Chapter IV

Yet another week had passed before Anna found herself standing across the street of the Starbucks again, hands fidgeting in her hoodie pockets. She hadn't seen Elsa since the time she had been rudely interrupted by Daniel. Afraid he'd report her whereabouts to the "King," she had wisely kept her distance since then. It wasn't like she wasn't allowed to go where she wanted; as long as she came back with something—be it money or a simple six pack of beer—she could run free. No, she was worried Daniel would realize the reason she kept coming out, and for such an extended period of time, was to see the girl she had run into the night of the robbery.

The girl she was supposed to have killed.

Anna shivered at the thought. While she had gained quite an amount of skill for pick-pocketing and shoplifting, anything more violent than that she couldn't handle. That was why she had been so unnerved the night of the robbery. Once guns had flown from pockets, Anna had immediately stiffened—or started "shaking like a leaf" as Daniel had so eloquently put it. She even hated carrying her gun around with her; the idea of actually having to use it sent her mind into a whirlwind of emotions.

Again, she thanked her lucky stars she had run into Elsa alone. If someone else had been with her, they would have surely shot her.

Or worse, Anna thought with a gulp, made her shoot the gun.

That was one reason Anna had continuously been seeking the girl out, she wanted to make sure the Royals were leaving her alone. Although Anna was certain no one else knew of her, Anna wouldn't rest easy until she knew for sure.

But what if me seeking her out like this is putting her in more danger than if I just left her alone?

Anna huffed; she hadn't asked for all this uncertainty when she joined the Royals. It was supposed to serve as her family—as her safe haven. Anna had always basked in the idea of protection as her childhood had been void of anything remotely similar. While the Royals offered her protection, how far would that virtue extend? Would they still be willing to protect one of their own if they knew she was acquainted with someone "on the outside?" Someone who had bear witness to one of their crimes, no less?

Stop thinking about it! Just go find Elsa and talk to her and you'll realize you're overthinking like always!

With what Anna hoped was a strong, determined look on her face, she proudly marched across the street and into the Starbucks, lowering her hood at the last minute as to not arouse suspicion.

Once inside the coffee shop, Anna was welcomed by the smell of fresh coffee filling her nostrils. The assault on her senses made her realize that she had never actually tasted coffee before. Smirking somewhat, she decided that might be a nice way to ease into conversation with Elsa.

Perhaps she'd even get a free drink out of it.

"May I help you?"

Anna froze at the voice. Looking over the counter, she realized she was, sure enough, standing where the line began to order. All confidence left her as an older gentleman with balding red hair stared her down.

"Um…" Anna started. "I…I need a minute."

The man shrugged and moved on to something else. Anna looked around for Elsa, hoping to see the blonde somewhere in the store. When her search proved to be in vain, she felt slightly disheartened.

"Excuse me?" she called to the man with red hair. "Is, uh… Is Elsa working today?"

The man—Kai, it read on his name tag—looked her over as if trying to determine if she were the type Elsa would associate with. Deeming her satisfactory, he shook his head no.

"She has class all day today."

Class?

"Where?" she asked before she could stop herself.

"Arendelle University," he replied. "Do you want anything to drink?"

Anna said she'd just take a water and was surprised when Kai said it was free—apparently all Starbucks did that. Walking away from the counter, Anna began to think.

Elsa was a student at Arendelle University? Wasn't that, like, the most elite school in the area? Elsa must be rich.

No, no, no, Anna internally scolded herself. Elsa had nothing to do with her gang life; Anna couldn't think like that around her, she would surely scare Elsa off.

But still, Anna couldn't help thinking, Arendelle University?

Quickly exiting the store, Anna turned the corner before she could take note at where her feet were taking her. They tended to do that sometimes. It was like they had a mind of their own, her feet. They had been acting the same way the day she suddenly found herself standing in front of a group of the Royals, asking to join.

What am I doing, blaming my feet for my current predicament? Oh, Anna you really are a weirdo.

She soon found herself standing at a bus stop, and Anna's brain finally caught up to her body's seeming intentions.

