A/N: I'd like to first say, thank you all so much for being so patient. I know my updates have been slowing down and I'm sorry for that. Things happen, yada yada, and I'm grateful for your patience.
Second, I'm happy to have received so many follows, favorites, and reviews again! Seriously, 60 reviews, over 150 favorites and over 300 follows for such a small story?! Really, thank you everyone.
Moving on, more back story and some introspection.
There were two things that Rapunzel knew Anna hated most in the world.
One of said things would forever be the invention of the alarm clock. She was not, in any definition of the phrase, a morning person. Mornings, in Anna's opinion, were the bane of humanity's existence. Or at least the bane of every college student's existence. It was an opinion that she was always vocal about.
"There should be a law against waking up so early Rapunzel! Who thought it was a good idea to make people start things like school and work so damn early in the morning? Satan? Because it sounds like something he'd do!"
Her vendetta against mornings was one of the reasons she had wanted to dorm with Rapunzel in the first place. Other than the fact that Rapunzel was her cousin and the two were close friends, the older brunette could be up by the crack of dawn and still have energy past sun down. Somehow. Anna wasn't sure exactly how. She still sometimes wondered aloud if her cousin had some affinity that made Rapunzel love sunlight in all its forms. Even when that sunlight signalled the rising of dawn.
But the arrangement they had was perfect in Anna's eyes because of that. Sometimes she just couldn't bring herself to get out of bed and having an early-rising, hardworking cousin was just the thing she needed to wake up in the mornings. Usually. Rapunzel still often found that she sometimes needed to literally drag her cousin from under the mountain of blankets Anna always buried herself under.
So no, Anna was not a morning person.
So when Rapunzel stepped into their dorm at 6 AM to find that Anna was already awake, she knew today was different. Anna had laid out a few outfits over her bed and was sifting through their shared closet with a slice of toast between her teeth. She looked up when the brunette entered and gave a small wave, mumbling in excited gibberish.
"Guf morging!" Anna squealed.
If she pinched herself right now Rapunzel was pretty sure she'd still think she was dreaming.
"Big day ahead of you?" Rapunzel asked, eyebrows shooting up to her hairline. A slow grin spread across her face as she surveyed the mess Anna had made of their closet in search of clothes. Anna was holding up a pair of jeans and a bright pink skirt, glancing between the two clothes and her own body, comparing. Her favorite black t-shirt was tossed out on the bed.
Rapunzel noticed that her green letterman jacket was laid off to the side, laundered and ironed already. Her grin widened.
She's already attached to that jacket like Eugene is to his smoulder.
The redhead glanced over at her cousin and blushed at her remark. She brought her clothes to her chest and fiddled with them, snorting around her toast. Anna averted her gaze, but Rapunzel could see she was trying to hold back the large grin from spreading across her face.
"Yeah, I mean, I'm really looking forward to the exhibit we're going to see. I really, really want to show Elsa all my favorite paintings and talk with her about them and ask her if she's interested in any other fields of art and design besides architecture-" Anna garbled around her toast.
Rapunzel sat on her bed and tucked her intertwined hands beneath her chin. Her grin threatened to split her face now as Anna continued to ramble about her plans for the day. The girl's eyes were bright and wide, movements quick and flying as she bustled over her spare outfits. Even though Rapunzel was the painter in their dorm, it was Anna who always buzzed in excitement when it came to paintings. She knew Anna had been dying to show Elsa the exhibit they were seeing that day since forever.
Looks like she's stopped worrying at last.
"-and you don't think she'll get bored of me talking about two dimensional people, do you? Not that every subject in a painting is just a two-dimensional figure of course, but I meant besides the paintings depicting historical figures and I just..."
Or not. Rapunzel bit back an exasperated sigh.
Anna turned to look at her cousin, brow furrowing. She bit her lip and clutched her clothes to her chest, rubbing her knees together.
