a/n: im just dishing out these updates fast, arent i? im just bored thats all ;-;
heres some context for this fic: Elsa is 29 years old, and Anna is 27. das it.
if anyone got questions, comments, wanna yell at me, anything, feel free to PM me or go to my tumblr 'not-rotting' cuz im just bored like that
A work day, and having a full evening and night of being with Olaf was a blessing for Anna. Maybe some people would find it weird and think the opposite was something to be worshiped for, but those two things were the only things that kept her from thinking too much.
Right now, her concentration was on picking up Olaf from school and then try to think about what to make for dinner. Well, attempt to. Perhaps, spaghetti, but even if she was the best chef, she wouldn't make it that good. Elsa, on the other hand, God, her food was to die for.
The sky was already getting a bit dark while she drove through the block where his school was located. The stars were coming together in the sky, and Anna just wanted this moment to see everything form. But no, it was almost six, and the kids were already being picked up from their after-school programs.
Parking just outside of the school, she took her time getting up to the second floor where all first graders were located. It was normal that the hallway was almost completely dark and the only classroom that had lights on was the one all the way down the hall. The walls were covered with artwork and creative writing from students. Ah, sometimes, Anna just wished she could go back in time to become a kid once again. Life was so much easier back then.
She could even hear all the rowdiness in the staircase. Anna completely expected it all. Kids and their playtime.
Once she got to the classroom, surprisingly, there were fewer kids in there than she'd expected despite the noises. She scanned the room to see Meg on her laptop, a high school student intern telling the kids to quiet down, and… there was Olaf sitting silently in the back with his toys… alone.
Anna frowned. Where are his friends?
"Oh, hey, you're here!" Meg quickly got up from her desk and grabbed the usual sign-in clipboard.
Anna didn't take an eye off the boy as she signed herself in. "Uh… yeah, hold on. Olaf, time to go home."
The boy picked his head up, but instead of the usual 'warm hugs' greeting… there was no large smile on his face. He was slow when picking up his backpack… and completely ignored his mother, walking past her. Not even walking - he was dragging himself.
What the hell? Anna quickly grabbed his arm and turned him around. She gazed at him worriedly, before getting down to her knees to meet his eyes. God, was he crying? His eyes were red. The redhead put her hand on his tummy. "Hey, buddy, are you not going to hug Mama? What's going on?"
He didn't say anything and deepened his frown, crossing his arms.
"I… that's what I wanted to talk to you about, Anna. Alone," Meg said, a hand placed on her shoulder.
Anna looked up to see such dark expression on her face. This didn't sound good at all. "Um… okay, Olaf, why don't you go down to the lunchroom. I'll meet you there alright?"
Without a word, Olaf snatched his arms away from his mother and stomped off from their view. Anna paid no mind. It was just a little tantrum - all kids had that… it was just odd, seeing it come from Olaf.
"Alright," she turned to Meg, "what's going on?"
"Hey, kids, quiet down, or I'm stopping playtime! Christina, would you mind looking after them for five minutes? I'll be back," she exclaimed to the intern. "Okay, come with me."
In silence, the two walked down the hallway. Meg finally settled them in an office, where she turned on the lights.
Anna just silently - her nervousness was slowly showing - watched as Meg sigh. Pacing. The redhead never liked having people pace in front of her. "Right, now, I really didn't want to have to talk to you about this - but since you're his parent, and I don't know how you're going to take this -"
The redhead rolled her eyes. Her heart was pounding. "Can you just spit it out already?"
"You're not going to like it."
"Well, when have I ever liked anything?"
"That's not true at all, and you know it." Meg took another deep breath. "Serious now. So today… Olaf and a bunch of his classmates were having a conversation about what they do at home, families, stuff like that. Totally normal stuff. And I've been watching them too. Then it was his turn to talk. Olaf got so excited and proud when he told them he has two moms -"
Anna groaned, running her fingers through her hair. "Oh God, I know where this is going."
"See, I knew you were going to react like this!"
She waved her off, eyes on the ground. "Just keep talking."
Meg was hesitant for a moment. "A few of his classmates acted in disgust and told him people aren't supposed to have two moms - that he'll turn into a girl when he grows older. I didn't… I didn't listen too closely, but by the end of it, Olaf ended up pushing one of them and yelled. A boy ended up pulling his hair and kicking him in the stomach."
Anna covered her mouth, her expression stoic as it could ever be, her eyebrows furrowed. She couldn't bear to look at Meg right now.
