Author's Note: Haven't replied to reviews in a few chapters, so here goes.
Guest weirdly convinced they'll go to jail: It's really not that likely, as arrests don't tend to happen for these sorts of cases.
Tejot: No one makes it difficult to trust him like Gaston.
Kingboulevard: Elsa and Tiana together are Tielsa. There's gonna be an alternate ending released as a separate story for them, that you should absolutely check out since you're enjoying them.
Guest talking about their relationships with their parents: Yeah, that's pretty accurate. Elsa looked up to their parents and didn't really need that extra support, so their being away didn't even really register to her. While for Anna, Elsa looked after her more than their parents ever did and it made it all the more noticeable that her parents weren't around.
Derah: Any dinner party we see seems innately cursed. I'm sure she's had plenty of nice evenings with Belle, Gaston, or Tiana, but we just never get to see those events. Though Elsa does just genuinely have terrible luck with dinner parties.
I hope that addressed everything, and that you'll all enjoy the new chapter.
Anna tapped her foot on the marble floor, fidgeting nervously on the bench outside the principal's office. She felt like she was in trouble, despite the fact that she was there for an interview. Wasn't it supposed to be five minutes ago? Are they still going to interview me?
She doublechecked the time on her phone before stuffing it back into her pocket. It was 8:05, they weren't all that late, but as worried as she already was it was only adding to her anxiety. She hoped Olaf was okay. Elsa and Belle had both had to go to work, so they'd hired a neighbor as a babysitter. She was on an app and had great reviews, and Anna had her number and her parents' numbers, but it was still a new person that she had to trust with her son.
"Mrs. Agnarrsen?" a petite brown-haired woman asked, opening the door and peaking out at her.
"Yes, that's me." She jumped up to her feet, brushing imagined dust from her pants as she crossed the short distance to the increasingly imposing door. "Hi," she added, because she was completely incapable of not doing so. I sound like a nervous little girl with her first crush. I'm an experienced teacher, I deserve this job, even if this school looks like it could buy out my old one a dozen times over. I should've worn a dress.
"Right this way. Ms. Sinclair is ready for you."
Anna followed after the woman, and found an intimidating muscular woman in a suit with her blond hair pulled back in a pony tail. This did little to soothe her nerves. Is New York just made of fifty percent intimidating blonde women? Or does Elsa just love sending me to them? She did refer me to Elizabeth after all. "Hi," she offered lamely, waving, an awkward half-smile on her face. I make the best first impressions.
"Good morning, Mrs. Agnarrsen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Wait, they said that before. What did Elsa tell them? "Elsa and I go way back and she said that you were a fantastic teacher and were looking for a job. As luck had it, I just left a teaching position that we haven't yet filled."
"What happened to the old principal?"
"He died." She looked far too satisfied and possibly a little responsible.
Anna shifted in her seat. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Don't be. He was a monster and we're all better off without him."
"Oh." This is the weirdest interview I've ever had, but then again I guess I've never had one as a formality before. Wait, is it a formality or did Elsa just get me a normal interview? Because I am definitely not impressing her.
"Don't worry about it."
"How did you know Elsa?" Because talking about personal stuff is definitely what will clench this job. Why do I always want to know everything about her? Okay, that one's obvious, it's because I went years without knowing anything about her at all, but I can just ask her now, we're dating!
"Your wife actually helped me sue this school, back when she was an associate. Since I took over, I brought her on as the school's new counsel."
Anna felt heat rushing to her cheeks. My wife? Is that what Elsa said that we were? I shouldn't correct her, right? I mean, I wish we were – and we have the same last name, so this is probably the best way to handle it, but what if Olaf finds out? Sounding as guarded as she could manage, Anna asked, "So she told you that?"
"Well, she said friend, but when I saw your name – it doesn't take a genius. Don't worry though. I'd think Elsa would know better than that, knowing me, but given my predecessor, I suppose I can't blame her. I'm glad to finally meet the woman who tamed The Ice Queen."
This did little to stop Anna from blushing. I tamed her? Christ, she's sounding like Giselle. "I try my best."
"How did you two meet? I can't imagine Elsa ever doing anything that isn't work. Though that may just be because I only know her in that context."
