Anna's eyes burned when she could finally open them. The sun was mercilessly piercing into her room despite the curtains' attempt to block it out. She sat up in her bed and rubbed her lids, feeling the uncomfortable crust that practically caked them shut.

Then, the ache in her heart manifested, and she clutched at her chest, her throat tight and skin itchy.

'Elsa…?' She whispered.

Another dream. Another horrible, torturous dream. She thought they would stop after so long, yet here Anna was, imagining a whole new scenario where she somehow managed to bring her older sister back. Back to Arendelle. Back to her side. Back to where she belonged.

'Oh…' Anna could see her hands were shaking. This wasn't terribly uncommon. Her body was nearly suffering from malnutrition. Her appetite was all but gone. The days were becoming more and more of a chore to get through with every one successfully overcome.

"Overcome".

Anna remembered when every day was a blessing. They were blessings because her days were just another opportunity to spend time with the girl she loved.

How long would it take her to get out of bed this time? Would Leonard finally claim he had enough and force Anna to take over as queen of Arendelle officially? Usurp the title her sister thrived in…no matter how complex the late queen's feelings were in relation to the burden placed upon her?

Anna let out a sigh. It would be the first of many. Hundreds. Like pieces of her soul exerted, Anna would breathe out her life, it seemed. Perhaps that was the only way to freedom. She felt like a prisoner in her own skin, after all. Nothing seemed like it would bring her back from the despair she was trapped in. Nothing but…

'Anna?'

Her heart literally climbed into her throat, and Anna's eyes stretched wide as the door to her room creaked open and her older sister, like an angel surrounded in heavenly light, stepped within, a white, transcendent dress upon her person. Five tiny, distinct crystals rested along the collar of the outfit decoratively, each one a faint hue corresponding with the four elements save for the middle, slightly larger piece, which seemed to shimmer different shades of the rainbow depending on the way the light hit it.

'Hah…' Anna gasped, clutching the blankets around her as Elsa grinned and tucked some of her now free flowing hair behind an ear. It was combed straight; different from how wildly she had worn it during the past three years. It reflected the visage Anna now drank in gluttonously: calm and at peace. Perfection. A goddess among man.

'What's wrong, Anna?' Elsa went to her little sister's side, an arm immediately around her and bringing her in tight.

Any semblance of grace Anna thought she might maintain at that point crumbled. Her mouth tightened and the tears came without warning, flooding her eyes and immediately cascading down her red cheeks. It was the sort of outburst that couldn't be controlled, emotions drawing from infancy protruding into the present. Anna had experienced so much betrayal growing up, that she underestimated just how fragile her emotions could be.

Her parents, Elsa, Hans, Elsa again…

However, Elsa was also her greatest source of joy, love, and security. Having lived for a whole season without her again brought Anna back to her childhood, where she was told she wasn't allowed to play with the girl she loved the most. The difference this time was that Fate seemed to pull Elsa away and, unlike when Anna's mother and father restricted Anna from being with her older sister, this extraction from her life felt far more permanent and hopeless…

With all this in mind, Anna attempted to pull herself together as best as she could, but the tears wouldn't stop, and she was becoming a sobbing mess. She couldn't even speak. She could only sniff back the fluids forcing their way out of her body at every turn. It was embarrassing, to say the least, but Elsa simply supported her as if it was the most natural thing to do in the world, and that only made Anna struggle more to stop her feelings from spilling from her soul.

'I'm here.' Elsa said quietly, her touch moving to Anna's back and rubbing it gently. 'And I never want to leave your side again, Anna, love of my life.'

Was she trying to keep Anna in a state of complete dishevelment? The thought mixed a strange giggle into Anna's whimpering, and she sniffed again, wiping her face with the back of her arms.

'Oh, man…' She managed to utter aloud after what felt like far too long. 'I'm sorry.'

What else could she say? Elsa had just returned and Anna was already proving why she was the unreliable sister. However, when she looked up at the older girl, and noted the way her eyes were red and lined with tears as well, it brought Anna a tiny bit of relief. She wasn't the only one overwhelmed by the incredible fact that she had managed to bring Elsa back into her life.

'You never have to be sorry about just how deeply you care.' Elsa's voice shook. 'You've been through so much. You've overcome more than most throughout your life, and being sensitive to such circumstances is not outrageous.'

'It's nothing compared to what you went through…but thanks.' Anna smiled, although her face felt swollen and unattractive.

At last, when Anna was no longer flooding the room at an alarming rate, she leaned into Elsa, feeling her sister comb her messy hair with her fingers now.