What, I'm supposed to go surprise her at school? I'll probably be thrown off campus before I even step foot on it, looking like this!

Her feet paid her mind no attention as they stood firmly in spot, waiting for the bus. Anna simply huffed.

Well fuck you too, feet.

XxXxX

Arendelle University's campus was huge. After telling the bus driver where she wanted to go, she had been dropped off right at the corner, a large arch bearing the school's name looming above her. Anna then realized with much embarrassment that she had absolutely no idea where Elsa was on this monumental campus. It was already creepy she had tracked Elsa down at work and now she had done the same at her school. What was the next step, track down which class she was in at the moment?

If this isn't considered stalking, I don't know what is.

Figuring there was no going back now—the next bus didn't come by for another hour, at least—Anna began walking up the hill to the first building she had noticed. It seemed pretty large in size and seemed to be the focal point of the campus, she noticed after looking across the street and observing what appeared to be dormitories, perhaps it would be the best building to start out with.

Letting her feet lead her like they seemed so eager to do earlier, Anna complied in silence, taking the time to bask in the atmosphere the college gave off. She had never entertained the idea of going to college. Coming from a background like hers, it was never going to be possible. She wondered subconsciously what kind of background Elsa had come from to allow her to be going to such an esteemed establishment.

"Anna?"

Again, the redhead froze in her steps. Surely it couldn't be that easy?

Looking up, she determined that, yes, apparently it was that easy. Several feet away from her stood Elsa, a blond-haired boy next to her.

"Hi," Anna mumbled with a meek wave.

She watched as Elsa glanced to the boy beside her before moving to approach her. The look of burning curiosity was evident in Elsa's eyes, yet there was also a look of amusement and shock.

"Are you stalking me now or something?" the blonde asked, a smile present to let Anna know she was joking for the most part.

Anna still blushed. "It would appear that way, huh?"

Elsa just continued to stand there, smile still present. Anna cleared her throat and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You see, it's kind of embarrassing," she started, knowing an awkward rant was bubbling in her throat. "I wasn't planning on showing up at your school, 'cause you know, that'd be, like, totally creepy, but here I am anyway, so… Yeah. My feet have this thing where they don't listen to my brain, so before I knew it, I was on a bus and my mouth then blurted out that I wanted to go to Arendelle University and then I showed up on campus like, 'I'm never gonna find her on this gigantic campus,' but then you walked out of the building I was heading to and…ta-da?"

Elsa couldn't contain her laughter at Anna's rant, and Anna's blush only deepened at the action.

"I see you've been to my workplace already as well," Elsa added, pointing to the nearly empty cup of water Anna was holding.

Anna looked at the offending beverage, totally forgetting she was still carrying it. Sure enough, the Starbucks logo was emblazoned on its side, clearly pointing out that, yes, she had been there.

"Oh, no, this?" Anna chuckled. "I just put that on there to make you think that. 'Cause I'm totally not that much of a stalker."

When Elsa only laughed harder, Anna beamed. At least her awkwardness was amusing to someone.

Well, until the intimidating blond-haired boy came up to them. The smile quickly fled from Anna's face then as she eyed the male nervously.

"You must be Anna," he said. "The one who's in the gang, right?"

"Kristoff," she heard Elsa mutter as a warning.

Kristoff didn't back off.

"So, what do you want? Elsa may have said you're harmless, but forgive me for not believing her. No one gets off that easy after pointing a gun at my best friend."

"Kristoff!" Elsa then snapped, her voice much louder than a mere hiss.

"Sorry," she said, turning to Anna. "He's so protective of me even when it's not necessary!" she emphasized the last part to the boy.

"No, I…I understand," Anna said. She was slightly hurt at the accusations this boy was throwing at her, but it wasn't like they weren't deserving.

She looked up at Kristoff before steeling her nerve and speaking directly to him.

