Waiting a week to come back to the city that never sleeps had felt like an eternity. Anna had never felt so… light-hearted, never felt so energetic to get out into the world before someone had given her the time of her life. Thinking back… she realized how boring her time here was before Elsa came into her life. She was always writing, always in her room… and Anna would never get out willingly. When she did, it was to get food…

But under the current circumstances, it wasn't quite necessary.

She hadn't told Jasmine, her friend, her only friend, about Elsa. If Jasmine could have a secret love life, so could Anna.

Being her had never gotten her this excitable. She was waiting. Yearning. If anything, maybe she needed this.

Her novel was almost complete, and by the time she was in her own apartment, she was completely distracted by the other night. She giggled to herself like a schoolgirl, catching herself looking in the mirror.

I like you with your glasses on… My glasses…

She stood from her seat, her full body uncovered by the reflection of the mirror. As always, she had a neon shirt tucked under her belt - this time, she had denim shorts. She pushed her glasses up her nose, turning her head right to left a couple of times. Suddenly, her braids didn't look so good.

Anna huffed a breath as she slowly pulled the bands out of her hair, grooming it straight… and she pushed them back from her shoulders. Honestly, she didn't look so bad.

Anna tilted her head, her fingers slowly grasping the leg of the glasses and pulled it off her face. She bit her lip… gazing… wondering what Elsa would have thought if she saw her like this.

You'd look absolutely beautiful… makes me want to have you in bed already.

That thought… immediately left Anna's head the moment it had gotten in. She quickly slapped herself. "You idiot!"

Though… if she had thought of it for a second, she knew, Elsa would say the same thing.

Huffing, and completely in denial, she turned to her paper-strewn desk and started cleaning up the mess she had made. She promised she was going to see Elsa today, at the same time…

Well, what harm would it do if she went to Elsa's loft right now? She smirked to herself.

After cleaning up, she had no plans to change her clothes. It seemed like Elsa enjoyed seeing her wear all this… nerdy and geeky clothing. But, of course, opposite attracts.

It was evening and there were still six more hours to go before the night would end as Anna strode down her apartment staircase and onto the street. She was just about to grab her car from the parking lot when she heard a simple pattern of honks.

"Hey, cutie! Need a ride?!"

Anna's face quickly lit up when she recognized the voice, the blue Toyota, and the blonde leaning against her door, arms above the roof of the car. "Elsa!" She waved, prompting Elsa to give her a small wave too.

"I thought I'd surprise you. Sorry, I broke the promise of being in the same place, same time." She nodded to the car. "Get in, cutie."

She just keeps calling me cutie. Anna could barely hold back her smile and the flush on her cheeks as she got into the passenger side. Elsa quickly followed suit, and they were off, finally.

She didn't need to tell Elsa where she lived to know that Elsa could be anywhere if she wished for it. Since she was in Brooklyn she wasn't too far from Coney Island… and with the way Elsa was driving and where she was heading through the streets, she knew they were going to spend time on the beach.

Anna couldn't contain herself though. Even knowing this place by heart, it almost seemed so foreign to her when she was with Elsa. She smiled to herself, looking at her surroundings and Elsa. In the background, the car was playing the same song that Elsa had sung to her the last time they had met. "W-Wow… you know, I didn't expect you to like that song this much."

Elsa laughed, one hand on the steering wheel, another laid out through her opened window. "I couldn't help it. I had to reminisce about the good old times with us."

"So how'd you like it?"

"Hm?"
Anna shifted. "I don't have my glasses."

Coming to a red light, Elsa finally got the chance to take a glimpse of her. Quietness filled the air as they stared into each other's eyes, but with Elsa's smile on her face… she knew the blonde was very pleased.

She felt fingers taking her chin, lips placed on her own… and Anna was in heaven as they kissed. Deepen. Deepening more. Anna was losing her breath, and only then, Elsa pulled away. Anna felt like she was back in high school, tasting the cherry red lip balm on Elsa.

"You look very, very beautiful." The car began to move again, and Anna was just completely speechless.

"T-Thanks. U-Um… oh! I also thought I should surprise you, which… I should've said earlier, but I forgot because you… well, you kissed me. And I kissed back. I-I'm sorry, I'm awkward. You already know it." Anna had completely shrunk herself.

Elsa didn't seem bothered. She had this charismatic smile that told Anna 'I-don't-mind-listening-to-this-at-all'. And honestly, Anna could talk all day if that was allowed. "Really? Look at us, a match made in heaven."

Anna gazed down at her lap, smiling timidly. There was something so sweet and wonderful about their time together, even if it wasn't long. They had only just met, and Anna had grown comfortable with the woman sitting beside her.