Rapunzel blinked and quirked an eyebrow as she said, "Anna, there's no such thing as a boring day with you. Ever. Trust me, I should know this more than anyone. Except Eugene and Kristoff I guess."
The redhead glanced down at her shoes and mumbled, "Okay you have a point, but what if she thinks I'm being weird?"
This time, Rapunzel's brow furrowed as she stared at Anna. "Anna, everyone has something that's 'weird' about them."
"Well, yeah I guess but talking to pictures is really weird Punzie."
Her cousin huffed and stood up, marching across the tiny room and grabbing Anna's shoulders in a firm grip, startling her. Rapunzel inhaled, mused over her words, and then launched her attack.
"You and Elsa have been dating for three weeks already Anna! You need to be more confident in yourself!" Anna's shoulders tensed and Rapunzel could see a thousand thoughts race through her eyes. This close, she could also see that Anna was chewing on the inside of her cheek too. She looked away again, not meeting her cousin's stare. Rapunzel huffed and reached out to grab Anna's chin, turning her face to meet her glare.
"Anna, look at me when I talk to you. I'm right and you know that."
"But Punzie I-"
"No buts!" Rapunzel snapped, giving Anna's shoulders a firm shake. "No buts at all! You're going to have a nice day and you're going to talk about your interests with Elsa and she's going to talk about hers with you and you two are going to have nice, long talks and walks together like in all those romantic movies you watch."
Anna quieted and that always made alarm bells ring in Rapunzel's mind, but her cousin made no more protests. Her brow was still furrowed as she gnawed on her lip, contemplating the brunette's words. A dark flush spread over her face and the look she had on now was the one Rapunzel could only ever call the "sorrier than a wet dog" look.
"You think so?" Anna asked, lowering her head.
Her voice was small and soft.
Rapunzel felt her heart go out to her cousin.
She sighed and tipped her cousin's chin back up, flashing Anna a smirk as she patted her cheek. "I know so." When Anna continued pouting, unconvinced, the brunette's expression softened and she tucked loose hair behind her ear. "I know you can do it. You'll be fine," she whispered.
Anna's gaze flicked everywhere around the room for several moments before she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. Rapunzel didn't say anything in the few minutes that Anna stood there, eyes shut and unmoving. She was patient. She could wait for Anna to gather her bravery.
Even the best of us need a pep talk once in a while.
Rapunzel batted the gloomy thoughts that swarmed her mind at that point. Anna would be okay. She was sure of it.
Elsa doesn't seem like a bad person after all. She's not—
Before she could continue that train of thought though, Anna's eyes snapped open and Rapunzel beamed at the renewed confidence shining in them.
"You're right! I was born ready!" Anna said with a firm nod and a toothy grin.
Relieved and excited, Rapunzel squealed and grabbed Anna's shoulders, whirling her around. "That's the spirit! Now, let me help you with your hair!"
x x x
The weather forecast predicted clear skies all day, something that Anna was immensely grateful for. There was talk that the rains would come this winter, but she'd enjoy the sunshine while she still could.
She sang along to a cheesy tune on her radio as she drove up to Elsa's apartment, parking in front of the now familiar structure. Saturday early morning saw the majority of the parking lot and street empty.
I guess I'm not the only one with big plans for today!
Anna hopped out of her truck and locked it, all but skipping to the building and opening the doors with a flourish and a racing heart. Her stomach turned and twisted in knots as she slid down the hallway, took the elevator, and headed up to the top floor. This would be the first time she'd actually get to pick up Elsa by the blonde's door instead of outside her apartment. The redhead could still hear the underlying glee in Elsa's gentle voice when she told Anna to just drop on by her condo for their next date.
"You already met Meg, no point in stalling now. Just come by my door when you come to pick me up, I'll be waiting for you."
So now Anna found herself in front of said door, taking in the standard white wood.
For a good five minutes that is.