"Laughing."
She shut her eyes. Anna didn't want to picture it. "What did you do?" she whispered in disappointing.
Meg crossed her arms and looked away. "I took those boys to a different classroom for the day… and I had to make Olaf do silent reading for the rest of it - Anna, I don't know what to say. God, I wish I paid more attention so this wouldn't happen. I even talked to him, and - he's angry, Anna. At you."
Anna finally looked up, her eyes… that used to glow when seeing her kid, was blank as a paper. "Thank you for telling me. And being honest."
Meg huffed in shame. "I know you're disappointed. Olaf's not hurt… but I just… this is the first time in my five years of being here, that I witnessed something like this. I'm sorry I couldn't react sooner -"
"Save it. It's not your fault."
"I'm his teacher, I should've been watching more closely. Hey..." Meg reached for her arm, fingers squeezing gently at her. With a raised eyebrow Anna's eyes met where her hand tightened on hers finally. "I know it's hard but try to explain it to him. I think after those boys said these things… he probably thinks you and Elsa aren't normal."
Anna didn't pull away. For a moment, she needed that comfort. No matter how little it was. "Yeah, I know. He's been curious for this past week, I don't doubt he has more questions."
Meg nodded. "Then that's good. Try not to be hard on him. Or yourself, okay? I'm here for you."
Anna didn't hide the little smile she had. "I know. I'll try to talk to him."
"Are you going to tell Elsa?"
The girl immediately shook her head. "I don't want her to worry. Plus, it's my week with Olaf so…"
Meg's body relaxed from all the tension and nervousness from talking. "Alright. And I'll try to talk to their parents about their behavior. Hey, by the way, we should go for a drink sometimes."
Anna couldn't deny after what happened, she'd rather drink until she forgets. "Yeah, we should, when Olaf goes back home."
She patted her arm. "You deserve it. Now go take care of your boy, and I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
Left alone in the office had Anna contemplating on what to say to Olaf. With Meg gone, she didn't know how to deal with Olaf's temper. No, it wasn't that she didn't know how to… but it was the fact that Olaf never acted like this before. Huffing a breath, she looked up at the ceiling. Just hearing those words that Meg had said was absolutely exhausting as well.
As she slowly descended down to the first-floor cafeteria, she noticed Olaf sitting by the first table that was nearest to the door. He was still grumpy, lips pouting, arms crossed, and his feet kicking the floor.
Anna didn't let her worrisome heart bother her. "Olaf, come on, let's go home," she exclaimed calmly from the entrance.
The boy didn't even take a look at her mother - didn't even bother to hold her hand when it was offered - when he walked towards her. His eyes were down to the ground with the same puffy expression.
Oh well, what could she do? He was going to grow tired of being pouty anyway. Of course, later on, Anna was definitely going to give him a nice meal and dessert to make him happy again. That was the least she could do.
Huffing out frustratingly, she let Olaf lead them out of school and into the car.
Anna had been driving down the streets with Olaf sitting in the passenger seat for a little while now. Usually, she wouldn't allow Olaf to sit there but today was an exception. Even then, Anna couldn't bear the fact that she had to tell him things that even she found hard to listen to. Even putting on his favorite radio station wasn't helping.
She took a glimpse of the little guy who had his eyes gazing down. Usually… he'd be in awe, looking out the window. Anna didn't like this one bit.
"Mama…?" Olaf finally opened his mouth. Just one word - one word, so soft and tender… and incredibly disappointed, shattered Anna's heart. "Yeah, buddy?" She reached over to brush his hair.
"What did you and Ms. Johnson talk about?" He looked at her.
"Nothing important. Just…" She sighed. "Just about how you behaved today."
Olaf slouched his shoulders before peeling his eyes away. "Am I in trouble?"
"No, buddy, you're not in trouble." She paused, letting her hand fall to his tummy, and began rubbing it softly. "I heard what happened. Does it still hurt?"
Olaf shook his head. "No… it wasn't too bad."
She glared with worry. "Still doesn't excuse how they beat you like that." She felt a tiny hand on hers.
"Mama… how come they reacted like that?" He picked his head up. "They told me it was disgusting… but I love Mama and Mom, how could it be disgusting?"
Anna didn't know how to answer. She'd never learned to answer something like this because her family and Elsa's had always been accepting of who they were. They were treated as normal people - like anybody else… but how dare Olaf had to experience the very end of it? How dare those kids treated her son like that because of his mothers?
