The grand finale!
Hope it doesn't disappoint.
At first, Elsa's kiss is soft and tender, her warmth spreading through her lips and into yours.
You don't feel so cold anymore as your hands intertwine with hers.
The kiss grows more passionate, resulting in an odd, almost-pleasant heat emanating from your heart and working its way around the rest of your body.
Elsa has to pull away. Your lips are so hot they're practically burning.
"What is it?" you ask, confused. "Are you alright?"
She stares at you in shock, making you nervous. "Your hair," she utters. "It-It's reverting back to its original colour!"
Wide eyed, you rush over to the frozen lake to look at your reflection.
She's right!
"Elsa, what did you do? Does this mean that-that you unfroze my heart?"
She stares at her hands, unsure and afraid. "I don't know."
"Hey, it's okay," you say, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" she exclaims. "I-I don't want to hurt you again."
"But you won't. Don't you see, Elsa? Your powers are fuelled by emotion. When we were skating you were so happy. Your ice-"
"Is a curse! I shouldn't have used my powers so recklessly! They're too dangerous!"
The earth around her is beginning to freeze. A hail is forming above your heads. She needs to calm down.
Elsa realises. "Control it," she thinks aloud. "Conceal, don't feel."
You shake your head. "No! You can't keep bottling everything up. Don't allow fear to win. Let it go!"
"Let it go? I can't! I-"
"Listen to me, Elsa!" A howl of blisteringly cold wind rushes against you, attempting to push you away. "Your powers are a gift! Embrace them!"
She listens, your words having an effect. "Let it go," she breathes.
You smile. "Y-Yeah, that's it! Just think positive. Think about your sister and brother. You love them, right?"
She nods. "Think of Anna," she says, closing her eyes. "Think of Olaf."
As she does this, her powers start to subside and the ice surrounding her - including the frozen lake - thaws before your very eyes.
Revelling in her newfound control, Elsa grins.
Love.
The key to controlling her powers...
Love!
She raises her hands into the air, gathering the thawed ice into one breathtaking giant snowflake.
"Whoa," is all you can say.
The giant snowflake expands, then disperses at Elsa's command.
Exhausted, she sighs with relief, a smile still evident as she collapses into your arms.
"Elsa!"
She's drained but elated. "Love," she whispers, looking into your eyes, "will thaw."
"Huh?"
"Love will thaw," she repeats. "You were right."
"No, Elsa," you respond, smiling. "I did nothing. This was all you."
The pair of you just lie there for a while, waiting for Elsa's strength to return.
She notices you're shivering and cuddles into you.
She's warmer than the softest blanket. More beautiful than the purest snowfall.
You're the one to initiate a kiss this time, much to the blonde's satisfaction.
It pleases her to know she hasn't completely scared you away yet.
Elsa's phone buzzes.
"It's Anna," she says, checking it.
The redhead has sent her sister a text asking where you and Elsa disappeared to, that you're both missing out on all the fun.
Somehow you highly doubt that.
Elsa tries to stand, but is still utterly spent from using her powers to such a large degree.
There's no way you're letting her walk back to the campsite in her condition.
"How about a piggyback?" you suggest.
Amused by the idea, Elsa sizes you up. "Are you sure you'll be fine carrying me for that amount of distance?"
"Are you kidding?" you say, looking her up and down. "You're tiny. I mean, you're tall, but you're skinny. Nice skinny, though!" You try to find a more pleasant sounding word. "Slender!"
Elsa stifles a giggle out of politeness. "Thank you," she says, clearing her throat. "In that case, I'd love a piggyback."
She's feeling nostalgic. She hasn't been carried in years. The only people she remembers ever doing so are Kai, Gerda and her parents.
Crouching down so she can climb on, all you can think of is how different everything is going to be from this moment onwards, how Elsa's life is going to change for the better now she's able to control her powers.
Knowing she's happy, you're happy.
She mounts your back and the two of you return to the campsite where Anna and Kristoff await.
-x-
When you arrive at the campsite, the first thing Anna notices is that you're carrying Elsa.
"What happened?" she asks her sister, worried. "Did you twist your ankle or something?"