Does she know about Tiana? Or about the tabloids trying to push me as a homewrecker? "Well, I met her back when we were kids. We grew up together. We had different last names back then, of course!" Well now she knows I'm crazy. "I was a Bjorgman," she added quickly.
"Then how'd you only snatch her up now? Maybe I need some tips."
Anna bit her lip. I kissed her when she was freaking out about marrying another woman? Is that tip applicable for you? "Oh, you know, we just started talking and catching up, and one thing led to another. Now I'm moving to New York and trying to get a job at this amazing school." She offered as genuine a grin as possible. It wasn't a lie; the school did seem very nice.
"I'll just have to try contacting every old friend I have then." Was that a joke? Helga offered a warm smile and shuffled some documents around on her desk before pulling out the right one. "So, I was looking at your resume," she continued, apparently unfazed by Anna's ineffectual reactions. "You have a good deal of teaching experience. The opening is first grade, if that's all right."
Breaking out into a broad grin, Anna nodded. She'd missed it so much. "Yes, that would be amazing. I loved teaching first grade before, and I'm totally willing to do it again. I think I was way better at it than I was at teaching high school – not that I was bad at that. I'm a good teacher." How did I ever get a job in the first place?
The principal nodded back, extending her hand. "Well, quite frankly, we need a new teacher urgently. The semester starts in just three weeks, and I haven't been satisfied with anyone else I've interviewed. Will you be ready to start in two weeks? You know how it is."
"Yeah. Of course!" Anna sprang to her feet, grasping the other woman's hand and shaking it a tad excessively. "I'll be ready. You won't regret this, Ms. Sinclair. I promise."
"I wouldn't expect to. And please, call me Helga."
"Right. Helga. Sure. Thank you, Helga."
With a dry chuckle, Helga looked her up and down. "There's still a bit of paperwork you'll have to sign, so don't go running off just yet, but thank Elsa for me, I've been scrambling trying to find a last minute replacement, and you're just perfect." If Anna didn't know better, she'd call Ms. Sinclair's grin lascivious, but chances were good that it was just her own love of blondes attempting to mislead her. But I have my own. And Helga doesn't even hold a candle to Elsa there, no matter how impressive her muscles and suits are.
As she headed back to her car, taking in the upscale architecture and perfectly sculpted greenery decorating the school, Anna couldn't help but think about just how easy that had been. Even as many times as she'd stuck her foot in her mouth, she still had the job in a matter of minutes, and would be starting in less than a month. That's just not how interviews are supposed to work! Is that what it's normally like for rich people? For people with connections? They just have a friend call up another friend and boom they have the job or they make it into the school? I should've just tried to get a job on my own, it wouldn't feel so unfair, but on the other hand – I don't have to deal with high school students! She could almost cheer. She'd been a fantastic elementary teacher, better than Rapunzel could ever dream, the lucky bitch, and now she could finally return to doing what she loved. Besides, Helgahad been having trouble finding someone else, so maybe she would've hired me anyway.
The lie consoling her, Anna drove back toward Elsa's – toward home. A smile tugged on her cheeks as she let that fact sink in. She lived with Elsa, they were building a life together, and they had a home. "My wife." She chuckled. Life was good.
When Anna came in through the garage, Alice, the little neighbor kid who was looking after Olaf, was seated on the couch with him, chewing on some uncooked cookie dough. She didn't look excessively relieved, and they were watching Star Trek, so Olaf clearly wasn't being forced to do things he didn't want to do. Those were certainly both good signs. "Hey, Ms. Agnarrsen," she said, stretching and munching on the stick of raw food.
"Hey, Alice. I trust he wasn't any trouble?"
"Nah, Olaf's a dream." She mussed his hair, earning a playful glare. "Did you need me to stay around anymore?"
"Not today, but I'm sure we'll need it again." Anna fished a twenty out of her purse. It had been just over an hour, and that seemed reasonable – and she didn't have any more cash than that, besides a couple coins.
"Thanks. I'm happy to do it anytime, this is the easiest babysitting gig I've ever had."