'I missed you. So much. This still doesn't feel real.' Anna took Elsa's free hand and brought it to her lap, opening it to draw on her palm and simply feel her sister to reaffirm her existence. 'I can't promise this won't happen again.'

A beat, and the pause brought Anna concern until Elsa eventually responded.

'Perhaps speaking with that doctor you mentioned might really be beneficial, then.'

'…I think so.' Anna nodded. 'I'm pretty messed up from everything. Thinking you were gone…I think it sort of tipped me over the edge.'

'So I've heard.' Elsa interlocked her fingers with one of Anna's hands, disrupting the pleasure the younger sister derived from the designs she drew for an equally lovely interaction.

'Oh.' Anna wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully, Elsa continued.

'I was preparing for our announcement today this morning with Leonard. He was…very concerned about you.'

'Well, like I said, it was not my finest hour when I thought you were gone forever.'

'Mm.' Elsa shifted to hold Anna tight with both arms, stroking her forearm gently as she did so. She seemed hesitant, and Anna had a feeling what she said next wasn't her initial thought on the matter. 'I want you to have breakfast with me. Shall we? Once you're cleaned up, of course.'

'What? You don't want me to head out like this? Why not? I'm sure I look cute.' Anna joked, following Elsa's cue to move on with the day for the time being.

'You are always adorable to me, Anna.' Elsa released Anna and gave her nose a squeeze, which almost made a squishing sound due to the congestion the little sister was now dealing with.

'Even when I'm full of snot?' Anna played up a nasally voice.

Elsa giggled, giving Anna a small kiss on the mouth. The look she followed the wonderfully intimate act with was borderline cruel with how full of love her expression became.

'Especially when you're full of snot.'

Anna gave one more purposeful sniff, and then laughed as well, her heart filling with hope anew. Elsa was with her. Elsa…was not going to leave her alone. Not if she could help it. The princess of Arendelle had to keep reminding herself of this. Scars were just that; they never went away, she supposed…

'I want to continue this talk during breakfast, if you'd like.' Elsa stood up, helping Anna to her feet as well and holding her hands between their two bodies. 'And I want you to keep me up to date with how you're feeling on a regular basis.'

'Whoa. You sure can handle all my feels? I have a lot of them.' Anna joked, but Elsa's answer was serious, and it was so comforting to hear.

'What you're experiencing is serious, Anna. I had only a taste of what you're coming back from and…it was a dark place I inhabited for barely a few days. You, on the other hand, traversed that abyss for months with no light in sight. You performed a miracle that put your life at risk to attempt to bring me back. These are no small hurdles you've had to endure all on your own on top of our already checkered past. I felt it in your desperate love yesterday. And this morning only solidifies my concerns. I want to look after you. Let me take care of you during this transitional time.'

Anna's jaw tightened. Her sister…really had changed. Anna always wanted to be strong for Elsa, knowing just how much the older woman had also been forced to contend with growing up. But now, it seemed like Anna could finally allow herself to feel everything. Everything. It was overwhelming; like when Elsa had confessed her love for the younger sister. That was the beginning of Anna learning to accept herself. Who knew, three years later, she'd still be working on the individual she wished to be ultimately? Maybe it was a never-ending journey, to an extent. Whatever the case, Anna was grateful for the partner she knew she had.

'Sounds good.' Anna answered meekly, because if she said too much, she felt like she might cry again. With that, Elsa assisted her with getting ready for the day. The queen helped pick out a cute outfit for Anna – a pretty spring dress that had a faint hue of pink predominantly about it. And then Elsa had Anna seated in front of their vanity mirror at a desk, combing her hair with such love Anna could practically feel the infatuation projecting from the queen behind her.

'Your hair is so beautiful. I know I've said that many times, but it truly is gorgeous.' Elsa complimented, making Anna's cheeks match the auburn mane that echoed her father's tone closely.

'You'd think I'd be good with the flattery by now, but I guess I'm out of practise.'

'I don't mind. Your blushing face is truly a delight as well.'

'…Meanie.'

'Ah. And now the pout. I can't get enough.'

'My sister, the masochist.'

'Not quite.' Elsa looked up, pausing mid-brush. 'Well, maybe a little.'

'She admits it, everyone!'

'Pushing you into a tizzy last night was incredibly satisfying, after all.'

'Oh, man.' A shiver ran Anna's spine. 'I really loved it. Felt so good.'

'I could tell.' Elsa grinned, but a flash of contemplation flickered past her strong gaze. 'Speaking of which, you honestly prefer men, don't you?'

'H-huh!?' Anna blinked, beginning to turn to face Elsa until her sister swiftly denied her as much to continue combing.