She ran a hand through her strawberry-blonde hair, tugging on the collar of her dark shirt. Despite the air-conditioned hallway, she was starting to feel a crawling heat under her skin. Her collarbone was itchy beneath the fabric of her shirt and she could feel sweat dotting her forehead. Her heart hammered in her chest.
It's just a door Anna. It's not anything more than that. It's like a two-inch piece of wood! Come on Anna, be confident. Remember what Punzie said.
The redhead took in a big, deep breath and raised her fist to knock.
The door swung open before she could.
Anna yelped and jumped back, staring at the woman in front of her.
Oh god, it's her again.
It was redundant to think that for some reason Meg wouldn't be at Elsa's apartment. She and Elsa were roommates, Anna knew that now. But still, the sight of Meg on the other side of the door surprised her. She wasn't sure why but the older woman made her a bit uneasy.
She doesn't seem mean or anything, but dear god she's scary somehow.
Meg raised an eyebrow at her, a bored look on her face. "I got tired of waiting for you to knock."
"O-oh sorry, I was just, uh, I didn't mean to bother you! I was just trying to be polite and everything and, uh," Anna gestured uselessly to the door. A single bead of sweat dripped down her brow. She cupped her hands together and smiled sheepishly at the tall brunette. "I'm here to pick up Elsa?"
Meg leaned against the doorway and smirked, an amused glint in her eyes. "Aw, poor baby is nervous."
Anna flushed and chirped, "I-is Elsa ready yet?"
The brunette chuckled and pushed herself off the doorway. She gestured for Anna to come inside while looking over her shoulder and saying, "In the shower Wonder Girl, she should be done soon. Her Majesty loves having a relaxing bath, especially when she's prepping for something."
A wink from Meg had Anna's blush deepening to an almost violet shade. She shut the door behind her and looked around as she took a few steps inside. From down the hallway she could hear the sound of rushing water. A shiver ran down Anna's spine when it hit her that Elsa was nude in another room.
Close by.
The wave of heat that sped through her body and settled low in her stomach had her sweating even more. She was certain that someone could use her heated face as a radiator by now.
Wow, okay, okay! Get a grip Anna! Not the time, definitely not the time.
Especially when Elsa's roommate was sitting down at the couch and watching her with a sly smile growing on her face. Meg's quirked an eyebrow while her leg bounced delicately on her knee and Anna had the brief impression that Meg was teasing her.
Why do I feel like the cat found the mouse...
"You might as well get comfortable Wonder Girl, unless you prefer to stand there looking like a clock puppet." When Anna refused to move from her stiff position, Meg chuckled. "Don't worry I don't bite."
Anna gave a strained laugh and walked over to the couch, her legs jittery and stiff.
"Much," Meg added.
She immediately swung toward the opposite end of the couch, deciding to sit on the side farthest from Meg. Meg didn't seem offended when Anna plopped herself down on the far end, posture rigid and fists curling on her knees. In fact, her smirk seemed to grow and Anna swallowed hard over the lump in her throat.
Instead, she tried to focus on her surroundings. Anna played with the sleeves of her jacket, glancing around the spacious condo in the hopes that her racing heart would still. The living room and connecting kitchen were easily the biggest parts. She stared at the varnished wood paneling, leather couches, large glass window panes, and the flat screen television in front of her. Elsa's apartment was much larger than the tiny dorm she shared with Rapunzel. Much, much larger.
If there had ever been a time where Anna was completely positive that Elsa came from a well off family, this was the time.
The redhead shifted in her seat, growing more uncomfortable by the second. Beside her, Meg picked up a stray magazine and began to flip through it.
In the distance, the water continued rushing.
Anna glanced out the window and took in the view above the city. She could see the surrounding apartment rooftops even without being pressed up to the glass. Anna smiled to herself and her shoulders loosened. Elsa and her on-top-of-the world thing huh? Feeling a little more at ease, her eyes scanned the condo once again.