She'd heard that the few times that people had only babysat Olaf without his best friend, but it was always nice to hear. He really is a wonderful kid. "We'll let you know, but we'll likely need you in around two weeks, if you'll be free then."
"Sure, I'll keep my schedule open. During the day or evening?"
"The day. I got my job, and it starts the week before his school does."
"And mine, I hope."
I didn't even think of that. Anna held back from kicking herself. "I think so. August 20th?"
"Oh, yeah, that'll be fine." She beamed up at Anna, waving to Olaf as she walked to the door. "I'll see you then."
"Did you need me to drive you back home?"
She chuckled. "I'm half a block away. I think I'll be fine."
"All right." Anna snickered. That would look pretty ridiculous.
Once she was gone, Anna flopped down on the couch next to her son, pulling him into a hug. "Did you two have fun?"
"She thinks The Original Series is better than The Next Generation!"
"Well then, I guess she just can't babysit anymore. She didn't force you to watch it, did she?" I had just assumed he was the one pushing Star Trek on her.
He shook his head. "No. We made a deal to watch one episode of my choice and one of hers so we could see which was really better."
"And TNG won?"
"Of course! Although I do want to finish this one."
Anna glanced at the screen, where the title 'Mirror, Mirror' displayed in bold letters over the episode. "Mind restarting it? I'll watch it with you."
"Sure!" He hit rewind.
"But other than that, you had fun with her?"
"Yeah!" His missing teeth showed as he smiled. He'd lost two when he was at Kristoff's, and she was still firmly convinced that it was his fault. "Wendy didn't like Star Trek. She just let Lilo and me play video games, which was fun, but Wendy wasn't fun. She just did homework."
That's what I'd always kind of expected. But she had lots of AP classes, and Lilo had never destroyed the house when we returned, so she was more than adequate. "I'm glad to hear that. She's probably going to be spending a bunch of time with you in a couple weeks. So you'd like that?"
He nodded. "Yeah, Mama."
"Good." She nestled in, leaning against Olaf's head as the episode started. "So that's Kirk, right?" She'd only seen The Next Generation as far as she could recall, and only knew whatever of the original show that had managed to stick from Kristoff's rants.
"And that's Spock."
"Okay." The episode didn't wow her, but it was enjoyable. Maybe I'd have liked it more if I knew who the characters were before I met their evil twins. Nonetheless, it was nice spending the time with Olaf. She didn't even have to run around with a laser sword or a phaser.
After they were done, they finally did what Anna had been dreading since she broke up with Moana – they continued their show from where they'd left off. It still reminded her of her ex-girlfriend, and it hurt, but it was a good show, and it meant the world to her son. She'd work through the pain.
They'd gone through a few episodes, when Anna realized that she was growing hungry. They'd only had some toast and cereal for breakfast and she didn't feel like putting any more work than that into making lunch, so it was probably a good idea to go out. She messaged Elsa. 'Hey, I'm hungry. Want to grab us for lunch? We could get a hot dog and pretzel or whatever else they have at those carts and maybe take Olaf to a park or playground or something?' Elsa was busy with work, but she hoped she'd still have the time for it. Otherwise she'd just have to get delivery on her credit card, since her car and the rest of her possessions weren't supposed to show up for at least another day.
Somehow, Elsa made good time heading home, and they didn't even get to finish the episode they were watching. Anna was increasingly convinced that Elsa had to be magic, because there was no other way one could make it through New York traffic for lunch in less than twenty minutes. "So, I believe hot dogs were the plan?" She asked, tucking a stray hair back into her bun.
Her utter perfection used to be so upsetting, but now she was just perfect for Anna, and it was only endearing. "You okay with that, Olaf?"
He looked between them. "From where?" he asked hesitantly.
"A hot dog cart. Did you know one?" Anna turned to Elsa.
"By a park?" She stared at the ceiling. "No. But I'm sure we can find one."
"But what if it's not good?" Olaf asked.
Elsa squeezed his hand. "Honey, it'll be fine. We got you one before and you really liked it, remember?"
"But what if this one isn't as good?!" His eyes widened in panic. "Can we just go to that one again?"
Anna's mouth hung open as she searched for an answer. She couldn't even remember where that cart had been.