'I know we've had a similar discussion during the beginning of our relationship, but I'm curious as to what your current stance is now. After being with me for so long, could you imagine loving another girl intimately?'

Anna tried to take Elsa's question seriously, since it seemed to mean a lot to her. She considered the other women she knew in her life that might be candidates worth imagining. King Arthur? Rynn? Gerda Jr.? Mari? Lise? Thea? Honeymaren…?

None of them. Not one.

'I guess not…' Anna admitted.

'Hm.' Elsa hummed with her typically contemplative tone. 'So, I am somewhat the more twisted of the two of us, then?' She grinned.

'I didn't know it was a competition.' Anna laughed.

'It is now that I know I've won.'

'And what kind of reward do you get for that kind of contest?'

Elsa tied Anna's hair into a simple but cute ponytail, placing her hands on her shoulders and giving them a light squeeze.

'The greatest prize of all is mine already. What more could I ask for?'

Anna was caught unprepared for the charismatic response, and she could feel her cheeks burning into another degree of heat.

'Guess I walked into that one…'

Elsa leaned over her sister's shoulder and kissed her cheek, her cool lips immediately sending goosebumps parading all about Anna's body.

'Indeed, you did.'

'Why did you ask that though? About the men thing?' Anna decidedly pursued, fearing her increased pulse and desires might influence her into something she shouldn't tempt herself or Elsa toward when there was so much to do yet.

Elsa took Anna's hand and lifted her to her feet, moving to rub her arms tenderly as she met her sister's eyes.

'Curiosity, I suppose.' She shrugged, her gorgeous, violet-hued eyeshadow subtly applied drawing Anna's attention as she elaborated. 'For my own ego? Knowing our love was simply so powerful that your inherent preferences sexually meant nothing? It's a nice thought.'

Anna stifled a giggle. Elsa was so authentic with her. Only with her. They had overcome so much, and somehow, their relationship seemed to finally be settling into a semblance of pure trust and honesty. It felt almost too good to be true. They were even honestly discussing having a family together and even ruling Arendelle as two queens. Anna wanted to smile like a fool, but the sorrow and despair she had been engulfed in not a couple of days ago still felt so close it was difficult not to remain covered in it despite the light in Elsa before her.

'Elsa.' Anna embraced her sister, clutching on to her back so passionately she was a little nervous she might accidently tear the fabric of Elsa's dress.

'More feelings?' Elsa stroked the back of Anna's head with understanding, her voice alone forcing Anna's soul to tremble with relief.

'Pretty much.'

Breakfast was a perfect spread of all of Anna and Elsa's favourites. The aroma alone was enough to ease Anna back into reality after feeling apart from it for so long, but more than the delicious food set up for the sisters within their dining room, it was Gerda and Kai's reactions to Elsa's entrance that began to reaffirm the present she had managed to create after believing it was impossible for so long.

'E-Elsa…! You've really returned!' Gerda was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, her wrinkling features and snow-white hair reminding Anna of the years that had passed.

'We thought you lost forever, Elsa!' Kai's expression was tight, his neck tense with resistance to the emotions he experienced as well.

'I felt they could know.' Leonard revealed, closing the door behind the sisters so that some privacy was provided.

'Of course.' Elsa beamed, hugging both of the individuals who were the closest thing to family Elsa and Anna had besides themselves now. 'I'm so sorry for causing a fuss.'

'You certainly did that!' Gerda chuckled mid-sob. 'Why, poor Anna. She…'

'Now, Gerda. No need to bring that up. She's back now. That's all that matters.' Kai, thankfully, warned.

Anna wasn't exactly proud of how far she fell without Elsa. It was a nightmare she'd be happy not thinking about again. To be perfectly honest, it almost felt like it hadn't happened to her, in particular. The extent to which she was disconnected from the everyday was frightening, and Anna simply wanted to accept today more than anything now.

'When are you telling the rest of Arendelle?' Gerda switched gears willingly, her voice shaky but back to its usual strength and sureness.'

'This afternoon.' Elsa confirmed. 'Leonard and I were ironing out the details this morning. I feel well enough to address everyone as soon as possible.'

Anna swallowed. She knew her shame for how she handled Elsa's perceived passing held her back from being exactly enthusiastic about speaking to the people of Arendelle, but she also knew it was better to get it over with than not in order to move forward. Elsa would be with her, after all; what was there to fear, exactly?

'Oh, wonderful! Wonderful!' Gerda examined Elsa a little more closely now, her brow furrowing inquisitively. 'You…have changed, haven't you? Anna spoke of the fifth spirit? Is that what it is?'

Elsa nodded.