She smiled bitterly. "Olaf, this world… is very cruel. Some people can accept you for you are. For who you love. Some people can't because they were raised that way, and they could never get out of their little box to peace. Unfortunately, you met people who can't accept others, and I'm sorry, baby."
"But… I don't understand. A-Are we different? Mama, am I weird?"
She wasn't going to allow those kids bring his self-esteem down. He was a sensitive enough kid already - smart, and sensitive - there was no need for additional anxiety at such young age. Not ever.
"We're not different. People just…" Anna swallowed hard. No other words were this difficult to come out. Especially when her son was having a hard time understanding her mother. "People have different views - and when they are taught to believe one thing from others, they stick with it. Olaf, baby, you don't hate Mama, do you?"
Olaf shook his head, his lower lip sticking out to a pout. "No…" That's a relief. "They said I was stupid… and that I would be a girl when I grow up. Is that true?"
"No, Olaf, of course not." She ruffled his hair. "In fact, I think you're very brave and smart to stand up to those kids to protect Mama. Thank you."
His slight smile lifted a few of the heartache at least. "Then, I'm not weird for having no daddy right?"
Her lips curled into a heartbreaking grin. Did he want… a daddy? She shook her head. "No. Not weird at all. Don't worry about those kids, okay?"
He timidly nodded. "Okay…"
I should at least cheer him up. "Hey, how about this. We can go grab pizza today, and whatever you want to eat."
His face lit up a little. "Really?"
"Mhm. And then when we get home, we can play video games until you get tired. Sounds good?"
"Okay!" Ah, that definitely put him in a good mood. But if video games, junk food, and staying up all night was what it took to put Olaf's mind at peace, she was fine with that. Of course, with Elsa, things would definitely be different. Oh, maybe Anna was the bad influence here.
Satisfied, Anna ran her fingers through his hair. The boy was already humming a tune, happily. "Alright, I bet you're hungry now. Let's get some dinner."
A week had passed by as fast as a blink of an eye. And though, Anna was left heavy hearted for having to drive Olaf back to that house on Saturday evening, it was what she had to do.
Elsa was, perhaps, even waiting outside like always.
Not that she didn't like it - Anna just wished she could spend more time with the boy. She knew she could come home whenever she could, but in her heart, she never really had the guts to confront everything in one house, at one time.
But coming up to the place, Elsa was actually not standing outside. So much for that thought. Sighing, she turned around to the backseat where Olaf was fast asleep.
She brushed his hair. "Olaf, baby, wake up. We're home."
"Mm…" He slowly rubbed his eyes open, another pushing his hair away. "Mama…?"
She smiled and opened the door for him. "Time to get up, sleepy head. I need to grab your stuff."
He looked around in silence and confusion before realizing where he was. "Oh!" And quickly, pushing the door open and running up to the house.
Anna could only let out a small laugh. Was he this excited to be home? Well, it was true that he hadn't seen his mother for a week now.
When she got out to grab his duffle bag - with newly bought clothes and all from all the shopping they had done yesterday - Olaf was already ringing the doorbell.
"Olaf, that's enough."
He pouted with his mother by his side. "She's not coming out."
Just as he said that the door opened. Anna hadn't seen the woman for a week, but she seemed… well, a little different. She looks happy. The way her pale cheeks glowed, how her eyes glistened in a shade of blue… she hadn't seen that for a while now.
"Oh my god, baby," she immediately got down on her knees to hug the boy tightly, "did you miss me?"
He giggled. "Yeah." The way Olaf touched his mother had Anna's heart soaring to the sky. Anna was almost afraid the blonde would squeeze the boy too tightly, but they pulled away just as that thought came to mind.
Their eyes met, and a silent 'hi' was seen in Elsa's eyes. Anna only waved.
"Did you have fun with Mama?"
"Uh huh! It was awesome!" He raised both hands up. "Mama got me a lot of clothes."
She raised an eyebrow. Uh oh. "Did she now? You'll wear them right?"
"Yeah!"
"Alright, that's my boy. I'm sorry I couldn't call often, baby."
"It's okay, I have Mama here, heh…"
Elsa's smile was so soft. So tender. Anna never wanted to break that. "Good. Well, dinner is ready so why don't you go inside, you can tell me all about your time in a second."
