Backwards

by Sensational Sista

College/AU. There's an unusual perspective in rowing: To move forward, you have to move backwards. As Anna joins Arendelle University's rowing team and forges an unlikely friendship with the elusive blonde Senior, she realizes her own perspective of life and love is about to be turned around. Elsanna (Rating upped for occasional Adult Themes)

25. Honesty

Chapter 25

The river flowed with its massive regency, coming alive from its winter hibernation beneath the thick ice which always accompanied Norway's bone chilling winters. The fjord seemed to echo the new life of the flowing water; birds singing overhead, welcoming the approaching spring weather as well as the sharp first light of a new day. The morning sun, crisp on the horizon line, slowly rose higher into the expansive black space; ebbing away from the darkness of night into the beautiful magenta infused skies of dawn. The gorgeous light continued to spread, covering more and more of the expansive sky, until finally the sun fully separated from the earth.

Many a person would sleep through the masterpiece painted by Mother Nature's heavenly sunrises. But for the few souls brave enough, or crazy enough, to experience the breaking dawn were never left without the feeling of enlightened enchantment every single morning.

A later morning practice had meant that the gathering of rowers would miss out on the dark transition through the swirling warm colors of this Saturday morning, but it did not mean that the fresh scent of frosted morning dew along the shoreline did not send their minds into excitement. The open river, flowing freely beneath Norway's cold nipping air, was finally accessible to their desires once again. And the team became just as alive as the cascading natural wonder, as alive as the singing birds, while they rowed through the peaceful, albeit frigid, thawed liquid.

A low hanging haze had set over the massive expanse as the early morning dew crystallized heavily in the air. Although every lake in the region remained hidden beneath an icy tomb, the river's mighty strength and fierce forever motion prevented the frozen fractals from interlocking against the frigid air above; the chilled water's temperature hardly discernible from completely freezing. Every rower knew that if they stopped rowing for too long at a time, the water would begin to frost over the oar blades; each stroke extraction acting as mechanical erosion, the only means to prevent that damage.

The sun continued its traverse through the expansive heavens above, marking the accumulation of minutes and hours at which the rowers carried out orders; worked their bodies in the spirit of the sport and the anticipation of the coming competitive collegiate season. And while the Fours and the Eights grouped together, an armada of boat shells charging downstream with magnificent power, the lone Double took an opposite route upstream per Coach Oaken's allowance; quiet, peaceful, focused. A perfect place to hone the skills needed by the paired rowers; a pair once so unsure and unlikely when beginning in the fall, but now holding such great promise of success on this starting spring morning.

The Double had practiced for countless hours while in the Southern Isles; each practice both gruelingly painful and painfully long as the partners pushed themselves to unseen speeds and brinks of exhaustion.

Today, the tiny boat was found in a rare moment of respite as the rowers took a few short minutes of break between their sprint pieces. The two women drifted calmly out on the water; gentle roll of the waves lifting them up and down in a soft embrace of the massive river as Arendelle's Glory took each wave's movement in buoyant stride.

The chill in the air that morning had been enough that even Elsa had chosen to forego her standard tank top and instead dawned a stretchy under armor piece to protect against the nipping breeze; a mild addition to her typical wardrobe, though not nearly as heavy as the weather proof fleece that Anna wore that morning. She let out a breath, enjoying the foggy crystallization in front of her.

Elsa carefully rubbed her fingers over the handles of her oars; the lime-green rubber material a pleasantly familiar sensation beneath the pads of her calloused fingers. A tactile sensation she sure had missed terribly this last week of indoor training.

"So we have one more 1000 meter piece left," she heard, spoken from behind her. She nodded her head forward in acknowledgement, despite being out of eyesight of the bow seat rower. Elsa already knew that they had to complete one more sprint piece as a part of that morning's practice, but she let Anna take the responsibility of keeping track and giving commands. "On my call?" asked the redhead out of habit, indicating the conclusion of their brief water break.

Elsa's lips curled up to the side at Anna's formed question. It was known, Anna being in bow meant that she called those sort of commands. Elsa merely set their rowing rate now, passing the technical decisions onto the younger woman, if not with a begrudgingly stubborn attitude at the start. Oh yes, she had given up the commanding title of bow seat so long ago. But still, she found the words trickling from her mouth despite that fact.

"On your call, Anna," she confirmed with confidence; not an increment of sarcasm behind the words. She accompanied her words by moving her seat up her slide to sit ready in a starting position; knees compressed ¾ of the way up the track, arms outstretched in front of her, both oar blades nestled firmly in the water behind her, body poised and ready to begin a sprinting piece.

She heard the roll of wheels behind her, knowing Anna had maneuvered up her own slide to mirror Elsa's positioning perfectly. She had to mirror after all. Perfect synchrony was everything.

"Alright. We will do a starting sequence, then a high 20 at around 38 stroke rate. After that, we'll settle around 34 stroke rate for the rest of it," Anna instructed from her bow seat, reciting the work-out in her mind.

Elsa couldn't help herself as a sarcastic tsk passed her lips, the slowly disappearing trait truly catching the redhead off guard. At the silence, she threw a look over her shoulder to her young bow seat.

"Come on, Anna, starting at a 38 again?" Her lightly veiled playful tone made the freckled teen flutter a blink in surprise. Elsa knew she was deviating from the coaches' plan, but she was getting a little bored with the constancy, let alone irritated at how this practice was holding her back from what she used to train at. "We do a 40."

40 strokes per minute. Up and down the slide, taking that powerful stroke in less than a second's beat. Exceedingly high and fast, but so attainable. Starting these pieces at a 38 felt like child's play on some days, even if Elsa never rowed anything less than her hardest during them. She knew that to set their boat above the other teams' this season, they'd need to bump up their sprint pace at least marginally.

Some lingering aggravation of last night's erg disappointment may have added some additional pressure to her goals of this practice as well.

As she inspected the bow seat's reaction, Anna seemed contemplative before that steadfast expression of determination came alive. Elsa loved how her partner never seemed to back down from any challenge that she gave her, or any challenge that came across her path; a once annoying, yet now endearing quality that easily placed Anna into Elsa's top regard.

"As you wish, Elsaka," Anna hummed lightly in response, emphasizing her comment with a smirk. The look was certainly overkill as the words themselves sent an exhilarating chill down Elsa's back.

With a breathed chuckle alone, and rolling her neck back forward, Elsa otherwise silently shook off Anna's teasing attempt at flirtation. Which, Elsa had to admit, was most often a successful attempt but she would never openly admit that.

"Alright, sitting ready." Elsa stiffened her posture at the firm words, shoulders rising up and abs tightening inward. She drummed her fingers stiffly over the rubber oar handles as they prepared to set off into the piece. Anna's voice continued the countdown call. "Attention.. Row!" And the starting sequence of strokes began with a blur of motion.

¾.

½.

¾.

Lengthen out.

Full stroke.

"High 20!" she heard Anna gruffly mutter after their starting sequence had entered into full length strokes. 20 full length strokes at maximum pressure and at mind whipping speeds. Elsa's eyes stared at the stern deck in front of her as a focus point, dropping only her eyes to the SpeedCoach at her feet every few strokes to glance at their rating. Already 10 strokes into their opening sprint, Elsa glared down at the monitor. They were at a 39 stroke rate. So close.

Her job was to set the pace, calling out only the rate at which she intended the pair to travel at. She barked out a quick "Up one more beat!" just loud enough for Anna to hear, and just in time for Anna to respond.

As the electronic displayed the solid 40, Elsa grinned to herself, mind and body realizing just how much she missed the amazing feeling of gliding through the crisp river air at exceptional speeds. Alas, it was significantly short lived as the two would need to settle at a more manageable rate lower than this.

Just as she was beginning the call to lengthen them down in the rating, the set of the boat became a bit jostled; oar blades skimming the water's crest on their port side, and the next stroke, the starboard side. The change in the boat's once fluid movement instantly made Elsa's intricate knowledge of the sport's technicalities assess the situation: Their oar catches were a split second off, changing their blade extraction timing, thus off setting bow to stern motion causing the boat to list over its central axis point.

Lamely, Anna was not matching her rhythm at this particularly high rate.

"Down 4 beats to a 36 and hold steady," Elsa instructed her bow pair, slamming her legs down on the drive in order to bring their synchrony back together once more before the rating slowed. And everything came together once more, as it always seemed to do during their rows; despite this odd realization that Anna was suddenly struggling with a very important and fundamental aspect needed to succeed this Spring season.