'Something like that, yes. I've found peace through this entire experience. I had many questions about my past and my future.' Elsa turned to Anna, winking at her gracefully. 'And I believe I've sorted most of them out now.'

'Are you staying in Arendelle as our queen, Elsa?' Kai asked now.

'That is, more than less, the plan.' Elsa committed calmly, and this seemed to elate both of the old family friends.

Gerda suddenly gasped, however, and she put her hands to her mouth, concern clouding her visage like a sudden storm.

'Oh! My granddaughter! When she finds out…'

Anna watched as Elsa's expression barely faltered. To anyone else, her reaction remained unchanged, but to Anna, she could see the way Elsa's mouth tightened just barely. Gerda Jr. had a complicated history with Elsa and Anna. Although the three females had mostly move on in a positive way, Gerda Jr. had been directly involved in quite possibly the most pivotal moments in the Arendelle sisters' lives – for better or for worse.

'She'll find out with the rest of Arendelle, yes.' Leonard stepped in, as if urging the conversation to a close.

'Yes. Yes, of course.' Gerda bowed, perhaps out of habit. 'I'll leave you to it. I'm sure there is much to organize. Please enjoy the breakfast. And…welcome back, Queen Elsa.'

'A joyous day, indeed!' Kai nodded, escorting Gerda out after farewells were exchanged proper.

'That was nice.' Elsa concluded wistfully as she went to Anna and pulled out a chair for her in a chivalric manner. 'Here you are, my lady.'

Anna couldn't help but blush, the public display of affection surely slightly suspicious to the intelligent Leonard.

'Ho! The way she treats you, Anna; few little sisters can brag about as much.' The attendant chuckled lightly.

Elsa grinned at Anna prior to proceeding to her own chair directly across from her. The table in use was fairly large, considering it was mostly only Anna and Elsa who used it, but Elsa's feet could reach Anna's easily enough – a fact made more evident when she began softly rubbing her ankle against the princess's.

Anna bit at her bottom lip. Elsa was being especially affectionate this morning. Not that Anna minded. Not at all. Was she just as happy to be back? It felt like a silly question. Of course, she was. So, why did Anna feel a strange knot in her throat? As if something horrible was about to happen? Was she just not used to being wholly happy anymore? Was she always waiting for the other shoe to drop? Was the experience of losing Elsa that traumatic? With every passing minute, Anna started to believe so.

'I'm here.' Elsa rested her cheek on her hand, elbow upon the table almost rudely. Yet, her stare belonged to Anna and only her, the queen's gorgeous, aquamarine eyes attempting to convince Anna they wanted to look at her for eternity and longer.

'I know…' Anna blinked. She knew, but even with Elsa playing "footsies", Anna struggled to grasp that fact lest she was holding Elsa tight.

Reading her mind, seemingly, Elsa took her various plates and utensils and brought them next to Anna, sitting so close they could barely move their arms that were touching.

'Heh. You two truly missed one another, I see.' Leonard was almost finished his breakfast already. Maybe he had started while Elsa was retrieving Anna at her request so the siblings might have some alone time later.

'An understatement if ever there was one.' Elsa picked up a piece of a sunny side up egg, breaking into some of the yoke and offering it to Anna.

'E-Elsa…' Anna had a feeling her cheeks would be permanently red by the end of the day.

'You need to eat.' The elder sister insisted. 'Say "ah".'

Anna swallowed, but then did as she was told, consuming the egg and noting her breakfast finally had a semblance of taste again.

'Is it good?' Elsa asked with an arched brow. She was so beautiful. So, so beautiful. She practically radiated confidence and beauty now. She was akin to perfection before, but now…she was practically otherworldly. Talk about intimidating.

'Super good.' Anna opened her mouth again slightly, resting her tongue on her bottom teeth playfully. 'More, please.'

'Careful.' Elsa whispered. 'I might not be able to resist if you present your pretty lips like that again.'

A tingle coursed through Anna's stomach, and she giggled nervously. There's no way Leonard couldn't tell something was going on, right? This was too much.

'Ahem.' The attendant cleared his throat. 'You two can play all you want once I solidify the details of our announcement today, if you would be so kind.'

Anna took one last bite from another offering Elsa provided before the queen turned to the man. He really had no idea? The concept of the sisters being in love was that…impossible to him? Even though Leonard was one of the few who seemed to wholeheartedly accept their unconventional affection for one another? Elsa was right. But that didn't make it any less difficult to affirm in the moment. Considering revealing Elsa and Anna's love to Arendelle, Anna had given the answer she thought her older sister wanted. And, at the time, Anna believed it to be the correct course, too. However…

Anna's stomach turned, a sadness creeping into her life once more.