She surveyed the two-person table, the spare pictures on the living room stand by the door—Are those Elsa's parents?—or hanging by on the wall (a shot of Elsa with a group of girls around her), the way the curtains over the window let in just the right amount of light and how everything seemed almost bare, yet wasn't.
Something warm like the heat she had felt earlier, but different at the same time, stirred in her stomach.
The whole condo felt...quaint.
Anna leaned back and grinned, the coolness of the apartment washing over her and the heat under her skin abating. The knots in her stomach eased and her shoulders loosened as she settled herself against the plush cushions of the couch. This wasn't so bad. She could stand to be a little less tense.
It's Elsa's home after all.
"I don't believe we've officially met."
Anna jumped and swerved around to blink at Meg. In her reverie, she'd forgotten about the brunette. And maybe that had made it easier to relax because Meg was now staring at her over the top of her magazine, a twinkle in her eyes. Anna felt her stomach twist again as Meg lowered it onto her lap, then blinked when the brunette stretched her hand out to her.
"Megara. Friends call me Meg. At least the few that I've got do."
There was the barest hint of a smile to her lips.
"Oh!" Anna reached over and grasped the thin hand in a firm shake. She flashed Meg a large smile. "Anna. Anna Corona-Bjorgman. Elsa's-" a light pink flush spread over her cheeks "-girlfriend," she finished.
Meg hummed and drew back, leaning on the arm of the sofa. Her violet eyes roved over Anna up and down until the blush on Anna's cheeks traveled to her neck and chest. Her collar felt really itchy again.
She smirked. "Elsa always had good taste, guess that applies to first time girlfriends too."
Anna spluttered and rubbed the back of her neck, frantically looking around. "Uh, is Elsa almost done?"
The rushing water in the other room stopped.
Meg chuckled and picked up her magazine again. "Looks like it. Don't worry Wonder Girl, you and Her Majesty can be on your way out soon."
Anna laughed, a dryness in her throat. I wish I had a drink right now.
The sound of light footfalls made her turn her head, hopeful.
Oh thank god, is Elsa ready now?
Elsa appeared from the darkened hallway and the first thing Anna noticed was that her skin was a bright and glowing pink. Her hair was damp and loose as it cascaded over her shoulders, clinging to her face and the nape of her neck. She walked with her eyes closed, features loose and lips slightly parted. The blonde was dabbing her face with a small towel as she stepped into the living room, murmuring something under her breath. Anna's heart skipped a beat when she realized Elsa was humming. It was soft and airy and she had to strain to hear it, but it made Anna's pulse quicken.
But the thing that she noticed the most in that moment was the fact that Elsa's slender frame was clad in only a single, small white towel.
It didn't leave much to the imagination.
I need a drink right now. I really, really need a drink right now!
Her throat was parched and her tongue swollen as her back snapped straight up. She swallowed hard and opened her mouth to greet Elsa, but the only noise she could manage was a mangled, garbling croak.
Elsa's eyes flew open and she stared at Anna. The hand that had been drying her face stilled. She blinked several times. A droplet of water slid down her nose and onto the floor, the splatter of it loud in the silence that had befallen the room.
Meg didn't glance up from her magazine, completely unbothered by the tense atmosphere. "I let her in. She was standing outside for several minutes and I got tired of her looking like a terrified puppy from the peephole. Couldn't just leave her out there forever."
Anna dug her hands into the denim of her jeans and gave Elsa a trembling smile. "Hi."
Where'd your confidence go now Anna?
Elsa was still for the longest moment, mouth slightly open.
Anna could hear her blood pounding in her ears.
Then, Elsa dropped the small towel she'd been holding, shrieked louder than Anna had ever heard her do so, and ducked back into the hallway.
Anna jumped from her seat and began stammering, "Ah! El-Elsa I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"You're early, I'm sorry!" Elsa cut her off. Her voice was high-pitched and Anna could hear the sound of clothes rustling. "I got distracted. Hang on Anna, I'll be right out."