"Just so it's clear, I have no intention of harming Elsa," she started, glancing at the girl in hopes to boost her confidence. "My intentions are actually the exact opposite, believe it or not. I was seeking her out because I wanted to make sure no one had bothered her since…that night. Yeah, I'm part of the Royals, but that doesn't automatically make me a cold-blooded killer. Yeah, I own a gun, but I rarely keep it on my person. I have shoplifted and pick-pocketed before, but I have never harmed anyone ever. I don't smoke, although I do enjoy a cold beer every now and then. I had no idea a simple shoplift was going to turn into a robbery, and as I hope Elsa told you, I was scared out of my wits that night. I regret aiming that gun at her, as I would regret it if it had been anyone else. Although I may be a delinquent, I'm not a ruthless brute. I'm just trying to make friends where I can, and while they may not always be the best choices, it's gotten me by this far."

By the end of her spiel, Kristoff stood speechless, Anna was completely dumbfounded that she hadn't stuttered or had any hint of awkwardness in her latest delivery—apparently it was only Elsa who brought out her awkward—and Elsa was sparing glances between the two of them, eyes shifting from a look of disappoint to a swell of pride which Anna could only hope was directed at her.

"S-Sorry," Kristoff finally mumbled after his shock seemed to wear off. "I realize that was uncalled for."

Elsa just shoved him. "He always speaks before he thinks," she said, looking at Anna. "Just pay him no mind."

Anna just let out a quiet laugh, suddenly reverting back to a shell of who she had been on her soapbox just moments ago.

She was surprised when she saw Kristoff offering his hand to her.

"I'm Kristoff," he formally introduced himself. "Elsa's body guard even though she never hired one. You're okay, Anna; anyone one who enjoys a nice six-pack is good in my books."

Elsa rolled her eyes and shoved him again after he let go of Anna's hand.

"Typical, Kristoff," she quipped.

Anna just grinned. This was going much better than she had been anticipating.

"Do you want to grab a bite to eat?" Elsa then asked her.

Anna's grin widened. Correction: much, much better.

XxXxX

Anna had followed the pair of blondes inside the main building she learned was the Student Center and held the majority of the school's eateries. Kristoff had walked them inside, but then had to part as he had a class. He bid Anna a kind farewell before Elsa led her to the bottom level where the food court was.

Anna couldn't help but gawk at all the choices there were to choose from. While she wished she could adamantly demand Elsa not pay for her meal, it wasn't like she really had any money to pay for her own food, so she had ended up simply blushing as Elsa offered to pay her way.

The girls—after a good time spent deciding what to eat by Anna—eventually settled on a table a fair way away from other students, looking out at the campus before them. Anna couldn't help but watch all the people pass by, simply enjoying the now warmer weather as they went between classes. Unaware, Elsa looked on the entire time, a small smile gracing her elegant features as she took in Anna's child-like fascination.

"So," Elsa began, once Anna pulled herself away from the window.

"So…" Anna echoed, glancing down at her pizza.

"You mentioned you wanted to know if I was being bothered by anyone?"

The redhead immediately perked up at that. "Oh, right! Yeah; I mean, I don't think anyone else knows that I ran into you that night, but I just wanted to make sure. I don't really know how they'd react if they knew someone knew what happened. I mean, the cops questioned us like they always do after a crime, but our 'King,'" she emphasized the word with air-quotes, "always manages to make us look innocent, so so far we're clean."

"King?" Elsa questioned.

Anna shrugged. "You know…since we're the Royals they decided it was clever or something, I don't know."

Elsa just smiled again as she poked around at her pasta. "Makes sense, I guess."

Still not touching her food, Anna eyed Elsa nervously.

"I know you have questions you want to ask," she said. "I don't blame you and I don't mind you asking them if it will make you any more comfortable with me."

"Are you sure?" Elsa asked, noticing the look of what she could only describe as worry on Anna's face.

"Positive," she replied, even managing a smile.

Elsa matched her smile. "Well, why don't you eat first," she said. "I have a three hour break before my next class, so there's no need to rush."

Anna simply beamed at the girl's consideration before diving into her pizza, Elsa letting out an amused laugh in return.

"Although I am insanely curious as to how old you are, Anna," she said.

"I'll be nineteen in June," Anna answered after swallowing a bite of pizza.