I don't want to hide what we have. Not when we were managing despite everything.

'Very well.' Elsa collected herself and shifted her attention to Leonard patiently. As she went over the necessary details with the reliable older individual, Anna tried to listen as best as she could, but was distracted with her own thoughts and the actualization of concealing the love she had reclaimed. With Elsa the way she was now, Anna felt she could certainly talk to her about the change in heart she was experiencing, and that helped exponentially.

Why couldn't they simply go back to the way things were before the elemental spirits deemed it necessary to manipulate the people of Arendelle's memories?

'Simple enough.' Leonard pursed his lips with approval. 'I'll speak to Lord Daryun and organize the necessary security, but beyond that, timing is all that we need to worry about. You're certain you both are well enough for a mid afternoon announcement?'

'The sooner the better, yes.' Elsa affirmed. 'Once Arendelle knows I have returned, perhaps some form of normality will feel closer for all of us.'

Anna knew Elsa was partially referring to her, and that was fine. It was true, after all. Maybe Anna just needed to merge the dark world that seemed separated from Elsa back with the physical form of her sister.

'I like that idea.' Anna nodded with enthusiasm. 'A lot. I've…had a rough time properly leading Arendelle while you've been gone, and this is a nice chance to apologize for that as well.'

'Anna…' Leonard shook his head sympathetically. 'It is not held against you.'

'It is. I'm sure it is. And that's fine.' Anna felt Elsa's hand touch her leg under the table. It didn't seem to be warning her to stop talking, however. 'I messed up. Anyone can see that. But I fixed it the only way I knew how…by getting my sister back. I can't wait to tell everyone about it.' Anna forced a smile of confidence.

Elsa gave Anna's leg one final squeeze before releasing it.

'Very good.' Leonard left it at that, it seemed, as he gathered his dishes to take back to the castle's kitchen. 'Then I shall see you both in a couple of hours at the front gates. I'm looking forward to it. Until then, enjoy the delicious food. Gerda evidently outdid herself once again.'

'Thank-you, as always, Leonard.'

'Thanks, Lenny.'

With the attendant's departure, Anna and Elsa were left to themselves once more, Elsa quick to begin feeding Anna again lovingly.

'You conducted yourself admirably well with that discussion.' Elsa appraised kindly, mixing in some cooked pieces of potato with Anna's eggs.

'I mean, it was sort of the truth.'

'And anyone who knows us is fully mindful that your reaction to my disappearance wasn't outrageous. You're aware of this, right?'

Anna chewed, swallowing the breakfast and amazed by how good it tasted compared to her recent meals.

'I'm trying to be.'

Elsa poked her in the cheek lightly.

'Then what else is wrong?'

Anna sighed.

'Can we…just enjoy breakfast for now? I'm still sorta working some things through my head.'

'Oh?' Elsa grinned playfully. 'I guess that's fine.'

'Yeah?' Anna was somewhat surprised her older sister wasn't prying more.

'Of course.' Elsa laughed. 'After all, I have a little secret I'm currently "working through" as well. It's fair enough.'

Anna's eyes widened in shock. Elsa had just gotten back. How could she already have something to keep from Anna? Based on her tone, it was some sort of pleasant surprise; but what? Anna felt like a child all over again, begging to understand everything her mother and father had talked to Elsa about as she was groomed to take over the throne.

Anna puffed her cheeks and turned away to return the teasing in spades.

'Hmph. Fine. Be that way.'

'I will.' Elsa giggled again. She was doing that a lot. It was…really wonderful to hear. Like delightful wind chimes for Anna's ears.

'So, did you already write out your speech and everything?' Anna wondered, knowing she had to change the subject lest her inherent curiosity get the better of her and she start snooping into Elsa's new "secret".

'Not quite.' Elsa dipped into her own breakfast some more, holding food on her fork as she explained. 'I thought I'd mostly "wing it", as you would say.'

This solidified it.

'You've really changed.' Anna exhaled with admiration.

'For the better, I might hope.'

Anna placed her utensils down almost aggressively, taking Elsa's face into her hands and staring at her deeply. This woman, since Anna could possibly remember, was everything to her. She still was. She always would be. Anna didn't think her love could get any stronger but, once again, her sister had proven her wrong.

'For the best.' Anna beamed, and she kissed Elsa as passionately as the confines of their circumstances would allow.

There was still so much to discuss, decide, work through, and develop from, but none of it seemed overwhelming anymore. Elsa was back. Anna had every right to celebrate that. Everything else would fall into place so long as Anna accepted the joy she had successfully brought back into her life.