Smiling, Elsa shakes her head. "I'm fine, Anna. Just tired."
"Tired?" Anna realises something is missing. "Elsa, your gloves-"
"Are no longer necessary. I'll explain everything once we're home. But for now, Anna, go have fun. Be with your friends. Be with Kristoff."
The redhead can see the blonde means what she says, that she really does want nothing more than for her sister to enjoy herself.
Anna nods. "Okay, Elsa. But as soon as we get home..."
"Yes," the blonde replies. "All will be clear. I promise."
On that note, the redhead returns to her usual group, leaving you and Elsa alone to do your own thing.
The rest of the night the pair of you can't keep your hands off each other. Or your lips.
Other kids from school who've never even seen Elsa have a conversation with anyone except Anna are shocked.
Since when did the 'Ice Queen' develop such a fiery personality?
You're both having a great time together...until Hans Westergard and his friends decide to ruin it.
"Well, look who it is," says Hans, sneering. "Fancy seeing you two here. At a party of all places. With people. Fascinating."
You step in front of Elsa protectively, remembering the incident in the cafeteria not long ago.
"Oh, don't worry," he says. "I don't want any trouble. In fact, if we could have a word in private?"
Hans's friends all glance at each other and shrug, then proceed to wander off a short distance, giving you, Elsa and Hans some privacy.
Elsa clings to you without realising, holding on tightly to your arm for comfort.
"You know, Elsa," Hans says. "I'm impressed. Who would've guessed such a timid girl possessed so much power?"
Your and Elsa's hearts stop simultaneously. How in the world did Hans find out about her abilities?
He shrugs. "I followed you. What can I say? I was curious as to what you two freaks were up to." He smirks. "Managed to get a few pictures on my phone while I was at it. Recorded a little video, too, just in case."
Furious, you almost lunge at him, but Elsa being on your arm makes you think twice.
"I wonder how everyone will react when they see these." He shows you both his phone screen - various images of Elsa freezing the lake and then thawing it. "Don't bother trying to break my phone or anything. I already uploaded them to the cloud."
You clench your hands into fists.
Elsa's grip tightens on you. "Please, Hans, why are you doing this? What do you want?"
"That's easy. Tell me how you got your powers. How can I learn to do what you do?"
"Learn?" She narrows her eyes. "I was born with them. You can't-"
"Liar! I don't believe you."
"It's the truth," you insist.
"Fine. Be difficult." Hans gestures to an image on his phone. "The internet will love these."
Elsa's breath hitches. She doesn't know what she can say to dissuade him.
"Go ahead," you snarl. "No one will think they're real, anyway. Ever heard of photoshopping?"
"Ever heard of my brothers?" Hans asks. "My eldest is the owner and chairman of Westergard Industries. If I told him what I saw tonight, he'd have your girlfriend on a slab faster than you can say lab rat."
Elsa is shaking, starting to lose control again. She's terrified and frustrated. Why should she allow Hans to threaten and abuse her when she could easily wipe him out?
"Wh-What's wrong with her? Why's she looking at me like that?"
As much as Hans deserves it, you know Elsa wouldn't forgive herself if she hurt someone else.
"Calm down," you whisper in her ear, stroking a loose strand of blonde hair out her face. "We'll figure this out together. I'll protect you."
Nodding, she takes a deep breath and wraps her arms around you, then glares at Hans.
You glare alongside her.
"So, upsetting you will unleash your powers," he muses. "Interesting."
Elsa raises her chin at him in disdain.
"Bit of advice, Hans," you say. "I'd delete that 'evidence' if I were you. Elsa can be pretty cold if she's pushed."
Cold? The blonde raises an eyebrow at you questionably.
You smile at her. "Sorry. Couldn't resist."
She rolls her eyes.
"You have until the date of the school dance," Hans states. "If you don't share your secret with me by then, I'll reveal the video and pictures to everybody." He turns to walk away and rejoin his friends. "You've been warned."
Elsa and you both swallow. What on Earth are you going to do?
-x-
In the following weeks, Hans's threat lingers at the back of yours and Elsa's minds.
Neither of you can enjoy your new relationship like this. And even worse, Elsa is struggling to maintain control of her powers.