Olaf immediately turned to give his Mama a big hug. "Bye Mama." Jeez. Anna didn't ever want to let the boy go. She hugged him back, laying a big loving kiss on his forehead.
"Bye, sweetie. I'll pick you up from school on Monday okay?"
"Okay!"
Elsa finally got up, and the two… well, as always, they didn't know what to say. A lot had happened during Anna's time with Olaf. A lot that would worry Elsa - and Anna always had to worry about Olaf's mouth outing things that he promised not to say to Elsa. But they were a family, of course, so it was never Olaf's fault.
"So, how was today?" Elsa reached for the duffle bag.
Anna handed it to her. "Pretty good. Took him to the zoo this afternoon, actually."
"Well, isn't that nice. You got pictures?"
"Yeah, I'll send them to you when I get home. Oh, actually…" She pulled the zipper down from the bag and shuffled through the stuff for a bottle of wine. "Sorry for not telling you earlier. Got this from winning a little lottery during work the other day, and since I don't really drink fancy stuff, I thought you should have it."
The blonde examined the bottle. "Oh, that does look good. I'll be happy to open it for dinner later. Thank you."
She pursed her lips and placed her hands in her pocket. "Yep, enjoy it."
"So what about Olaf?"
Anna quirked an eyebrow up in curiosity before finally getting it. "Ah, he's fine actually. He hasn't gotten any dreams this week since he's been sleeping with me most of the time. Easily slept through eight hours." Though with Elsa's worried expression still being noticeable - subtle - Anna knew just saying that wasn't going to clear out anything. Elsa had always been the more careful parent, after all. "Hey, look, believe me, I was worried too. But you gotta trust me on this. More than anything."
She wasn't sure if Elsa did, but she had to settle with her little nod.
"I know. I do." Even four little words, softly spoken, was filled with uncertainty. "You don't have anything to do right now, do you? Come inside, have dinner with us."
Shit. The redhead scratched her head, apologetically. There was a slight blush of embarrassment on her cheeks. "Actually… I would, but I can't. I'm going to have a drink with Meg in about an hour so I gotta go in a sec."
For a moment, Elsa didn't speak. The loving smile she had on her face slowly faded… and the fingers on the bag tightened. But even, Anna didn't notice. Of course… Elsa always had that expression. Always.
"Oh? With Meg, huh…"
Anna sighed. "Yeah, actually. Just the two of us."
"So sudden?"
"Well, she offered back when -" Anna paused. The blonde didn't need to know her son was getting bullied that day. "She offered just a few days ago. I had some free time, so I couldn't refuse."
Elsa nodded, though, it was a little stiff. "I see." Somehow, it was a little discomforting to see her gaze at Anna so intently. Though, it wasn't as if Anna hadn't faced this before. "Anyway, I hope you had a lot of fun with Olaf. I'm sorry we couldn't talk much."
Anna shook her head. "No, it's - it's fine. Is… Hans coming?"
The tension in the air grew even thicker. And for some reason, Anna realized the woman didn't want to answer that question. Her eyes strayed away from Anna's. "He'll be here later. I shouldn't keep you, you should go."
"Oh, right. You're eating dinner too." A pause. And before Anna could even say anything more - to even say goodbye, she felt Elsa's arms around her. Squeezing her tightly. Ah, her scent… the way her body laid against hers. Anna, though confused for a moment, couldn't deny her hug. Couldn't ever deny having to feel her touch when permitted.
She shut her eyes, indulging her nose to her scent, her fingers to her skin… it was everything.
When Elsa pulled away, she couldn't believe how soft… how longing her ocean blue eyes looked. "Enjoy yourself, Anna. And… thank you for taking care of him."
Anna tried her very best to hide her grateful smile, but she couldn't. "Yeah, tell him good night, alright?"
"I will. Hey -" Elsa grabbed the woman's arm when she was about to walk back to the car. "Just…"
"Yeah?" Anna raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing. Don't… drink too much okay? I know how you get when you do."
Ah, so she does care. Without a thought, she squeezed Elsa's hand, warmth contrasting to her coldness, but it was exactly what they needed right now. And for that moment, Anna didn't ever think of the fact of losing Elsa. She was there… though, afar, still watching. Still providing love in another way.
Perhaps… still, Anna wanted more than that. Perhaps, she still hated herself for yearning the woman to come back. Still needing comfort. For someone to fill that hole that Elsa had left in her heart. But it was okay - Anna could live with that.
"I won't, I promise."