"They're all the same," Elsa said. Is that true? "If you liked that one, then I'm sure this one will be just as good. It's like how you like McDonald's anywhere."
"There's McDonald's here?!" His jaw dropped in shock and glee.
Anna pinched the bridge of her nose. "We can get some McDonald's tomorrow after I have my car. You can get a kid's meal. I know you're still missing one of their toys."
"I think they ended it," he muttered.
"Then we'll get you a new one." She looked to Elsa. Help.
"We'll get hot dogs today, and pretzels, and they'll be just as good as last time. Then tomorrow you two can go get drive thru. That sound good, Padawan?"
"Yes, Sensei."
"Then let's go. I have a deposition at two."
Olaf quirked his head. "What's a depo-mission?"
Damn. I was hoping I'd get to spend more of the evening with her. "So, you're not coming home until late again?"
The pain on Elsa's face was as clear as day, and it made Anna wish she hadn't asked. "I'm sorry. I know I said that I wouldn't go back to work until next week, but I didn't realize just how much had piled up."
"I understand." She didn't. "I was just hoping it'd wait until after I started work. Oh, I got the job! I forgot to tell you."
Elsa looked so proud smiling down at her, it just made Anna feel warm all over, and even in a mostly wholesome way. "That's wonderful. I wish you'd told me, I would've wanted to celebrate."
"Well we are." She beamed back, doing her best not to lose herself in those ice-blue eyes. "Hot dogs and pretzels at the park with my son and w—sister," she smiled down at Olaf, "sounds like the perfect way to celebrate," she finished, hoping that he bought it.
In the corner of her eye, Anna could see Elsa wincing at the term. It was obviously why she hadn't called her it when she was talking to Helga. I hope that won't cause us any trouble. "Let's get going." Elsa gestured toward the door, throwing on a less convincing – but, Anna thought, still genuine smile.
Olaf rode in the back, playing on his Switch as they swerved around traffic. Only one car tried to kill them, so it must have been a pretty slow day. So that's how Elsa made it home in time!
Apparently, the nearest playground was only a few blocks away, though it lacked street vendors, so they had to drive the better part of a mile to find their lunch before doubling back and finding parking. Rather than even taking a look at his food, Olaf ran straight for the merry-go-round and started spinning himself on it.
Chuckling, Elsa gestured toward a nearby bench, and the two of them opened their hot dogs. "It's not as good as last time," Anna muttered after a few bites.
"Don't tell him that. Maybe he'll still believe it. Besides, it's not that bad."
Anna offered a halfhearted smile before admitting, "It's not great."
Sighing, Elsa had to agree. "You should've gotten some relish then, or at least some mustard. Mine's all right with it."
"Ketchup is fine," she insisted.
With a roll of her eyes, Elsa bit into the food, careful not to smudge her makeup or smear relish on her face. Anna lacked that control, and soon felt Elsa's thumb on her cheek. "You had a bit –"
Anna reached up, holding Elsa's hand close before she could move it away, and planting a soft kiss on her thumb. "Thanks."
"My pleasure."
Leaning against Elsa, Anna finally released her hand and resumed eating the wad of meat, ketchup, and bread.
"If you get any ketchup on this dress, you're paying for the dry cleaning."
"I guess I'll just have to be careful then." As she took another bite, a drop of ketchup fell half an inch from Elsa's thigh. She was playing a dangerous game.
"I'm not sure you're capable of that." Elsa crumpled up the empty foil-paper wrap and tossed it into a nearby garbage bin. Of course it went in on her first try. The pretzel almost poked Anna in the eye as Elsa unwrapped it before ripping off the right loop in a single savage bite.
"I am so. And it's not like you're being all dainty."
"And yet I'm not covered in ketchup, and your blouse has a streak half-covering your tit."
Doing her best to salvage her shirt with one of the napkins, Anna surveyed the damage, still refusing to move from Elsa's shoulder. It wasn't half-covering. Maybe a quarter. How did I even manage that?
Olaf waved as he spun faster than Anna was entirely comfortable with. But, he looked like he was having fun, and he hadn't been injured yet. If he gets hurt, I'm never letting him on that thing again.
