause and it thrilled her and she had to have more. She wanted to kiss her but she dared not and it sent chills to places she'd never thought she'd be cold. Both looked away, the intensity too much giggling Elsa shyly reached for Emma's hand again. She intertwined their fingers and squeezed -then without knowing how - and with courage she didn't know she had. She brought Emma's hand to her lips and kissed it.

Fireworks exploded inside Emma's head and she thought the fire that was now alight was going to burn her to the ground. She was completely at Elsa's mercy and she wouldn't have it another way.

From another part of Tony's she could hear the strains of a new song-softly at first and louder in power. It talked of a beautiful night - 'belle notte' Emma knew a little Italian and was swooning in the light of the candle. She had no hope of rescue and Elsa was just as lost she drew nearer to Emma. She couldn't stop like a moth to the flame she was closing the distance -both girls lips were almost touching.

I'm going to kiss her...

She's going to kiss me? -Oh my God!

Emma thought she would pass out - the anticipation and desire clouding her eyes. All thoughts of anyone else were banished from her mind. She knew she was falling in love and she couldn't stop. She'd known all along and it was silly to fight.

Suddenly-her phone began to ring - insistently buzzing urgently in her coat pocket. Started Elsa pulled away horrified at what she'd almost done. Tears pricked her eyes- she'd almost taken advantage of her best friend. Why did she let herself go- girls couldn't kiss other girls. This was wrong-she'd had these feelings before and she'd known they were wrong - dirty. She jumped out of her seat and rushed for the door.

"Elsa! Wait!" Emma groaned cursing under her breath. So close stupid phone! She hurriedly paid and ran - following the retreating queen.