Elsa shook it off, mentally storing the detail away. She would discuss it with her partner later during their daily post-row assessments. She internally shook her head to clear the momentary bout of frustration. After all, they still had 700 meters more to go in this piece.

…

The Double drifted in the water for a few passing seconds; the silence calming. It was a pleasingly stark contrast to the blood pumping rush that filled their ears just minutes prior as the boat charged through the waves. Practice was over and aside from that minor blip up with their stroke rate (which indeed needed to have a talking about), Elsa was pleased with how much they accomplished. Yes, very pleased.

In that moment, Elsa didn't need to see Anna to know the redhead was busy steering their boat toward the docks. It was sheer experience in all of their time together. Although, the skewing of her stern in the waves and the gentle sound of tiny oar strokes behind her sort of gave the act away too.

And then, of course, there were Anna's lightly grumbled words which typically accompanied many of the freshman's docking days; the annoyed words gritted beneath her breath yet loud enough for Elsa to figure out.

"I swear, Dory steers like she has no idea where's going half of the time.."

Elsa couldn't help it. Her cheeks grew tight, lips scrunching in futile resistance before giving way to an amused grin. She did so quite often actually, having lapses even in the fall where Anna would do or say something that just made her want to laugh at its absolute silliness or ridiculousness. Goodness, when she met the exuberant freshman, she was certainly full of ridiculousness; Elsa should have expected no less.

But she didn't like letting Anna see her secret amusement, mostly because most of Anna's quirks which she found so amusing were childish, including jokes that made no sense since Anna was horrible at comedic delivery or grumbled every day complaints. Elsa always hid it, pretty easily anyway, as she sat up in the boat's stern.

Well, except for that one time. She had once caved upon her rushing excitement of winning their last race in the fall. Anna's bumbled joke had been far from funny, but Anna had just been so cute.. Elsa hadn't felt herself freely laugh like that in a long time, and it was lovely.

Some days, or sleepless nights rather, she wondered if Anna remembered that tiny moment the way she did. The paired elation of winning their very first gold, sharing the victorious moment with Anna.. that overwhelming feeling, linked to the surprised freckled face whose grin grew so large that it lasted for as long as Elsa could remember. Oh goodness, what was the joke Anna had said again?

Her pearly teeth nibbled on her lower lip, reigning in her smile as she felt the boat begin to move across glacial waters; Anna moving up and down her slide, slowly rowing the boat toward AU Crew's docks. They stopped suddenly, Anna's oar blades turning perpendicular in the water and acting as the boat's brakes.

"Dammit Tink. I was next in line!" Anna growled loudly in exasperation, directed to the opposite coxswain; upset that they were now going to have to wait for docking space yet again. The pixie haired freshman charged past them with her Novice Eight, nose up and not acknowledging the tiny Double, despite a rather loud curse coming from the Double's bow seat. Anna shook her head. "Always cutting me off.. friggin' fairy.." she muttered grumpily to herself.

"Anna," came Elsa's softened voice as her head lulled toward her shoulder. She still kept her sight forward, but she could hear the whipping of Anna's typical braids as she presumably spun her head back in front.

"What's up?" Elsa smiled gently to herself at the instant change from annoyance to interest in Anna's voice.

"What was the joke you told me after our last race?" There was a long pause after she asked her question. So long, Elsa actually wondered if she'd spoken too quiet for the redhead to hear. But that couldn't be true, or else Anna would have asked for clarification.

As the pause grew longer, even longer than Elsa's typical lengthy response pauses, she began to assume that she had asked too much of the worked rower. It was the end of a fairly rigorous practice and here she was, asking Anna to recall something so spur of the moment from, what, 5 months ago? She may as well have asked her to calculate the square route of infinity. Okay, maybe not literally, but the comparison still stands.

"Um. What?"

The quiet and semi-confused voice drifted through the winds. The delayed sound actually surprising the blonde; implication causing a flush to rise in her cheeks.

Oh my God, she has no clue what I'm even talking about. Way to give away your creepy social inadequacies! Why on Earth would she remember something as trivial as that?! She suddenly felt a rising sense of mortification.

Flustered words took over and her shoulders stiffened noticeably. "Er, never mind! I think I'm thinking about something else-"

"-No no no no," came Anna's hurried voice interrupting her own, this time with less disbelief. Water sloshed for a moment in the boat's stern, as if Anna had let go of her oar handle to reach out to the embarrassed blonde, only to realize that she needed to keep her hands on the oars, lest they end up tipping over from an unset boat. "I was just really surprised you even remembered that!" She chuckled. "Kinda threw me off guard."

"Ah," Elsa said, flush still covering her normally pale cheeks. She suddenly had a hard time producing any more words, discomfiture of her consecutive flubs too much to handle for the normally collected woman. She only took a sigh of relief as she heard Anna begin to mumble beneath her breath, no doubt trying to get the wording of the joke correct this time. Wow, I can't believe she actually remembers what I'm talking about..somehow.

"It went something like… two peanuts were walking down the road but one had salt.." She hummed thoughtfully. "But I know that's not right because that's not the least bit funny."

Deep blue eyes closed as ruby lips were tugged upwards yet again, amusement at Anna's innocence bringing her absolute joy. Enjoying this moment, and reveling in a shared memory, tugged at her heart strings. She felt a compulsion to turn toward her partner. She had to see the adorably frustrated face all contorted in thought.

Chin resting on her shoulder, torso listing in the slightest, she caught those aqua orbs with sapphire stones. Anna just made a face, shrugging and smiling.

And just like months ago, Elsa could only grin right back.

…

Elsa finished a final sweep of her bangs with the quickest of glances to her tiny locker mirror as she slid her custom fit jacket across her taught shoulders; weighted braid splaying down her back. Skinny jeans on, and lightly tanned boathouse shoes dawning her feet, she smiled tiredly, finally satisfied with her outfit to begin the rest of her day. She pushed some shirts out of the way, closing the lid of her 'sock box', and pushed her hair care supplies into the top shelf. After a quick reorganization of her locker belongings to ensure she could safely close the tall metallic door without it jamming, she clicked it closed and clipped the lock in place.

She maneuvered around the now empty locker room, exiting through the lone exit way into the last boat-bay of the building. Her eyes caught sight of the other woman who was leaning against the wall near a few of the larger boats. Neon green Crocs, nearly blanketed by extra baggy sweatpants, were scuffing against the concrete floor distractedly. Anna had barely even popped into the changing room for a hot second, grabbing her winter coat and sweat pants out of her locker so fast that Elsa had barely begun her usual preparation. Although the Freshmen lockers were adjacent to her own row and she had never actually seen the teen's locker open, Elsa often wondered if Anna even used it for any functional storage. Her own was sure used like a walk-in closet, probably more so than anyone else on the team.

The bored looking freckled face lifted quickly at Elsa's reappearance, both physically and figuratively as Elsa easily saw the expression transition to a much happier one. Darn smile always made Elsa crack her own small one in response without a second thought.

"You really know how to pull yourself together after practice," off-handedly commented Anna, mitten covered hands pulling at the drawstrings of the bag on her shoulders. Elsa shrugged a shoulder in response, somewhat bashful although she hoped it did not come across so blatantly so.

"I'm trying to keep rowing out of the other areas of my life right now, as much as possible at least," she answered softly. It was not something she normally succeeded at though, that's for sure. It was constantly on her mind, or at least gnawing roughly at the back of her mind whenever other things did take front and center precedence. But it still did not mean she didn't try. Anna seemed to accept the unexpected confession after a moment. Elsa smirked in addition. "And honestly, I really don't like wearing my gross, sweaty spandex during the day. Feels rather.. unsanitary." To say the least.

At that, the younger woman chuckled and made a face. "Yeah.. some mornings I had to run straight to class 'cuz practice went late, or our boat meetings were really long and I had to wear my spandex all day." She scratched the back of her head. "I feel bad for the people sitting beside me during those hour long lectures."

Elsa's nose scrunched unconsciously at the image but ended up just shaking her head lightly at the redhead. "Well.. Speaking of boat meetings, I wanted to talk about our row today before we left." It was a usual thing that the two did, just to recap on what was good and not so good. Elsa could honestly say for the most part things were good. Actually, had been quite good as of late. She consciously recognized she did not harp nearly as much on Anna's performance as she used to.. Even just shortly back in the Southern Isles she had been pretty critical throughout the days, if not a little bit more so to distract herself from her growing desire for the redhead.