"You sure you're okay with him seeing us like this?" Elsa asked.
"It's just snuggling."
"We still normally pull away."
Anna searched for an argument against that. Other than that she just didn't want to stop, she couldn't find one, so she said as such. "Well, I want to cuddle my girlfriend."
Elsa looked down at her, and Anna could swear she saw hurt in her eyes. Did I do something wrong? "I want to too. I just want to make sure that we're being careful. If anyone found out –"
"It'll be okay." She squeezed her partner's hand, wishing with all her might to reassure her, but knowing that after Anya there was no way she'd ever completely convince her that they were safe. I can't believe she's still willing to do this. She must really love me. "I love you."
"I love you too. You know I do." She planted a soft kiss on the top of Anna's head, nuzzling into her hair. "But we both have lives and we have to be careful not to let word go around. It's a damn miracle that the tabloids didn't catch the connection between us. If they hadn't stopped just after those first few pictures –" She shook her head. "I just want us to be careful."
Anna was about to offer more reassurance. She'd actually managed to figure out a few things to say that didn't sound completely meaningless. Before she had the chance, however, an old woman with her own child – or likely, grandchild – showed up, the kid running off to join Olaf while the woman sat next to them. Probably shouldn't say anything more then.
"Is that your son?" the woman asked.
Sitting up, casting only a quick forlorn glance at Elsa's comfortable shoulder, the cloth still scrunched up where she'd been leaning against it, Anna said, "Yeah. His name's Olaf."
"He looks just like you and your wife." Anna swallowed. That was probably okay, right? "You two must have done that bone marrow thing I've heard about. That must have been expensive, but you made such a beautiful child, it must have been worth it."
Elsa stared at her. "Uh, yeah," she mumbled. Admitting the truth would have doubtless caused way more problems, but Anna couldn't help but light up at the fact that Elsa had agreed to her being her wife – even if it was just a lie. Not like it can happen, anyway.
"Don't worry. I support the gays. I voted for Obama."
"Oh. That's great," Elsa said, straightening her shoulders, the dress fixing itself as she moved.
"Yes. He was a lovely man."
Anna nodded. "Yeah, he was great." This is so awkward!
"Where did you get those pretzels? I bet my Miguel would just love one!"
Pointing in the direction they'd come from, Elsa replied, "They were about a mile that way."
"Oh, I was hoping they were here. Maybe I'll take him when he's done playing. He seems to be having so much fun with your little one."
"Everyone loves Olaf." Anna beamed, smiling proudly at her spinning child.
"Perhaps they could have a playdate sometimes. Do you live around here?"
Elsa gulped, but Anna nodded. "We do. Just a few blocks that way." She gestured. "He's been missing a friend of his, I'm sure it's nice to have someone his own age to play with."
"And I know Miguel needs it." She sighed. "I don't know what he'd do without an escape sometimes."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, it's nothing." She patted Elsa on her shoulder. "You don't need to be so nervous. I promise, I don't bite. I don't even have most of my teeth anymore."
"Sorry." Taking a deep breath, Elsa did her best to collect herself.
"It's okay. I'm sure plenty of people my age have given you a hard time. Bunch of putas."
As she was barely able to contain her laughter, covering her mouth with her pretzel, Elsa looked like she'd just lost a gallon of tension. "You can say that again."
"Bunch of putas."
The laughter was less uproarious this time, but it was still quite hearty. "Well, I did ask."
"My pleasure."
Elsa gripped Anna's hand. Clearly, she wasn't quite as comfortable as she looked. Anna could just imagine what was going through her head. 'If they were to have that playdate, Olaf could mention that I'm his aunt. Or if not that, she could mention us being wives, and make him start asking questions. We can't do this. It's too risky.'
Anna stared into her eyes, pleading for her to relax, and to just accept that things were okay.
Chewing on her lip, Elsa nodded her head toward their car.
Anna shook her head in reply.
"Is something the matter?" the woman asked.
"I just need to get back to the office –" Elsa began.
"In a little while," Anna finished for her. "She's just worried about the time."
"Oh, I remember those days." The woman looked like she was about ready to start reminiscing.
"Olaf, did you want your food yet?" Elsa asked.