Anna has suggested numerous times that the three of you kidnap Hans, force him to delete the images of Elsa. But unless you kill him, there's no way you can prevent him from squealing to his twelve older brothers.
You'd be willing to do it. If it means protecting Elsa, you'll do anything. Murder included.
But, being the gentle, kind-hearted person she is, she's completely opposed, of course.
Tonight is the school dance, where Hans will be, expecting Elsa to give him information she can't provide.
Gerda and Kai have no idea about Hans. If they did they'd make the twins pack their belongings and flee the country as soon as possible, severing all ties with their present lives.
Anna would have to abandon Kristoff. She'd never get to see him again.
He'd be crushed, the poor guy.
And you, you'd lose Elsa. Quite possibly forever.
You don't think you could handle that.
"Come on, Elsa!"
Anna and you are waiting outside her sister's bedroom.
"How long are you going to be?" asks the redhead, her back slumped against the door. "I'm sure you look gorgeous. We're waiting for you."
The door suddenly opens and Anna falls backwards.
Her sister catches her.
"Whoa, Elsa," gasps Anna, as the blonde steadies her to her feet. "You look different. It's a good different."
Struck by Elsa's beauty, you're speechless, unable to avert your gaze.
She blushes when she notices your reaction.
Anna is inspecting her twin's gown and side braid with awe, remarking how she wishes her hair was as manageable.
"I can't believe you made this with your powers, Elsa. It's incredible. And I love these shoes!"
Kristoff picks the three of you up in his jeep.
He seems uncomfortable wearing a suit. He's not exactly a fan of 'dressing up'. But like you would for Elsa, he'd do whatever it took to please Anna.
You notice his eyebrows shoot up as the sisters enter his car.
Anna is radiant as expected, her green dress complementing her every feature.
Kristoff only has eyes for her. But he can't deny that Elsa is the picture of sophisticated grace tonight.
Who knew Anna's reserved, uptight sister could transform into something so lovely.
Kristoff winks at you in the rear-view mirror as if to congratulate you on having such a stunning girlfriend.
You nod and smile in response.
-x-
At the dance, Elsa turns heads. Practically everyone is fawning over her, much to the scorn of a few jealous girls.
It warms Anna's heart to watch sister receive the positive attention she deserves, even if it is just from shallow kids who've either ignored or persecuted her since she started at Arendelle High.
You're proud to have Elsa on your arm. You can't stop grinning.
As the night progresses, you and Elsa share a dance.
So far, all is well. There's no sign of Hans or his friends.
Elsa rests her head on your shoulder as you slow dance.
"I'm having a wonderful time," she says. "Thank you for believing in me, for not giving up."
You kiss her forehead. "I'll always believe in you, Elsa. You're amazing."
Her phone buzzes.
You're both thinking the same thing.
Hans.
Elsa relaxes once she sees it's just a text from Gerda. She opens the message and reads it, her relief quickly vanishing.
"No," she breathes. "Olaf."
Your eyes widen. "Olaf?"
Burying her face in her hands, Elsa nods.
You allow her to lean on you as she's feeling light-headed. Keeping her powers in check while under so much stress isn't easy.
"My little brother," she utters. "He's not in his bed. Gerda can't find him anywhere."
"Olaf is missing?" you think aloud, considering the possibilities of where he might have gone. "Hans."
Elsa's head snaps up. "Of course." She stares at her hands, at the frost forming on them. "If he's hurt Olaf..."
The two of you agree not to tell Anna, to let her enjoy tonight with Kristoff while she can.
Elsa texts Hans saying she knows what he's done.
He responds with a picture message of a tearful Olaf, wrists tied behind his back and gagged.
You and Elsa discuss where Hans could be holding him.
Elsa remembers Anna mentioning Hans's family owns a cabin by the lake at the North Mountain. That's where he attempted to force himself on her and why she broke up with him in the first instance.
You and Elsa call Kai and Gerda, explaining everything.
They pick the pair of you up in the Andersens' family car and drive to the Westergards' cabin.
-x-
Pulling up outside the cabin, Elsa grips your hand in anticipation.
Her skin is as cold as ice.
"Stay in the car," she tells you. "This is my fight."