They continued talking until the car screeched to a stop by the beach. There weren't a lot of people there as the day was finally getting a bit darker.

Waves began to roll loudly towards the land and while Anna thought they were going to go for a swim, they strolled down beach, shoes in hand, feet bare. It was quiet… peaceful, and the seagulls began to caw loudly, echoing through the sky. She wondered if this was what Elsa wanted them to do… and if it was, Anna was fine with it.

She smiled, letting the wind dance with her hair, her hands placed behind her back. Elsa was smoking again. "You know they don't taste like anything right?" Anna stated.

Elsa perked her eyebrow up, blue eyes looking down at her. She winked, puffing out another series. "I do, but… I like the feeling of it."

"Do you actually smoke though?"

Elsa thought for a moment. "Well, it depends on what you're referring too."

"Oh. You're those kinds of people."

The blonde burst into laughter, and she brought her arm around Anna's waist to pull her closer. "Oh, please, Anna, look at the way I dress. You really think I'm a hipster?"

She shrugged. "Who knows, you probably just changed styles."

"Well, I like how you are authentic to… hm, yourself." She tapped Anna's nose with a finger. "I like it. People try too hard here."

"And you don't?"

Elsa took in a deep breath. "For the experience."

"It's always the experience, isn't it?" They stopped walking, facing each other. Elsa, as curious as those eyes were, Anna almost envied how free Elsa seemed to be. It didn't seem to matter what others say… she just laughed it off. "How do you…" She looked down to the sand. "How do you do it?"

"What?"

"Pretend that everything's okay?"

Elsa tilted her head. "Isn't it? I mean, look at us. We're back in our youth, enjoying this life, being the stupid us that we were. If I could have that again, I would take it in a heartbeat. There's no time for sadness, no time for… anger, and any emotions. This is fun. Isn't it?"

Fun. Anna didn't think of it that way. It was… another life. Another life that she could not waste again, another life that she wanted to spend with someone, another life that she knew she would be able to cherish again. She was writing books, playing games that she had never played before, listening to the 80s type of music that she quite enjoyed so far…

Did she expect to find a special someone? No. Did she think this was just fun? Of course not. It was just… life. Like any other life. A normal life where she could do normal things without consequences.

She nodded and turned towards the water. Her feet, warm from the sand, touched the cold water and she twirled herself around and around, laughing her heart out. She knew Elsa was watching, but it really was a sight to behold as Anna danced in the water.

The blonde had pulled out another cigarette and sat herself down on the sand. "See? This is the fun that we want, isn't it?"

Anna giggled, her attention fully to the water and how the sand just danced underneath it. It was getting rather cold, but she didn't mind it. Warm weather like this on a beach, where it was practically empty, and the sun was going down… what other day could be better?

She turned to Elsa, waving her arm with the biggest smile on her face. The woman did the same, fingers holding the butt of the cigarette. "Elsa, come join me! This is fun, isn't it?!"

Elsa shook her head. "I like watching you!"

"But join meeee!" Anna pouted. "Pleaseeee?"

The woman rolled her eyes.

"Pleaseeeee?!"

"Alright, alright!" Finally giving in, Elsa unbuttoned her blouse and took off her jeans. She had already seen Elsa in her bare body but… Gods, that woman looked too gorgeous and fit to even get used to. When Elsa came close to the waves, Anna didn't hesitate to splash her.

"A-Anna, stop!" She chuckled, but the water kept coming. This time Elsa joined in, wetting both of their clothes and body.

Laughter and yelps echoed through the sky, and all they were having was fun. And Anna felt like she just… belonged. She wasn't done with these surprises though. Immediately, she jumped right onto Elsa, legs hugging the woman's waist, arms wrapped around Elsa's neck… and she looked into the blonde's eyes, giggling to herself. "Is this the fun you want?"

Their nose gently brushed. "It's more like… partying and drinking for me."

Anna was impressed. "Oh wow, I've never kissed a party girl before."

"I've never kissed a girl in general. Looks like I beat you, huh?" Her hands began to hug Anna's rear to support her weight. But Anna didn't need to answer that. Perhaps… Elsa didn't want to hear it either. It was just… a moment. A beautiful moment. She wanted whatever they had to be real, she wanted this kiss to be real. Hearing a satisfying hum, feeling how Elsa was swaying them… made Anna want to kiss her longer. It didn't matter if she was out of breath, she wanted to feel this woman against her, she wanted to feel her hands cupping her cheeks, she wanted to feel Elsa's hands gently massaging her thighs and rear. It felt good.

And when she did pull away, all she could do was giggle to herself softly. "You taste like cigarettes."