After a few seconds of heated discussion about how to slow their time machine, Olaf and Miguel put a stop to the merry-go-round. "I'm hungry," Olaf said.
"Then come eat."
"That pretzel looks soooo good," Miguel breathed.
"Want some?"
"Can I?"
Grinning, Olaf took his hand and pulled him toward their guardians. "Mama, can he have some of my pretzel?"
"Of course."
They handed over the food, and despite Anna's insistence that they not eat it on the ride, they were immediately spinning again as they devoured the street food.
"That's just going to make them throw up." The woman gave her head an exasperated shake, watching the boys. "They just don't listen."
Anna was convinced that Elsa had a story to tell for this subject, and was a little relieved that she couldn't without blowing their cover. Having to hide everything about your relationship has a few advantages.
Elsa's eyes met hers again and she tugged on her hand.
"Oh, fine." Anna quickly ate her half of the pretzel, so they'd have an excuse to go to the trashcan. It wasn't like she could throw it in from halfway across the park. Okay, like six feet. They stood on the other side of the bin as they tossed out the trash, far enough away that no one else would hear them so long as they were quiet. "What, Elsa? She just thinks we're married, there's no reason it should be an issue." Of course, she knew better, but she didn't want to face it.
"Anna, you know we can't risk it."
"She's probably senile."
"Anna!" She couldn't shout without others hearing, but she could certainly make her tone as terse as Anna had ever heard it.
"We can have friends."
"We can." Elsa ran her thumb along Anna's knuckles, and Anna felt her irritation quickly falling away. "We just have to be careful."
"I know. It just sucks."
"It does. But it's worth it."
Well, fine. I can't be mad at her, or even argue, after she said that. She stared at her feet, her cheeks far too warm in the New York summer heat.
"I can't believe we're that obviously a couple." Elsa groaned through gritted teeth. "I figured we could at least keep it under wraps for a few months before we'd have to manage a cover."
"Really? I mean, you saw those tabloids."
"Yeah, but they're tabloids, they try to sensationalize. She just immediately assumed we were married and that –" she stared at Olaf. "That he's my kid."
Was that what was bothering her? Because she didn't want kids and now she kind of ended up with one anyway? But she loves Olaf! He does kind of look like her, actually. "Elsa…"
"I don't mean it like that." I guess she realized how that sounded too. "I love Olaf, I just didn't think people would – I mean."
Well, since we're on the subject, now seems as good a time as any to mention what Ms. Sinclair said. "Helga thought we were married too."
Elsa's jaw dropped. "What? But – I said friend!" That may have actually been loud enough for the others to hear.
"We have the same last name. She just put two and two together."
"But she could – what if –" Elsa took a deep breath, her eyes wide and frantic.
"It's fine."
"Unless it isn't. Hell, aren't you still listed as my sister online? People look into their potential employees' social media accounts."
Anna blinked. She blinked again. "Fuck," she whispered.
"Maybe fix that."
Grabbing her phone, Anna wasted no time in removing that particular damning piece of evidence. "How am I so bad at this?"
"Because it's not a thing we should even have to think about?"
Then why does it turn me on? "Yeah. I know. You're right."
"So, I guess I'm your wife now."
"What?" The change not yet saved, Anna couldn't help but stare up at her partner, trying to figure out just what she meant.
"That's the story we have to use. It explains your last name, and it should keep things safe. We just can't let Olaf, or anyone who already knew you as my sister find out."
Wow, it must be serious for her to use that word. "At least we have a plan now?"
"Yeah. At least we have a plan."
Elsa didn't look as relieved as that should make her, but Anna supposed she could hardly blame her. Their relationship brought complicated to a whole new level. Fortunately, she didn't have to stick around to hash out who knew what and exactly how to go over everything. They'd do that later. That deposition wasn't going to wait for her – unless it would, Anna wasn't sure how it worked.
Either way, it gave them a good excuse to say goodbye to Olaf's new friend, and to head home. They weren't asked about that playdate again, though Anna figured that if they kept going to that playground, they may end up running into them again. But, all of that could wait. She had a new job, they had a plan to try to keep themselves safe, and most importantly: she had a wife.