But this whole week, something seemed to click. They were doing really well.. Wait. Was she getting soft? Unfocused of what needed to be done for optimal improvement? No, they had to be getting better. She mentally shook her head of her doubt, refocusing on her bow seat.

The girl in front of her seemed to stiffen for a moment, as if she already knew where the post-row assessment was going to focus on.

Elsa was usually one who decided to cut to the chase, but she found herself itching to delve into the matter a little more. "What happened when we went up in the stroke rating?" Anna's face had already morphed into an uncomfortable contemplation before the question was finished.

"I'm not sure.. For some reason, my legs felt.. I don't really know how to describe it.." A mulling look came across her features as she struggled through her lexicon. "Sluggish? Tight? Tense?" Teal eyes suddenly looked intently up into Elsa's own, minutely surprising the Senior as they revealed a searching curiosity.

She's asking you to help her out. Anna was always so resourceful and independent, usually just taking Elsa's information and applying it to what she already knew, rarely seeking anything out from the once National Rower. Thankfully, the conclusion soon had her brain processing an answer, sifting through her many experiences and years of knowledge.

"You need to practice more of the high speed ratings on the erg and in practice, or else you'll never be able to get an edge on our sprints if we want to win this season, let alone it's poor preparation for the National's tryouts this summer." Her words left her mouth with a touch of annoyance, and she caught herself looking at the guilty expression on freckled cheeks. But as Anna's expression slowly morphed into shy confusion, Elsa finally caught her own slip as well; face contorting into poorly concealed shock.

Anna cleared her throat a little as Elsa bit her inner cheek nervously, praying that maybe Anna had possibly overlooked- "Did you say National's tryouts?" Dammit, she did not overlook the blunder, Elsa cursed to herself while staving off the fire from her cheeks.

"Well, yeah.. I mean, I was speaking generically." She huffed quietly as she found her words. "You, like, as in people, need to be good at the high stroke ratings. And.. since we have the arrangement to row together to train, so I can keep up my sculling skills, you and I have to be good.. it's a tough competition when you get pitted against everyone to get in. But, well, whether or not you want to try out for the National's is your choice as well, so.." Elsa felt her face heat up more than earlier as she horribly bumbled through her rationale, trailing off openly.

Although she was expecting Anna's confusion to continue at the sudden appearance of National team speak, or distaste given Anna's previous dislike of what she's heard of the team, she was far from anticipating the awestruck appreciation that overcame that peachy face. "Do you.. do you mean I could.. I mean, do you really think I could ever.."

The poor redhead seemed so flabbergasted at the information even being implied in its vague suggestion, but Elsa knew how Anna's apprehensive yet daring question was meant to end. And, despite the resounding surprise still etched across Anna's face at the Senior's blundering slip, Elsa may have been even more surprised to feel herself answering Anna's unfinished question with impressed ease.

Yes, Anna, she thought distractedly as she watched the bright freckled face. You have so much potential; you've always had it. I knew it ever since you told me your starting 2K time.. You reminded me of myself, but just such a better person outside of rowing. I could easily see you reaching that level, especially if you continue training with me. You'll be.. just amazing.

But she did not voice this subconscious and immediate monologue, much because she knew that the stress and burdens put upon the shoulders of National's competitors was weighted with ideals that would strip this young girl of her innocent and hopeful dreams of the future, and could even zap her love for the sport if she were not careful enough; replacing hopeful freedom with deadline expectations.

During her experience, Elsa had seen many determined rowers go into the fray of National's and lose all drive because their goals were founded out of competition or fame, not for self-betterment or passion; she herself had found herself slipping into that very mindset as well, and still found herself in those memories during every 2K she completed. That was until Anna began to shine a light into her darkness.

Elsa knew that she would never want Anna placed into that spot where the girl was subject to rowing became merely competition and no longer fun, or for the enjoyable reasons Anna had once debriefed; how she began rowing to be on the water, creating that spiritual bond to her later parents which brought her to a place of solace. Elsa's heart tightened at the horror of anything taking that connection away. No. Not unless Anna expressed her own interest in the matter would Elsa ever share her support.

As if confirming her mind's discretion, the redhead smirked to herself, taking Elsa's chosen silence as her answer. "Wow, that's neat to think about! Though, competing against you would be impossible. I don't think I'll ever see the day!"

Elsa flinched as Anna laughed at her comment. Oh.. she's right. We'd have to compete. Rowers are picked upon individual performance, then placed by a coach's choice.. Besides, our agreement to row in the Double is just for a few more months. My goal is my Single's spot, so where would that leave Anna? She nearly laughed at her thoughts. It would end up being the same fiasco she had been in before; the reason behind never dating teammates. The call for competition is too great especially when your rowing career is on the line; romantic relationships could not last with resentment as the risk.

But that didn't mean that, as absurd as it seems now, Anna would not one day find herself at the doors of the National's Headquarters, calling Elsa out for a chance to battle for her 'rightful seat' if Elsa were to secure it again. It also did not mean that Anna did not deserve that right. Elsa knew, deep down, that although it was her personal goal to make her way back onto that prestigious team, that did not mean Anna wasn't worthy of trying to either, if in her will. Elsa knew that if Anna were to one day decide to try out, there is a low chance that her efforts would prove fruitless, especially with her continued training under Elsa's wing.

No, if that day did come where competition came between the girls relationship, Elsa knew she would not be able to go down without a dreaded fight against the girl, but she also knew she would never stand in Anna's way; just as she knew that Anna would never want to stand in hers. And I know something like that will come, soon enough anyway..And I'll be prepared when it does.

"You're going to be a great rower one day, Anna," she found herself saying softly and from the heart, trying to leave her negative thoughts of future's reality behind, catching the freshman's attention. There was a second of disbelief in teal orbs, which Elsa found herself overriding with reassurance. "You've trained with me, of course you'll do well. I can't expect anything less than excellence from what you've shown me."

Anna laughed, pride in her words. "I think that's a bit of cheating then if I competed in the future. I mean, trained by a world renowned champion rower sure sets me ahead!"

Elsa breathed a hissed laugh through her teeth. "You won't have anything to worry about. That is certainly not what I'm 'renown' for." She gave a half smile at Anna's eye roll and knew she had to put aside the self loathing. "But really Anna. Believe me, I don't know when or where, but I know you're destined for something great. Whether I'm there to see it or not." The last bit slipped out as a whisper on accident, but she was not sure if the teen had caught it.

A spark flashed behind aqua eyes, before a cheeky grin broke out. "Ya know, I may have doubted it before, but hearing your say that makes me believe in my abilities a lot more." Elsa was sure that kind of sentiment would have made the redhead blush in shy acknowledgment, however her eyes were firm and belief. T'was actually Elsa's expression which shied in the smallest amounts. "And I am confident that you'll be there."

"Well.. good," she said with a tense embarrassment before nudging Anna toward the bay door with her elbow. Anymore of this discussion and she was going to just grow more uncomfortable. The walking and change of scenery seemed to do the job of soothing the Senior. Fine blonde brows rose as her shoulders relaxed beside the grinning teenager. "Now, on your training right now, you also need to stretch more before and after practice, so I'll give you a list. You're at risk of pulling a muscle at the higher speeds if you don't, and I don't want you getting hurt," she finished with more concern in her words, already coming up with a planned list of stretches to type up for the teen.

Appreciation came across the still excited looking face, and an affirmative nod followed, as did a comical salute. "Dually noted. Awaiting your orders, cap'n."

Blue eyes rolled. "Must you do that? I'm not one of your captains."

Anna smirked. "Well Mulan and Flynn's egos would probably inflate if I said it to them with the salute."

Elsa fought a small smile as she easily engaged into the verbal play. "Mulan's ego would never do such a thing." She added to Anna's joke with a purposeful omission of the Junior captain's name.

Both women found themselves in giggles as they made their way out of the boathouse, the comical transition a good indication that their meeting had finished and the rest of the morning was now beginning.

"Would you care for a ride?" Elsa asked rather unspecifically, the offer coming much more easily now than the morning before when she invited Anna over for breakfast. Perhaps it was the extra 10 minutes they would be able to share outside of the crew setting; time which Elsa craved openly more and more… Or perhaps it was simply the fact that she knew the clumsy redhead would be safe. Sure, Anna hadn't been hit by any more cars, but by goodness forbid it be someone who was a much less sensitive or compassionate driver than Elsa herself. The dent on her passenger door remained a constant reminder of Anna's reckless biking capabilities.