Elsa raised her eyebrows. "I thought you can't taste."

"It's all for the experience."

A week had passed again. Anna stood by Cape Town, watching as people enter and leave. Elsa was supposed to be here. Perhaps… she had to run an errand or was running late but… Anna had been standing outside of the club for two hours now. She even let her hair down, wore a different outfit for the day… and still, without any notice Elsa wasn't here. She sighed, picking up her wrist. Her watch ticked at 9PM. Her eyes began to wander, searching for a blonde and her blue car.

"Where are you…?"

Another hour had passed. Surely, Elsa wasn't coming. Her mind began to scramble, and this time, she wondered if she had done anything wrong to make Elsa disappear like that. She would call her if she could, but how could she call someone who didn't exist in the city?

She wasn't about to give up. Sighing again, she entered the crowded club. Everyone else was having a great time, and once again, Anna felt out of place with the way she was dressed. She walked down the short stairs, hand placed on the railing, and it didn't take long before she recognized a man by the bar. Hans was his name, wasn't it?

Coming up to him, she cleared her throat to get his attention. His head turned, curious - almost judging eyes - examined her up and down. He smirked. "Oh, baby, you want to have fun tonight?"

Anna's cheeks quickly started to heat up. "N-No! That's not what I'm… I'm looking for Elsa, have you seen her?"

"Elsa?" He shifted his body to fully turn to her, hand waving the glass cup of rum in his hand. For a moment, he stayed quiet, and Anna could almost see a light bulb shining above his head. "Ahh… I recognize you. You're that girl she called… Annie?"

"It's… Anna."

"Ahhh - nna. That's a weird way of pronouncing Anna."

Anna shrugged. "I get that a lot."

"So why are you looking for Elsa?"

She pondered for a moment. Should she even trust him? She literally drove away before he could even finish his sentence last time. But what did she have to lose anyway? "Um… she promised we would meet here. It's been two hours."

He blinked, chuckling, his head shaking. "She's into girls too, huh? Well. I'm always being surprised by her whether she's here or not. And she's into someone like you…?"

Anna looked away. "I'm… uh, surprised too."

"Look, take my advice… don't wait for her."

"Wait, what?"

Silently, Hans took a sip of his drink, turning away. "She doesn't stick around. Who knows why."

"But… you've been chasing her… right?" Anna hated that she said that, and even hearing the guy laugh even louder made Anna realize it was a mistake to even come and talk to him.

"That's why I've been chasing her! She's not stupid. It's not so serious."

"Oh."

He wagged his finger. "Don't even try, Anna. But if you're so keen on finding her… well, try a different time. She'll be there. But it's not worth getting your heart broken."

Before Anna could even say anything more Hans paid for his drink and walked away. But his advice… seemed legitimate. Her gaze began to blank out, and all she was staring at was the half-empty cup of rum. In her heart… she was a little angry. No, she was fuming. She didn't enjoy being bailed out on. She didn't enjoy the lack of communication, and they knew they were comfortable enough to tell each other how they felt. She didn't enjoy the manipulation, the control… and right now, she felt something that she hadn't felt in a long time. Sadness.

She sniffled, pouting to herself. Fine. If you're in another time… I'll just follow you. No matter how long that takes.

The following week she arrived in the 90s. Cape Town had become a larger bar, but the people there still seemed the same. Everyone was partying harder, electronics were everywhere… and a few arcade booths had turned into console booths.

She sighed as she came into the bar, wearing a green and black patterned flannel, sleeves rolled up to her elbows, and tight blue jeans fitting perfectly around her legs. She pinched her glasses up against her nose as she walked around.

She felt like she was living in a different world, honestly. The slang was different, clothing wasn't too different… and technology… it was booming. Things had changed drastically, but that wasn't why she was here.

For a while she searched the place. She even managed to stride into the arcade area. Pac-Man still seemed to be a game that stayed in the club, but… nobody was playing that. Everyone was in line to get a taste of the new Nintendo 64.

Anna couldn't help but frown. She didn't care if Pac-Man wasn't being played. But she was someone who played it… and someone who had met Elsa there. Except now, it was empty, and Elsa was nowhere to be found. And without anyone she knew there… she was going to spend the next few hours by herself. Quite sad, honestly.

Leaning against the arcade booth, the same spot Elsa had leaned against, she watched as people danced, played games, drank - even trying to get some tonight. Some things… would never change no matter what era she was in.

But Elsa wasn't here.

So she waited for another week to pass by. Everything was different in the early 2000s. New York was thriving with newer technologies, and music had become poppier, louder, faster. Everything shined from the buildings to the people. But it wasn't anything Anna hadn't experienced. Flat screen TVs were slowly becoming a thing, gaming consoles were evolving together, and people were changing their styles.