Suddenly on a roll, Elsa continued with her questions, although at a slow enough pace to allow them to still eat and drink simultaneously.

"How long have you been with the Royals?"

"Honestly, just a little over two months," Anna said. "I'm not from here and I've actually only been in the city for a year. I'm from another city a bit further north where I was born, but I grew tired of it, hopped on a train, and ended up here."

Elsa knew "hopped on a train" meant Anna literally did just that; probably hitching a ride in an empty car which could be used to house hundreds of things. She smiled sympathetically at the girl as she realized it meant she either ran away from home, or didn't have a home to begin with.

"You want to know why I came here, right?" Anna asked. Elsa was a bit shocked; had she really been that obvious? "What could have possibly happened in my past to make me move?"

Elsa just nodded and watched as Anna sighed and pushed her empty plate away from her.

"I never knew my parents," she started out softly, and Elsa's heart instantly went out to her, knowing well of the thoughts that must be racing through her head. "I was bounced around from foster home to foster home, but was always too rambunctious for a family to keep me long term. It's kind of insulting, really. Thinking back on it now, I was always treated more like a dog they got at the pound than a child; like if they weren't satisfied with their choice I could just be brought back."

Hesitating for a second, Elsa reached across the table to take Anna's hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze and smiling at the pink tint that rose on those freckled cheeks.

"I don't even know how old I was when I ran away from the orphanage," the younger girl continued. "Fifteen, maybe? Anyway, I've been travelling ever since. I wound up here one day and the city kinda just drew me in, you know? I stayed instead of moving on to the next city and before I knew it, I was asking to join the Royals."

"You joined in hopes of finding a place to belong, didn't you?" Elsa asked, and Anna knew it wasn't meant as a question.

The redhead nodded in response, choosing to stare at her drink rather than their interlocked hands.

"Believe it or not," Elsa started, withdrawing her hand from Anna's as she placed it in her lap, "despite the fact that I'm at a school like this, my childhood wasn't much better."

Anna looked up at her words, shock evident in her irises as well as a gleam of hope. Hope that just maybe she had finally found someone like herself.

"My parents died when I was six and I lived in the city's orphanage until I was allowed out at eighteen. I was never adopted by anyone, never 'bounced around'… just stayed there until my time was up," Elsa explained. "I managed to find the will to work hard in hopes to pull myself out of the hole of my childhood, and with a lot of help from Kristoff, here I am."

They held each other's gaze for a while before nerves got the best of her and Anna looked away.

"I'm sorry about your parents," she mumbled.

"It's rough sometimes, but I manage," Elsa said in a somber tone.

"So, Kristoff…" Anna started in an attempt to lighten the conversation. "Are you and him…?"

That got a laugh from Elsa, and suddenly everything was okay again.

"No, not at all!" she said. "We're just best friends!"

Anna just grinned and raised an eyebrow in a questioning way.

This time, it was Elsa's turn to blush and Anna immediately thought it was the cutest thing she had ever seen.

"I'm serious!" the blonde cried, her smile only growing though. "We tried to date, but being boyfriend and girlfriend was just so weird. We thought it would be easy, you know, since we were such intimate friends, but for some reason or another it wasn't and I honestly couldn't be any happier."

"Uh-huh," Anna quipped, still grinning. "Guess I'll believe that."

"It's your only option!"

They shared a laugh and in that moment, both girls forgot about the trials of their past, their situations in the present, or the uncertainty of their futures and simply basked in the other's presence.

Perhaps they were finally beginning to find a place of belonging; and it was an amazing feeling.

I love writing Anna; she's so cute with her awkwardness. Although Elsa's really easy to write because I feel like I'm basing a lot of her character off myself, so I love writing her because of that.

Anyway, the Elsanna is budding slowly but surely. But guys, I'd really appreciate some input. This is my first Elsanna story—and my first attempt at a same-sex couple, period—so I have no experience here and am really basing their relationship off of other stories I've read and how I think a relationship like this would evolve. If there's ever anything in the following chapters that seems out of character for this ship, please let me know. I love trying new things, but I love it even more when I know I'm doing it well!