The younger rower shook her head. "I wanted to go to the main campus mailroom this morning; I'm sure my mail is overflowing. Besides, I have my bike with me anyways." Her nose scrunched unpleasantly. "And I think I can smell myself, so add shower to my to do list too."

Elsa nodded in understanding, although knowing she could easily stuff the rickety bicycle into her car. She also knew she could easily swing by the main campus. It would only be a bit out of her way; some spare minutes which she would not normally be so freely to give up in her busy day, but she felt quite fine giving it up to Anna. Maybe hold back on the eagerness, she eventually and regretfully told herself as they stepped up beside the bike rack. Let her shower at her own place, even if she could just do that with me too.. at my place! Shower at my place, not with me. Damned mental Freudian slip..

As Anna toyed with her clunky helmet, Elsa cleared her throat. "Well.. If you would like, we could meet up on campus later.." Her breath paused with her words as she considered adding one thought further.

Anna's eyes brightened quickly, words echoing her excitement at the prospect of seeing Elsa again that day. "Yes, that'd be great! I was probably just going to watch Netflix this afternoon anyway. You know, be no more productive than a slug or whatever. What were you thinking?"

Would it be too daring or risqué to ask that they meet elsewhere just to 'hang out'? Relax together? Spend some quality time together? Oye, that sounded silly! But seriously.

Elsa had dared imply this idea just one time before, taking a risk when she had noticed that her feelings had begun to grow increasingly fonder of the redhead, only to have it blow up in her face with Anna canceling with a terrible lie to cover for a date with her boyfriend. But now was new. All new. And maybe Anna would like to 'hang out'..

Teal eyes began to waiver with question as Elsa battled with her words, doubt clouding her response.

On second thought, was this really a good idea to attempt again? It's not like there's a boyfriend around in Anna's life the mess it up. Quite near the opposite.. Well, almost the opposite. Not meaning there was a girlfriend, or that she was the girlfriend. Because that wasn't true. Her inner voice chose the moment to share its two-cents. Not yet at least... Wait. N-nor would it ever be, for the matter!.. but could-

Face newly reddened by the direction her own thoughts had diverged, Elsa found herself wringing her hands anxiously. "Well, actually I was thinking more.. um.." To Hell with it, she quickly thought before the pause grew too great. She was never good at these questions, but she'd try to be, just this once. Well, twice technically. "Would you like to study together? Like old times?" Alone.

There was no shock or great surprise in the response to follow; just bewildered enthusiasm. "Uh, yes! Do you even have to ask?"

Well yes, it was a question so I had to inquire, Elsa found her mind answering before catching the words at her lips, barely keeping her dignity intact as the rhetorical question made its pass. She straightened her shoulders, yet let them relax simultaneously. "Good."

"In our old study room?"

It would be a lie that Elsa didn't blush a little at Anna describing the study room as belonging to the two of them specifically, even if Elsa had reserved that room for all T.A. matters and tutoring business; honestly it really did feel like their room. It held such wonderful memories and turning points in their friendship experienced in that place. Again, Elsa provided a small nod.

"Sure.. And, then maybe.. possibly tomorrow, we could.." Her soft voice, typically ever so charming when speaking in its strong affirmation, treaded carefully in trepidation with the confidence of a newborn kitten. She was going to suggest it.. Oh dear goodness, she was really going to suggest it! "Uh.. we could get together..just us, to, you know-"

"-Hangout?" Elsa looked at the crooked smile beaming straight at her, almost morphing into some goofy Jabba the Hut face. Judging from the smile alone, it was as if she had just made Anna the most excited girl on the planet; like the girl had been waiting for this very thing her whole life. The eager emotion certainly put her nervous mind at ease, shoulders calming as her face returned to its usual composure.

With a throat clear and casual brush of her jacket sleeves, she spoke in a forced collection. "If you would like to put it that way, then yes." Yes. Exactly yes.

"Uh, of course! Seriously, you ask way too often." A blush crept upon Elsa's chilled cheekbones, knowing she sometimes fell back into her formal means of business etiquette, so deeply rooted in her actions. 'Never impose one's self into the lives of others, lest you chance to make a mockery of yourself and cause ruin to an established relationship'. As her father's tired and true advice briefly came to mind, she nearly missed Anna's under the breath comments of this weekend shaping up to be the 'best ever'. It could only cause the blush on Elsa's cheeks to deepen.

As Anna clipped on her helmet, she gave a tiny smile up to the Senior, which Elsa smiled back down at. The freckled girl happily hopped onto her toes, pressing her pink lips low upon Elsa's cool cheek; mitten dawned hands resting on the arms of Elsa's National team jacket. The blonde could feel the sweet warmth land so close to the side of her lips, and barely a second later, she found herself tilting her head in the slightest to capture the lips softly with her own.

When they parted from the briefest contact, the two went their separate ways with identical smiles upon their faces; plan to reunite in the afternoon for an old time sake study session, and then tomorrow for well overdue hangout. And there will be no Hans to mess this up this time, Elsa reassured herself.

As Elsa wound her way through the city streets and back to her apartment, she went about preparing and cleaning up for her guest's company in the coming day; this time much happier and hopeful for the positive experience she had wished for once before.

…

The delicate clatter of fingers against keys filled the stale air of the library room. Just as a typewriter motorically proceeds back and forth across its literary lines, Elsa's eyes bounced along the screen, each new line of words brining her back to the starting line. A light ding sounded and surprised her as she hit the end of her sentence, body almost thinking it had actually become a typewriter. She glanced at the now blinking light of her phone beside the laptop.

A text message.

'be there soon! cant find my notebooks!'

She smiled down at the green message bubble, appreciating the small text break from her monotonous presentation outline.

'There is no rush, Anna.' Of course there wasn't any rush, but it still made her feel special that Anna always tried her hardest to meet up with her within a timely manner. Anna was far from being prompt, so any delays were expected. The rare moments in which she was on time, or even early, were never short of surprises. But the redhead gave ample attempts despite all internal and external hindrances; a feat which the ever-prompt Elsa had once unappreciatingly overlooked with displeasure.

Internally, she made sure to always appreciate the act from now on; to never let her prompt impatience get the better of her again.

She blinked as her phone dinged again, jostling her from her thoughts. She listed her head from her knuckle, feeling a small amount of residua lethargy in the action. How long had she been sitting there musing over Anna's characteristic untimely-ness? She hadn't even realized it.

'ait, cool beans :)'

With a slow drag of her eyes, once again finding that Anna had ended the conversation with that little smiley face and feeling there was nowhere more for herself to converse naturally, the Senior let her eyes skim across her screen, squared shoulders feeling stiff as her focus waxed and waned, fighting to return to her project. However the spell of anticipation of her guest's arrival could not be shaken.

She smirked ironically as her earlier promise suddenly conflicted in her consciousness. I promised to not let my impatience get in the way of Anna's late arrivals.. but it just seems like the impatience has only morphed it's form.

Battling her eyes from the clock in her computer's corner, time dragged on until finally, she caught the blur of orange near the door's window and she looked up instantly. Probably faster than she'd have liked to admit.

Anna gave an acknowledging wave through the glass before stepping inside the quiet room. Her freckled face was flushed, bangs askew on her tan temple. Elsa could only assume that the young woman had rushed despite her instruction not to. Anna tossed a tiny smile Elsa's way before loudly dumping her Polish textbook onto the table and scooting her chair up in a familiar spot beside the blonde. The teenager began opening her textbook to a predetermined chapter.

Elsa smiled in anticipated greeting to the freshman, however felt herself falter for a moment as she processed the scene more carefully.

To the layman, Anna would look as her normal, loud and carefree self. But Elsa liked to believe she was more perceptive of the redhead than the average person was, and more so, she prided herself on knowing her Double's partner better than most others. There was something a little off about Anna's greeting smile, distracted almost, and her actions equally unusual; these features completely previously hidden in the mask of ordinary text messages that Elsa had received. Something seemed to be on the young girl's mind that hadn't been there earlier this morning at practice. Elsa instantly began wondering what it could be.

"Hey," she said quietly, leaning her head in closer to the new arrival.