She walked into Cape Town, where the electric bass from the music was making her heart pound. People seemed to enjoy it, jumping to the music, singing along. The DJ was encouraging it all. And as much as Anna loved seeing how the club was as lively as ever, her thoughts were somewhere else.

Wearing a tank top and denim shorts with high top black Converse sneakers, she found herself looking around again. She strode down the stairs, walked into the arcade area… and she paused. A flash of blonde came to view, playing with a dancing game. She wasn't sure if that was Elsa, but her style… hadn't changed at all, just like twenty years ago.

She didn't have to come much closer… didn't have to touch Elsa to get her attention because Elsa had already turned to see her. Silently, they just stared at each other. Anna felt so… well, she wasn't sure how she felt. But, of course, the question she wanted to ask her was, "Elsa, where… where have you been?" She paused. "I've been looking for you. Waiting."

Her heart nearly dropped when Elsa didn't smile at her. What did I do wrong?

Anna didn't say anything more and felt a cold hand grasping her wrist. "H-Hey -"

Elsa finally let go when they came into the bathroom, and Anna watched as the blonde opened every stall to see if they were empty. When they were, the blonde sighed, eyes widening, eyebrows furrowing. Anger and shame filled her expression, and Anna just didn't understand why. "What are you doing here, Anna?"

Anna scoffed. "I… I was looking for you. You didn't come for the last two weeks. I-I found Hans, and he told me -"

"I disappeared for a reason, Anna."

The redhead reluctantly stepped closer. "R-Reason? What reason? Is it… me?"

Elsa didn't say. She looked away, hands placed on the edge of the marble sink. "Look, it's best if we… don't do this."

It all sunk to Anna. She simply stared in heartbreak, in fear, in shock. She was so happy these past few weeks with Elsa… and now she was saying something so unbelievable? This wasn't Elsa. Or perhaps, Hans was right, she still had a lot to learn about Elsa. "W-What? What do you mean?"

Elsa shook her head. "We don't have much time, Anna… and I'm not even sure if I ever want to come back."

"C-Come back?" Anna squinted. "Why would you want to leave? You've been having so much fun… isn't that what you want?"

"Yes! That's exactly it, it was fun! I had fun." She sighed, and all Anna could hear was the disappointment in her voice. Of course, Anna could be so dense, she wouldn't understand why Elsa was saying this. But she listened… she had to listen, as much as she wanted to just cover her ears and get out of here. "I came here… to have a good time. To wait for my end to come. I didn't expect… this."

Enough. Anna didn't want to hear her continue. Fun. That was her final answer. While Anna thought they had been something special, Elsa just thought of her as someone she could have fun with. Frowning, barely crying, she quickly - and, most certainly, not wanting to hear more - dashed out of the bathroom. She could hear the woman scream her name, but she couldn't care less. She wasn't sure where she wanted to go, pushing and pulling around the people surrounding her but her quick legs took her up the stairs, hands pushing the door to the rooftop.

It was silent. Peaceful. The building was tall enough that she could see Times Square's colorful skyscrapers from afar. But it was all blurred when the tears just couldn't fall, blinding her eyesight. She sat herself on the edge, feeling the breeze against her skin. Her eyes slowly closed… and she listened to the wonderful sound of cars honking, muffled music, people screaming for each other across the street. The city was noisy, always noisy… but no matter which time period she would arrive in, she would always love it. And if she ever wanted to admit anything… nothing would change if Elsa was gone. Elsa… only made things better. Made this whole experience better.

She stared up into the dark sky, and heard the door to the roof open and close. Footsteps slowly walked up to her.

"There are better ways to talk this through."

Anna rolled her eyes. "I'm not gonna jump."

The blonde took a deep breath and sat next to her. Silently, as Anna watched, she pulled out a small box of cigarettes, pushing two sticks out. One for herself, and the other she offered to Anna. "Take."

Anna scoffed, shaking her head. "I don't smoke."

"Come on, there's no harm to it. As you said, there's no taste." She urged her one more time. It was only then, she contemplated and took out a stick. As Elsa lit both of their ends, Anna slowly took a puff… only to cough hysterically.

"I-I thought there wasn't any taste!"

The blonde leaned back, hissing in a breath before letting it out, accompanied by smoke. "I didn't say there weren't any sensations." She sighed, legs dangling off the edge of the building. The silence between the two girls felt almost… forgiving after what had happened. Anna still didn't understand… and she wondered if she still wanted to understand, but after all, this was someone she wanted to be next to for the rest of their time here. Forever.