The redhead shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. She glanced at Meg, lip between her teeth. The brunette finally looked up from her magazine and smirked again. She set it aside before standing up. As she passed by, Meg said to Anna, "Wait here, Wonder Girl. Need to do some damage control."
Anna let out a choked noise and nodded. The image of Elsa dripping wet from a bath with only a towel around her was ingrained in her mind. Forever. She didn't trust herself to speak unless she wanted to make a fool of herself. A complete, utter, and thirsty fool of herself.
As Meg disappeared down the hallway into what Anna could only assume was the bedroom, she heard two voices speaking. One was a hushed whisper and the other an amused but apologetic tone.
"You should have told me she was here!"
"Sorry Elsa, didn't expect you to walk into the living room half-naked."
"I misplaced my brush! I was going to ask you where it was!"
"You could have just called me, didn't have to walk in half-naked. Well actually, not even half-naked. Practically naked."
"I'm not practically naked! I have a towel on and-oh don't give me that look!"
"Can't help it. Your reaction made my day and it's only 8 in the morning."
She heard a chuckle.
"Yes go ahead and laugh. Ugh, I can't look her in the eye right now."
Anna winced and glanced down at her shoes as she rocked on her heels. Poor Elsa.
"Don't stress over it. Look at it this way Elsa, it's not anything she hasn't seen before. Well, alright, maybe she hasn't seen your naked body, but I don't think she'll complain about it. At least, it didn't look like it to me."
Anna groaned and pressed a palm to her face, cheeks flaming.
There was another silent pause filled only by more clothes rustling.
"You're cooking dinner for the entire upcoming week. The whole week. Seven days, three meals a day. And you're doing the dishes too."
"Worth it, sorry about this Elsa." Meg chuckled again.
She heard a dignified huff and then footsteps followed.
Anna looked up from the floor and flashed what she hoped was a charming, soothing smile at Elsa.
The blonde glared at her roommate—who only returned said glare with an exaggerated grin—before turning to Anna and her expression softened. She wrung her hands together as her cheeks burned with a deep scarlet flush.
The morning light streamed in through the living room window and Anna stared at Elsa. Her girlfriend was dressed in another sundress, a periwinkle blue dress that was cut above the knees in the front, but flourished down the back. Her eyeshadow and lipstick were lighter in shade, but her mascara was still strong. Long, black eyelashes fluttered on the rise of her cheeks.
Elsa looked stunning.
I can tease her over the phone, but looking at her in person is frankly cheating. Anna swallowed thickly and resisted licking her lips.
Meg glanced between the two and rolled her eyes. The tall brunette headed into the kitchen, muttering, "I'd tell you two to get a room, but I'd still be in the same household. You two better get going, time's not standing still."
Sure feels like it to me.
Nonetheless, Meg's comment had snapped Anna out of her staring. She grinned at Elsa and held out her hand, "Ready to go?"
Elsa's blue eyes, tender and bright, flicked from Anna's face down to her hand. She unwound her hands and gripped Anna's, squeezing lightly.
"I am now, sorry for the wait," she said, smiling shyly at the redhead.
Emboldened, Anna tugged Elsa to her and kissed her cheek. "Don't worry, I wasn't waiting long," she whispered, keeping her voice low so Elsa's roommate wouldn't here.
The light blush on Elsa's face spread down to her collarbone. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth and turned away from Anna, one hand against her chest. Clearing her throat, she loudly proclaimed, "Meg we're leaving now! I'll see you tonight."
"Enjoy, lovebirds!" came Meg's reply along with the clanging of pots.
Elsa's small blush spread over her face and she stepped away from Anna to grab her bag. The redhead shifted her feet and gave her own shy smile in return as Elsa walked back. She offered her arm and was inwardly pleased when Elsa comfortably looped them together, a light fluttering in her stomach replacing the earlier heat.