Anna turned quickly, bright smile now in place as she offered her usual greeting while wiggling out of her jacket. "Hi, sorry I ran late.. literally," she added with a grumbled laugh, wiping the slightest glimmer of sweat from her nose. The playfulness in her voice greatly contrasted the appearance Elsa had seen upon her arrival.

The older woman actually began to doubt that she had even read the initial scene correctly now. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary now. Had she imagined it? No, certainly not! She breathed the quietest of laughs through her nose, the half-hearted chuckle obviously evident to her partner.

"What's wrong?" Elsa nearly chuckled aloud at the concerned question which was directed her way.

"I was going to ask you the same question, Anna." Teal eyes looked surprised, soon filled with confusion, and her talkative mouth began to open. However, Elsa cut her off with a knowing look. "I could tell something was off when you came in the room. Now, don't try to tell me otherwise."

Mouth closing slowly, Anna rolled her eyes in a displaced manner. "Pssshhh.." But she soon let out a sigh, face dropping guiltily. "Fine, you're right." Of course I am, I know you, Elsa could not help but think with confirmed pride and adoration toward the young girl. "I just talked with my Aunt Gerda. She wanted to catch up with everything in my life and, well, she just said she missed me a lot."

"Didn't you just talk yesterday?" Elsa asked in uncertainty, fairly confident that it was barely more than 36 hours since the family members last spoke.

Anna nodded. "Told you, Empty Nest Syndrome. It was nice catching up with her more though. We didn't talk for long yesterday, and I know she misses our long conversations." Another sad sigh. "It's weird for us not to speak daily, but I've been busy and a lot sure has happened since I've been away at university."

The blonde found herself chewing her lower lip, both curious as to how much Anna openly shared with her guardian as well as sadly perplexed at the attachment between family members. More so the latter. But the younger girl seemed satisfied with her confession as she sweetly shrugged her shoulders back at the Senior. Elsa let out a small breath with a small lopsided smile.

"Okay, if you are sure that is all that is the matter.." Elsa finally said, attention still on her partner.

A warmth encircled her hand and she looked down to see Anna now joining their hands together, large smile plastered across her freckled face. "Aww, Elsa.. Are you worried about me?" she contentedly cooed, smile only growing as the taller student grew scarlet.

No denial passing her lips, Elsa did her best to will the heat from her cheeks. "Well of course.. If anything was upsetting you, I.. I would like to know." Her eyes landed on those perfect glimmering orbs, hoping she could convey the sincerity behind her words.

It must have done the job because she could swear Anna's face melted beneath her gaze; those azure eyes fleetingly dancing downward before meeting hers again.

Softly, Anna eventually muttered "I.. Th-thanks.." And for a split second, Elsa thought the redhead was considering saying something else; something else that could be on her mind. Alas, she was met with the usual glowing face she had grown accustomed to. "Hey, since we are studying tonight, I was wondering if you would help me with some Polish.. if you have some time between your things that is! I know you're super busy and all.. just if you have time.. O-or if you want to! No pressure!"

The Freshman's typical break and backpedaling of her words grew increasingly flustered as she attempted to clarify her already expressed interests. Goodness, was it an adorable site to behold. Elsa knew a pink must be dusting her own cheeks, but out of much merriment rather than the embarrassed mire Anna had somehow wound herself in again.

Elsa looked back at her computer screen briefly, seeing the daunting outline of her dreaded presentation before glancing back toward her flustered partner. Nothing was farthest from her 'not want to do' list than her capstone project, especially with this perfect girl seated beside her. The choice was obvious.

"What chapter are you on?"

Anna clapped her hands together in her lap as she faced Elsa, shoulders straight. Her eyes sparkled with nervousness but remained eager with excitement as well. "W-we're almost done with 8."

Elsa smirked at the face and cocked a brow with a hint of teasing in her instruction. "Nah uh. Say it right."

Anna huffed and silently used her fingers to quietly count off the first few Polish numbers with a small mnemonic chant until reaching her target. "..Osiem."

Slipping her slender fingers through the pages, Elsa skimmed the title. "Oh, 'Family and Relationships'.." That's when it clicked. Ah.. That's why she finally figured out the '-ka' endearment ending. She inwardly rolled her eyes at the delayed realization. She should have guessed Anna would not have learned it independently.

The redhead, seemingly oblivious to the blonde's enlightenment, began reading in her usual broken accent. "Mama.. Tata.. Brat.. Siostra.." The painful over articulation of sounds had Elsa grimacing, yet trying to conceal it with gladness for Anna's continued efforts. After Anna finished reading down the list, Elsa took the time to elaborate.

"Brother sounds more like the 'brat' in bratwurst.. and sister sounds more like 'shostra'." Anna just hummed in response, taking the information as is, certainly not fully absorbing the information in her long term memory.

"Uh huh.."

Elsa nudged her arm, looking at the teenager. "Try translating this one: Jesteś moją siostrą."

Anna made an odd face as she translated the sentence fairly adequately to the Senior. "You are my sister." Elsa tilted her head at the redhead's expression.

"What's so funny about that?"

A shrug. "Saying it to you. I mean, it felt weird." She let out a laugh, brushing a hand through her bangs. "For obvious reasons."

Elsa felt her cheeks tinge, not at the odd sentence because it was a completely ordinary sentence, but at the implication toward their current relationship status which would certainly not be appropriate for a sisterly relationship. Eventually she found herself sighing out a laugh.

"Well, it is probably also strange to say because we are only children. We've never had to actually say it." Her eyes lifted to the ceiling in brief, faux contemplation, before a smirk tugged her lips up teasingly. "Though, I must say if I were to have a sister, I'd probably want one a little more like me.."

Anna's brows furrowed as a frown drew her lips down. She crossed her arms and let out a humph as her cheeks grew round and rosy. "What's that supposed to mean? I'd be an amazing sister!"

Oh what an adorable pout! Elsa's eyes brightened as she fought a giggle at the indignant child before her. Her delicate hand raised to her lips, attempting to maintain some air of elegance as she ushered her informal tutee back to work..

It wasn't until the duo had finished a full review of language material that Elsa had realized just how much she missed helping with this class, or remembered how sad Professor Pabbie's expression had been when she broke the news she would be unable to assist this semester. It was fun to delve into another language for a short time. Goodness how she had missed her language studies and foreign language practice. Not to say that also, equally, missed how her study partner more freely dawned that adorable puppy dog face as they read and reread sections of increasingly difficult length and complexity. It was all of those factors combined.

The time had ticked on and Elsa knew she had probably spent way too much time helping the freshman study and practice (as well as grump and pout). Her own work was pushed to the backburner, ready for Elsa to burn the midnight oil to complete it. A task she was far from looking forward to. But when tiny yawns began to escape her informal tutee and foggy bored eyes became replaced foggy sleepy ones, Elsa knew she was going to need to call their time together to an end.

She smiled while closing Anna's textbook for the tired girl. "Jesteś zmęczony. Time to call it a night."

With a cat-like stretch of her arms accompanied by a tiny mewl, Anna grinned. "Far be it from me to ignore your wise instruction," she jested, ever so compliant when Elsa's advice was to her preferential benefit.

Elsa busied herself with her own books as Ana packed up, but soon found herself following the girl's every movement. She watched as the redhead slipped into her marshmallow puffed coat; red braids loosely flopping around as Anna busied herself with getting ready to leave for the evening. Finally, that freckled face looked back toward her, smile in place, as always. Aqua eyes alight with everlasting glee. Dressed down in typical in winter gear which really takes a lot to flatter anyone's form, yet to Elsa, Anna could never look anything less than perfect.

Looking into those forever pools, only one phrase controlled her thoughts. You look beautiful.

"Pięknie wyglądasz." The words Elsa would normally keep locked away to her mind's sole knowledge freely slipped forth through her foreign tongue; a mistake which she was unfortunately familiar with regarding her thoughts about, and toward, Anna. And now that the girl was picking up more and more of the language, such comments would not slide by as inconspicuously as before. By the look on Anna's surprised face, the freckled girl understood the simplicity of the Polish compliment; the studied syntax still fresh in the student's mind.

Her tan hands grasped together quickly as she bashfully tilted her head up toward the taller girl. "Th-thank you.." she said breathlessly, shock still plastered over her features. The flustered reaction warmed Elsa's heart more than her cheeks did at the blunder. Watching Anna's mind grope for her response was comical as well. "You too- I mean, uh.. ty tez strasznie!"