"No way." You take both her hands in yours. "You're not going in there alone."
After a bit of persuasion, she sighs in defeat.
"I still think Gerda and I should go in with you," Kai says. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Be careful," says Gerda, as you and Elsa exit the vehicle. "Save your brother."
Elsa nods. "I'm not leaving without him."
You follow the blonde up the path and towards the front door of the cabin.
Elsa blasts it open with her powers. "Hans!" she yells.
Footsteps echo from the shadows.
"Well done," he purrs, stepping forwards to stand by a window, moonlight reflecting off his handsome, cunning features. "You found me."
"Where's Olaf?" Elsa growls. "What have you done with my brother?"
"Oh, he's around."
Glaring, she readies her ice. "Don't make me hurt you!"
Hans sneers. "You most certainly won't. Not if you want to see him again."
"But I can't give you the answers you're seeking," she says desperately. "I don't even know them myself."
He's about to say something witty, but then notices you're missing. "Hey, where'd the nerd go?"
Elsa scans her surroundings. You're nowhere to be seen.
Hans shrugs. "Wow. Real catch you got there, Elsa. Ditched you without a second thought."
She scowls at him. You'd never ditch her...right?
He withdraws a syringe from his jacket pocket. "Now, if you'll just be a good girl and comply..."
Elsa backs away as he approaches her. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm taking a sample of your blood," he says matter-of-factly. "For testing."
"You can't be serious."
"You want Olaf to live to see tomorrow?"
Her heart constricts. "Yes."
He smirks. "Then hold out your arm."
She hesitates, extending the limb out to him and squeezing her eyes shut.
"Elsa!"
The blonde's eyes snap open.
Both she and Hans whip their heads around in your direction.
You're stood there with Olaf.
Elsa calls your name in a voice full of relief and affection.
Hans panics - his leverage over Elsa gone - and grabs the girl, jabbing the syringe into her.
Elsa screams, the sudden sharp pain causing her to accidentally release an icy blast, striking Hans in the heart.
Clutching his chest, he collapses. "What-What did you do to me, you freak?" He then loses consciousness.
You instruct Olaf to go outside to Gerda and Kai while you deal with the situation, promising you'll take care of his sister.
Trusting you, the little boy does as he's told.
After having removed the syringe, Elsa is on her knees, remorseful for hurting yet another person.
You wrap your arms around her. "It'll be okay," you breathe, trying to comfort her. "You're safe. Olaf is safe."
"I-I'm a monster," she whimpers.
"No, you're not. You're the opposite, Elsa. I love you so much. Please, don't be so hard on yourself. None of this is your fault."
She's silent for a moment. No longer crying.
"What did you just say?"
"Um...I asked you not to be so hard on yourself, that this isn't your fault."
"Before that."
"Oh, the part where I said...you know..."
She wipes away her tears and manages a smile. "Did you mean it? Do you really love me?"
Smiling back, you nod bashfully.
Kai and Gerda burst into the cabin, horrified as they notice Hans unconscious on the floor.
"That scoundrel!" snarls Kai, marching towards the boy's body. "He'll be sorry when he wakes up."
Olaf runs in after them, throwing himself into Elsa's arms.
She holds him tight and kisses his forehead.
"You kids get out of here," orders Kai, rolling up his sleeves. "Mr. Westergard and I need to have a little 'chat' about erasing some incriminating pictures and a video."
Gerda picks up the syringe with Elsa's blood sample and leads her, you and Olaf out the cabin and to the family car.
"Everything is going to be alright," you assure your girlfriend, weaving your fingers between hers. "I promise."
Sighing, Elsa touches your cheek with her free hand and kisses you. "By the way," she says, "I never had a chance to respond earlier."
You realise she's referring to your 'confession' in the cabin.
You gulp, blushing uncontrollably.
Elsa presses an ear to your chest and listens to the steady beat that is your unfrozen heart.
"I love you, too," she whispers. "I always will."
-x-
THE END
Thank you so much to everyone who's followed, favorited and reviewed.
I'm seriously flattered to have such loyal readers!
Also, if you haven't yet, don't forget to check out 'Disney's Frozen: A Royal Wedding'.