"I… didn't want to see you."

"Huh?" Anna turned, gazing at her, meeting those blue eyes. Something about it was so gentle… so apologetic. Anna wasn't at that point that she was forgiving yet.

"I didn't want to see you, because we don't have much time. I never felt something so strong before. Never with my husband. But you?" She tapped her finger on Anna's chest. "I was confused. You… had my mind scrambling for whatever I was feeling, and I got scared. You scared me, so I ran. I thought if I ran to another era, you wouldn't find me, but here you are." Her eyebrows furrowed in worry, her head shaking… and when Elsa turned herself fully to Anna, her hand came to caress the redhead's cheek. She said all of this… and all Anna could do was pity her.

Perhaps, Elsa had never felt warmth? Love? Not for a long time… and even though Elsa seemed to always get attention or craved attention… love was definitely not in her dictionary.

"Anna, you don't know… how much fun I had with you. How happy I was. You made me question whether I should stay or join my husband. I couldn't leave him in the dark, while… I am experiencing this paradise, exploring this world, exploring you. I -"

Anna immediately quieted her with a kiss on her lips, and placed a hand on Elsa's cheek to keep her in place. And through that kiss… Anna could feel all the emotions that Elsa was feeling. Regret, love, guilt, happiness… Anna wanted to share that. Anna wanted her to open up to her with that.

And when Elsa returned the kiss… the redhead could taste the bitterness of the blonde's tears, could feel how the wind roared against their skin, could hear just the tiniest of sighs from Elsa.

When they pulled away, they took their time, pecking each other's lips. Looking into each other's eyes. Anna hadn't looked at her with such love and devotion before, and it was something special to behold.

Teal eyes searched Elsa's expression, thumb caressing the side of her cheek. "I… I don't expect anything from you. I wanted to stay here because I wanted to remember the life that I had lived. I can't force you to do that for me. If you'd rather… be in peace, I'll understand. I can't keep you here."

Elsa shook her head gently. "Oh, Anna… you're so nice. God, you are so nice..."

The redhead turned to gaze down at the buildings across the street, and blindly, she searched to hold Elsa's hand. "I've decided."

"Huh?"

"It was a unanimous decision with my family. It's not like I'm in pain anymore. I kinda like it here, being here… not feeling any pain."

"What are you talking about?"

"Elsa, they allowed me to go. Next week."

The blonde stayed quiet. She knew what Anna meant, but that would mean… Anna would have to stay here forever. "Are you sure?"

Anna chuckled. "If I'm being honest, no. But I've lived a life filled with joy, and I did everything that I wanted. Plus, cancer is never easy, never easily healed. I've been in bed for nearly two years. I think it's about time to give my body a rest." She gazed into Elsa's eyes, and there wasn't a hint of pity for her. There shouldn't be. It almost felt… relieving to see that - someone who would stand by one's side without a tear being shed out of regret… Well, perhaps, this was the last thing she wanted too.

Elsa breathed out, nodding. "I see. It'll be hard without you."

The redhead laughed out loud. "Oh please, just because I'll be here forever, doesn't mean you'll be gone from here permanently too."

"I know."

"So? Tell me about you. What happened to you?"

The blonde rolled her eyes. "It's nothing special, really. Cancer spread everywhere. It's not so bad. I have company. I have my nurse."

As weird as it may have sounded, talking about this was oddly calming. She almost suspected Elsa had put in a bit of weed in her cigarette, but thinking about it now, thinking about all the people in the city experiencing the same thing, and only came here to have another peaceful and fun life… well, it all just seemed so normal now. Silence overtook them once again, and perhaps, she could see Elsa was reminiscing about so many things because she just kept looking at the sky.

"I'm… really going to miss you, Anna. But I'll see you soon, won't I?" Elsa started. "Where do you live?"

Ah. That was an unexpected question. "Well, right now, I'm in the hospital of Mount Sinai in Manhattan."

Elsa's eyebrows quirked. "Oh, so you actually live here. Why am I so surprised?"

She scoffed playfully. "Yeah, why are you surprised? You?"

"New Jersey."

Anna suddenly felt glad. "Oh. Wow, we live close, don't we?"

Elsa took one last inhale from her cigarette before tossing it to the street. "I'll visit you. Out of this."

"Oh, you wouldn't want to -"
"But I do." Anna felt the woman's hand squeezing her own. "I do. And if you think you can stop me, well, too bad. You're bedridden."

"I'm not going to stop you." Anna leaned in, kissing Elsa's cheek. "I'm just warning you. And I know, I know, it will be you that will see me, and I will be forever grateful for you to be next to me when the time comes. I will know… it is you."