Elsa had to chuckle in her mind at Anna's chosen adjective, deciding to tease the girl a little. Elsa feigned a falling smile as her brows drew together at the Polish sentence of choice. "I look.. 'awful'?"

Anna gasped at her realization. "No no! Not awful. I meant as in awfully beautiful!" She blushed as she gesticulated her point before bashfully looking back up, missing the amusement lighting up the Senior's features. "So much more so!"

Happily accepting the compliment and covertly enjoying Anna's flustered presentation all the while, Elsa could not help but poke jest. "Have you been spending any of your free time studying this semester?"

Anna rolled her eyes. "Pssh. Of course.. I just mess up sometimes still is all.." Her teal eyes batted upwards playfully. "I guess I need my old T.A. to tutor me in these study sessions again."

Elsa's head lowered as she gave the freshman a small smile. "I believe you have been doing well all on your own. But if you really need my help, you know I'm here."

"I'd never want to waste your time or..." Her lips twitched upwards subconsciously before muttering, "Or distract you."

Blue eyes studied the younger woman's form as her brain analyzed the words. She could not find a verbal response and relied on a crooked shrug of her lip.

With a hesitant, shy smile, Anna skipped any further words and snuggled herself up into Elsa's arms, poking her nose into the finally carved collar bone peaking out of the fabric cover. The action served to disperse any misgivings and remind the duo of how much time they cared to share together.

Certainly wishing the moment could last a little longer, Elsa reluctantly released the smaller woman from her grasp, knowing she had a lot of work to finish up tonight and Anna deserved some much needed rest.

With Anna's usual chaste peck on her cheek, Elsa watched as the redhead slung her backpack over her shoulder, spinning and ready to go, equally about to turn herself back to her chair. But a small flutter of white escaping from the partially zipped bag's pocket, floating toward the flooring, caught the blonde woman's eye. A piece of tri-folded paper had slipped out. Elsa quickly picked it up to return it to its owner, absentmindedly scanning the letterhead's words.

Her fine brow furrowed as she did a double-take, reading the words again more consciously. She hadn't even noticed that Anna had turned back around and looked at her. That is, until the girl had stepped forward and was right in front of her. Elsa snapped her head up, eyeing Anna's bemused look.

"Do you have jury duty..?" she asked tentatively to the curious eyed teen, already knowing that the answer would be negative.

The freshman shook her head with a perplexed look. "No. Why?" Her teal eyes dropped to the letter held in Elsa's hands, trying to figure out why she was even being asked.

Elsa worried her lower lip. "Then.. why do you have a court summons?" She did not miss the abrupt rigidity of the freckled girl's posture. Bingo. The letter was quickly snatched from Elsa's hands, so fast that Elsa nearly missed the blurred swipe, and being roughly stuffed into Anna's coat pocket.

"Oh no. You were right, actually. I do have jury duty. Totally forgot," she laughed with an obnoxiously large smile, smacking her skull comically and rolling her eyes. "Doy, Anna!" She went to turn and continue walking toward the door as if calling an end to the suddenly awkward conversation, but Elsa would not have it.

She reached out boldly, grabbing Anna's hand firmly and stopping her, yanking her back around to face her. When bright eyes would not meet her own, Elsa dropped her voice before prodding the matter. "Anna." Her voice was stern, hands falling on top Anna's shoulders as she finally made direct eye contact with fearful aquamarine pools. The moment filled Elsa with a sudden wash of déjà vu. She blinked, remembering the familiarity of the situation. The last time Elsa had confronted Anna in such a similar way was when she found out about-

Elsa's expression hardened as the memory struck her hard. A frown pulled her lips downward as the name subconsciously came to her lips.

"Hans.."

The smaller girl sighed in defeat at Elsa's single word, shoulders deflating under the rower's protective hands. She nodded. "Yeah.. after talking to Ms. Radcliffe two weeks ago I finally got the court hearing in my mailbox today."

Elsa faltered, tilting her head as she tried to process that sentence. "Court hearing? 2 weeks ago? Wait, who's Ms. Radcliffe?" She watched as her partner grew increasingly uncomfortable with each additional question; each one unfolding more and more worry which Elsa had been concealing for a number of days. How much of this story had Anna been hiding from her? The only thing at all that she could make sense of was that Anna's earlier distractedness must have been due to this letter. "Anna, this thing with Hans. Last time I asked you, I understand that it was uncomfortable for you to talk about.. but, please, you need to tell me what actually happened." She did her best to remain as collected as possible.

"You kinda know though.. I mean, Flynn talked to you after all.." Anna responded nervously, hint of apprehension and guilt mixed into her words. The light scuff of her sneaker toe against the fine looped carpet echoed in the secluded study room.

Elsa briefly shook her head. "Flynn only told me that Hans blackmailed you. He wouldn't tell me anything else out of privacy reasons," she said with increasing exasperation in her voice. The longer Anna evaded her inquisition, the more her nervousness heightened. The more she wanted, no, needed to know what on Earth was plaguing the poor, sweet girl. "I didn't want to push you at the time.. but, Anna please." She lightly shook the girl's shoulders just enough to bring those teal eyes to her own, voice trailing off with the most delicate of whines.

With a heavy sigh, Anna let out a groan, reflecting her personal frustration toward her chosen path of actions. "Elsa.. I swear, I was going to tell you after this whole court thing got settled.." She looked into two confused and tender ocean pools, still lost on the build-up of events that even required such dramatic measures. Opposite sea green eyes suddenly grew ashamed. "It's all so stupid now," Anna hissed sadly, hands raising to cover Elsa's own which still remained securely on her shoulders. She let out a bitter laugh. "If I could have foreseen.. this-" she squeezed Elsa's hands affectionately to emphasize just what exactly she was referring to. "-then the whole situation wouldn't have even happened." The embarrassed exasperation in her tone was nearly painful.

The young girl's choice of code was still undecipherable to Elsa. Here, Anna was talking about everything in the present; about how whatever the catalyst event had been would not have existed had their current present situation been known months before. Or.. something to that regard? She blinked slowly, remaining silent and letting her piercing look urge the red head to continue.

"You know that Hans blackmailed me. And you were right to think.. er, well, that.. you were involved." Elsa felt her chest constrict tightly hearing that confirmation of her initial presumptions. "It was back when I was first still coming to terms with my.. feelings for you. Ya know, it took a lot of processing, especially after I had broken up with Hans."

Elsa absorbed the admission with a squeeze in her heart, both sympathy and empathy rushing in her veins as Anna described an all too familiar situation. The blonde wasn't sure, but if her hands were not anchored in their place, she probably could have expected them to start shaking at the declaration. How far back was this girl referring? How long had Anna been harboring such affections? Well, if she had broken up with Hans, then.. Goodness, that meant all of this had been happening since the end of November!

"That bastard blackmailed you because of your feelings?" The calm voice was unsuccessful in veiling the malice threaded through it, the uncharacteristic vulgar insult enough to alert anyone of Elsa's opinion on the information.

It made her stomach bubble uneasily. Although Elsa had figured that Hans did something which involved her to play with Anna's decision making, she hadn't known it was on that subject; the subject of feelings. Emotions were sensitive and delicate. How dare Hans manipulate one of the most fundamental strength yet weakness of all human beings? Manipulate Anna's feelings?

The redhead glanced up to see the older woman's eyes narrowed in disbelief. Well, not so much disbelief as terribly concealed anger, no doubt directed toward the man and not at all toward Anna's decision of handling the situation. Pale fists trembled, clenched against the white fabric of Anna's coat fabric, deep blue eyes never wavering from Anna's own saddened ones.

Anna let out a breath, hand subconsciously moving to rub her elbow in a self-conscious manner, whether it be under Elsa's intense stare or just the weight of her story. "That night with Hans.." Her eyes were shifted away, not noticing the rigidity of Elsa's form at the mention of the account. "I.. You see.." She sighed heavily. "I only did it because he threatened to tell you about my feelings for you. Out me, and I didn't want you to know yet."

Anna paused before continuing, eyes seeming haunted by the distant memories as she further recounted her story and revealed her reasons. "I felt so vulnerable, I didn't want anyone to know.. Not Kristoff, Rapunzel.. But especially you. I was so afraid I'd ruin what we had, our friendship.. our partnership on the team. You meant so much to me by that point that it hurt to think you could.. hate me, or just leave."

"Oh God Anna," Elsa said immediately after Anna's whisper trailed into quiet despondency, heart breaking the further Anna continued in her confession. Her fists unraveled and she grasped for Anna's delicate fingers. "No, I'd never hate you!"

"You say that now," she said weakly; truthfully. "But back in December, could you have honestly said the same?"

Elsa hesitated.

The last three months (Hell the last 3 weeks) had been major growing periods for her in regards to her feelings toward her darling Doubles partner. At the beginning of December, what Anna had acknowledged was true. Elsa had still shunned the idea, and practicality, of falling for teammates, and yet she had developed such a deep kinship with her partner; fought tooth and nail to rid herself of romantic feelings and to embrace trusting arms of a friend. How would she have reacted?

Elsa knew that, no matter how much she wished it weren't true and how much she wished to alter the past, she had a feeling that she would not have been ready to deal with such information. Not at that point in time. What might have happened had Anna been openly honest, confessing harbored feelings of romance to the damaged person Elsa had been trying to repair emotionally?

More than likely Elsa would have gone back to her trusty defenses, hiding in her fortress of neutrality and isolation until she had thoroughly pushed Anna completely away so she wouldn't need to deal with such petty things. Petty feelings.

Oh, did that acknowledgement sting her heart now. She let out a shaky breath acting as a non-speaking response which was just enough for the other girl. The redhead gave a regretful smile.

"Exactly. Things were different then," Anna said, hands gripping tighter around Elsa's own. "Hans saw that too. He somehow found out how I felt about you. I thought he and I were friends after the breakup.. I thought he cared about me and accepted that I only saw him as a friend.." There was a heavy silence between them as both parties held their breath at those words. "But apparently he still wanted to be with me. So, that night, he told me he'd tell you my secret, unless I.."

As her words trailed off, Elsa could almost feel the shift in the atmosphere. She stepped closer, faces only inches apart. Her hand reached up to cup Anna's cheek tenderly. She had an inkling that the next words would be hard to utter, yet it needed to be said, and her heart ached. She prompted the continuation. "Unless.."

The tears welling in the corners of Anna's eyes did not go unnoticed. "Unless I slept with him." Elsa felt her blood run cold at the confession; whites of her eyes growing broad around iceberg irises. Guilt welled and swirled amongst rage, directed both toward the bastard of a man and to the horrible person she herself was.

Because of Elsa's coldness and frozen exterior, Anna hadn't felt comfortable enough to trust her with something as personal as this. Anna had actually felt so pressured to hide this beautiful secret that Hans actually possessed such an evil power over her. To manipulate her both mentally and physically. Because of her and her issues, sweet young Anna went through this awful event which no one should ever ever be put in. The whole thing made Elsa feel sick to her stomach.

"Luckily I didn't go through with it. I've told you that nothing ever happened between us," Anna hurriedly added in reminder, for both women's benefit, the words vaguely catching Elsa's attention although not doing much to quell her in her currently riled state. "We fell asleep and he never tried anything again.. But then he texted you right after. I found out that he was purposely trying to get a rise out of you. It was never about me after all."

The time frame all came together after that. Oh, Elsa remembered that night. How could she not? It was a rare blue moon when Hans would text her, especially in over a year, and they never failed to irk her in one way or another; but never to the extent that this one had. She could still feel that immediate sickening feeling she had developed of the mere idea that Anna and he had gotten together again; that Anna didn't trust her enough to say she wanted to be back with the douche bag, assuming Anna was probably afraid to be honest with her newfounded friend just because Elsa despised the boy (with good reason).

But Elsa had been so mislead, so wrong. Anna almost slept with the boy, but not because she wanted to; not in a secrecy because she didn't trust Elsa to approve of her lifestyle. But because Anna was terrified of losing Elsa's friendship; of Elsa's rejection of her.

"Trying to get to me by going through you.." Elsa confirmed her biggest woe. No words were able to culminate Elsa's feeling of loathing toward that sad excuse for man. She'd never liked him even from the start; never liked how he constantly tried to drive wedges between her and Belle, and now again with Anna. Anna! Her perfect precious Anna. Stuck in the middle and used as a tool in Hans' psychotic delusion to likely avenge his beloved Belle from Elsa's 'abuse'.

"It's so embarrassing to tell you this now.." suddenly squeaked the younger woman, eyes closing as a fresh well of tears appeared, wave breaking as her eye lids came together; tear drops cascading down the round edges of her rosy cheeks. "Please don't be mad that I didn't tell you."

Piercing blue eyes, once frozen with her loathing passion toward Anna's abuser, widened with sorrow at the subdued and almost scared voice. Her heart lurched into her throat. "No no, oh sweetie, no." She was sure she would drown in her own pool of guilt in that moment.

Quickly gathering the opposite form toward her, her arms snaked around Anna's shoulders securely, holding her tightly in a protective embrace; pale hands sneaking up into auburn locks and pulling Anna's head into her collar. The smaller woman accepted the warmth instantly, wrapping her lithe arms around Elsa's midsection, hands clutching at the silken blouse's fabric. A hiccupped sigh of appreciation revealed the cherished familiarity of melting into such strong arms.

In the otherwise silent study room, the words "I'm so sorry" were whispered repeatedly into the side of a freckled cheek, hoping to quell the worry and mis-placed guilt laden words of her teammate. Quietly Anna would shake her head and deny the apology, but Elsa would have none of it.

She eventually whispered into the young woman's ear; tone stilling all dismissals from Anna. "No more apologies. Not for this. You are farthest from fault."

The redhead's dejected voice was so timid. "Just promise you won't leave me because of this."

Elsa wanted to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the request, but only wrapped her arms tighter. For the second time that day, Anna was looking for Elsa's reassurance and she was in no position to let the deed go undone.

"Anna, I've promised it before. But still, remember, I will stay by your side no matter what you need to tell me, don't be afraid of that." Her voice hardened with a glow of golden steel. "And I swear, I'll never let Hans hurt you again." Honestly, I don't know that I'll be able to contain my fist to his face the next time I see him..

Elsa listened close to the young girl and began to wonder if she imagined the sharp intake of air breeze against her neck, or if there was a sudden subtle increase in thudding against her chest. She wasn't even sure whether or not the thudding was her own heart's doing.

With a calming breath, she nodded her head at the smaller woman in her arms. "Thank you," she said, ambiguous words of gratitude once again encompassing so much more appreciation than she could ever seem to put together into her vocabulary. No jokes followed, although the redhead always seemed to try. A mere smile and re-entrance of the embrace was all she mustered.

Elsa had already known for a while now that her studying was to be cut unexpectedly short tonight, to be eventually picked up again at home. She wasn't about to let Anna walk home alone after this. She never wanted Anna to be alone, or feel alone, through anything ever again.

…

The phone call had been terribly unwanted as the familiar chime began to sing from Elsa's jacket pocket, just at one of the most cliché and inopportune times.

As Elsa had pulled into the residential parking lot, preparing to drop the younger girl off, she made a quick check to ensure the puffy red eyes from earlier were returning to their naturally bright nature, and she was rewarded with a much improved Anna-esque expression. But when she went to comment on this, Anna had caught her partner significantly off-guard.

With a swift unclick of her seatbelt and quick lean over the consol that was dividing the sedan's front seats, her peachy hands landed on Elsa's jacket lapel, pulling the surprised blonde towards her.

The collision was head on, though softened by eager lips crashing together. Elsa had the right of mind to reprimand Anna for such rashness because such collision was quite almost literally 'head on'. Adept enough to know that, socially, this was not a time to say such a thing, Elsa quickly melted into the contact; hands reaching forward to brace beneath Anna's extended arms, gently coaxing their slightly contorted bodies closer together.

A warmth grew in her chest within the kiss. Only during the times of intimate contact did she begin to realize how long she had gone without the touch. More than a day was easily becoming too long by her body's standards. So she kissed the younger woman back, loving each passing second.

Yet as the seconds stretched to moments, and although Elsa had made sure Anna's face no long depicted any sadness related to the early discussion, Elsa could feel the remnants of need for consolation behind the cherry lips. As if reading Elsa's thoughts, the abruptness of the kiss grew more timid and less comparable to desperate contact.

Realizing this, the blonde responded in kind, twisting her body more behind her seatbelt, extending her arms to behind Anna's back and hugged her closer, pressure of their lips increasing once more until both women pushed past the closed barriers. Shivers crawled up her spine during the instant that she tasted Anna's breath and traced the young woman's tongue with her own-

-And then the comfortable stillness surrounding them was suddenly decorated with techno chiming accompanied by a loud oscillating vibration. Anna pulled back while Elsa immediately tried to ensnare their lips again, just to be held at length by the other student.

By the look in her sea green eyes, Anna had been able to deduce the caller on the other end of the phone. Not a difficult feat given that there was an incredibly slim picking of callers that Elsa even spoke to, Anna being one of them.

"Answer it," she had said, continuing to move back, holding out her hand to stop the opposite girl from protesting. "Family's important." The words held finality though empathetic understanding.

It was far more easy for her to say. Where Anna's conversations with family keep them feeling close and together, and are always welcomed with eager open arms, Elsa's contact couldn't be fewer and farther apart if she wished it (which she tried). Let alone, two nights in a row of parental contact was certainly something she was not used to, nor anything more but strong reminders of why she dreaded the very connection.

There was barely an extended pause of seconds before the phone started up again in a second attempt. Apparently, they wouldn't take no for an answer, at least not without chewing out her behavior during their next conversation.

Her blue eyes had apologetically looked back at the redhead as she stepped out of car.

"Don't look sad," Anna said gently about to close the door. "Besides, we can pick this up again tomorrow." Add in the wink. Place the smirk. Shut the door.

Mind now blank, Elsa thought her heart stopped beating for a whole minute, or skipped ahead 100 beats per minute. Uh.. whoah.. wow.. Like nothing before, this skyrocketed her already blooming attraction to the woman to a new level.

While watching the young women in her car lights, still in a stupor at the boldness, she physically shook her head. Elsa ripped the phone from her pocket and swiped the screen at the last moment to catch the second call, already holding her breath for something she knew she shouldn't bother with..

Now, the awful ever interrupting i-phone sat on the center of the kitchen island, white casing contrasting the dark granite countertop while the screen lay black and resting; a much preferred phone status than an hour prior when the call had been started.

Elsa let out a heavy sigh with her teacup was cradled into her palms; lone vocals echoing loudly in the otherwise silent room; her mother's most recent check-up (Hah. A check-up? Hardly what I would call it.) still ringing in her mind, like tolling bells signaling across a traditional town.

"It is something you should be considering more seriously, especially now. Not wasting your time with frivolous relationships..."

Her lids lowered tiredly at her mother's iterated concept, knowing that although her parents' addressed slightly different topics each night, both topics felt to be as equally unnecessary and exhaustingly repetitive. It was not the first time her mother had brought this issue up either, although it had been a number of months since her last attempt. The commentary certainly was not in regard to Elsa's latest secret rendezvous with her Double's partner, yet did no less pertain to the same subject matter. She knew that her family would probably never forget about Belle.

"While I was at a dinner part, I overheard that the second son to Florian Enterprises is an eligible bachelor. Smart, young, and has a silver tongue in business meetings.."

The phrase 'then why don't you marry him' flew to mind, but she knew not to speak it. If her father did not take well to sarcasm, her mother went beyond pure annoyance and became easily distraught at Elsa's disrespect; insulted, one could say. Maybe the only indication that her mother had a bit more of heart than the other. But seriously. How many times did Elsa have to bite down snarky remarks against her parents' words? At least twice in every conversation; the urge most definitely doubling since starting college.

"You're doing well, and I'm glad you took an initiative at Arendelle Trade Center, even if we could have done without the repercussions to our company.. And I just want to make sure you are on the right track to your future if these things occur again.'"

Yes. Of course she was. No matter the topic of her parents' preference, it always came back down to that very same thing. Infuriating most of the time. Elsa already was on track to her future, doing all that she could to appease them with the most minimal time for herself. She had been managing this on her own for so long. She didn't need help in remaining focused. She was independent. And I certainly don't need the help of whatever company heir she's parading around as an eligible bachelor opportunity.

Shoving the most recent talk aside, Elsa leaned herself forward. She placed her tea on the table, stopping only briefly before doing so to eye the unopened package on the other end.

Dust had accumulated on the large book; corner the only piece visible while the rest of the material remained under wraps of the package. No interest to be further opened. Spiral binding peaked through. The official branding of familial familiarity clear as day; damned snowflake with the Helvetica 'WM' stationed in the center. Even while growing up, she had felt somewhat insulted at the company designer's simplicity and love for the taste of dim irony with their logo. Come on. A snowflake. Really?

Of course, Elsa was just plain out insulted at receiving the company's handbook at all. Her parents were always trying to find ways to remind her of her life duty.

Granted, its mail date had preceded the fiasco which went down at Arendelle Trade Center before Spring Break. Several phone calls had been made since that time which she had ignored, knowing neither of her parents were happy thanks to their angry voicemails, but what else is new. Her only solace was that she was given some slack from her mother and praised for her calculation awareness. But otherwise, it was just the same old thing: Keep face for the company and know your place. Sometimes laying low was alright, even if deals are not adequate.

Basically, when all was said and done, it was acceptable, and even expected, to lie in the world of business. All that mattered was that the projected goal was reached, no matter what must be sacrificed in the interim. To her parents, Elsa's standing up against her supervisor for something she thought was for the greater good, just brought about another bout of hard feelings and family shame. What good was she going to be for them if she kept trying to make things honest and work-out?

Life was harsh and cruel. If you look out for anyone but yourself, it just crashes and burns at your expense.

Just like Anna, looking out for what she had felt was best for Elsa's feeling while she herself suffered so greatly a cost. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair!

Her pale face fell roughly into her trembling hands as the wave of her present day crashed back down around her; soaking her with reality and drenching her with guilty anger. She felt her fists clench against her eyes, along with the squeeze in her heart, just at the thought of everything Anna had said.

Elsa had to take a steadying breath, which did little to calm her heavy expiration; respiration still coming out shaky and forced. Her head raised again, stiff and robotic, blue orbs focusing on the book; that book which symbolized everything wrong that her family stood for, everything wrong that she would soon have to stand for.. that she probably already did.

Shuddering breaths hitched as she held her angered gaze.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she roughly shoved the package off of the table's lip, expecting to feel some sort of satisfaction, control, relief, anything from the action. But she had grown complacent. She must have grown soft, expectant of sensations.

For the first time in this lovely week of reverie, of exploring and living in such wildly unleashed feelings of repressed passion, of reveling in the snugness of warm embraces and exciting tingles, of enrapturing herself in the beautiful spirit of the most wonderful and thought-filled woman to ever grace this down-trodden world's surface, of releasing adrenaline fueled righteous anger to that who had hurt such an angel, freed from worries and woes of the future and with escape from that hauntingly pained past; For the first time since opening the gates and allowing herself to feel the freedom of her heart's expression..

She felt nothing.

The familiar dull ache of anticipated sensation unwelcome, but far from unfamiliar; a reminder so closely tied to that spoken from her family.

The ache intensified, lacking anything to attach to; waves of desperate unrest coursing through the woman as she stared at her future laying flat on the floor. The tiredness wracking her mind was now wearing on her mental reserves. Elsa closed her eyes and collapsed back on her couch, grabbing the pillow from the armrest. She roughly pulled the plush over her face as she inhaled heavily.

A burst of energy sent the frustrated vocals traveling though the linen casing, muffling the anguished scream. Hurt, pain, anger, loneliness; any emotion that could be interpreted from the ghostly wail would have been a triumph in the matter.

But when the pillow was finally dragged away from her flushed face and layed upon her stomach, lids heavy as her deep blue gaze lingered blankly on the white plaster ceiling, Elsa found herself still teetering on the brink of something, but in plain ambiguity.

With exhaustion clouding her focus, Elsa found herself in a fraught attempt conjuring tears to the wells of her eyes. To shed tears of happiness, anguish, desperation, rage, despair.. Just to feel in that moment.

Something!

Anything!

Nothing.

-End Chapter 25-

A.N.

Well that got gloomy… Anyway, Happy Holidays everyone! Sorry for the delay, but hope this was enjoyable, especially as the Hans thing was finally confessed; protective Elsa is amazing. Still exploring Elsa's growing concerns as her feelings for Anna grow in tandem, as well as more insight into her family life.

And the Polish "beautiful/awful" exchange was based on the Polish version of our beloved "you look beauti-fuller" scene.

Two more chapters in Elsa's POV. Next one is in the works. It'll be a little fluffier, acting as a second Interlude chapter.. then let the drama commence! ;) Also, scratch my whole comment of this thing being 25-30 chapters. It's got many more as I decided to flesh out the chapters more. It's fun to write.