As they walked out of Elsa's home and down the hallway to the elevator, the redhead leaned in and whispered, "By the way, I have nothing to complain about what I saw earlier."
"Anna!"
Anna laughed and to her pleasure, even with Elsa's furious face, the blonde didn't let go of her arm. Rather, she pulled Anna a little closer.
Confidence, Anna. You can do this.
x x x
On the drive to the museum, Anna glanced up at the sky and felt her stomach twist when she noticed the gray tint over the city.
It better not rain.
Elsa shifted in the passenger seat next to her and Anna felt a hand on her arm. She glanced at the blonde from the corner of her eye.
Elsa was looking out at the sky as well and her gaze was unfocused. She squeezed Anna's sleeve and slumped a bit in her seat.
"The forecast said there's only a thirty percent chance of rain," Anna blurted out.
Elsa jumped a bit and turned to her. She gave a wry chuckle and her eyes flashed with something Anna couldn't place. "I don't exactly trust the weather. Especially not when everything looks like this." She gestured to the bleak streets and Anna nodded.
The redhead had been hoping for snow this winter, but fate seemed to say it would be a wet season this year.
When she heard a sigh to her right, she looked away from the streets momentarily. Elsa had her hands folded in her lap, eyes half closed and a tired expression on her face. The earlier glow she had been sporting in her condo was gone.
Anna let go of the steering wheel with one hand and grasped Elsa's fists. When her girlfriend looked up with a start, Anna smiled gently at her. She quickly looked forward again, but felt the tightly clenched fingers in her hand unravel and interlace with hers.
"Sorry, I just hate the rain," Elsa mumbled.
Anna glanced away again and winked at Elsa. "You don't have to be sorry. You've said that enough times already and besides, it's not like you can control the weather."
Elsa mumbled something and Anna felt her bring her hand up to her lips, a kiss pressed to her knuckles. One thumb gently stroked her skin and Anna shivered.
"Mmm," Elsa drawled, "If I could control the weather, what kind would you prefer?"
Anna hummed distractedly, seeing the museum in the distance. "I like snow."
"Snow?"
She saw a questioning look flash over Elsa's face and Anna nodded. "Winter can be so beautiful when it snows."
Elsa's thumb stilled and she felt another soft brush of full lips before the blonde placed her hand back in her lap.
"I never thought about it like that," she whispered.
Anna shrugged and focused on the streets, content with the feel of Elsa's palm in hers.
Elsa was silent for the rest of the short ride.
When they pulled into the parking lot, Anna was glad to see the sky had cleared up a bit. She hopped out and, with a flourish of her arm, bowed to Elsa. "Welcome to the Museum of Yen Sid, founder of this very city, wielder of a thousand historical tomes, creator, author, hermit, and owner of eccentric robes, wands, and magical hats."
Elsa giggled and rolled her eyes. "I think you just made up half of those things."
Anna straightened and flashed a pearly-white smile at her girlfriend. "A bit of hyperbole never hurt anyone. The majority of it is true, really."
When Elsa smirked and raised her eyebrow at Anna, the redhead rolled her eyes in return. "Alright, a lot of it is exaggeration, but still, he was an interesting guy, if I do say so myself."
Elsa hummed and slid out of the passenger seat. "And the magical wands and hats? Is that true or an exaggeration?" There was a lightness to her voice that told Anna she was simply playing along.
So Anna giggled and winked at Elsa. "It never hurts to believe in a bit of magic."
The redhead turned to Elsa and held out her arm. "Yen Sid did many things for this city and so this museum here was made in his honor."
Elsa chuckled and looped their arms together again. As she spoke, they walked in the direction of the museum's entrance."I assume the exhibit you wanted to show me is something as equally fantastic and interesting as this, pardon my choice of words, but a wizard?"
Anna bounced on her feet and nodded. "Yes! They only open it once every season and I've been dying to show you it when I heard it would be open again."
When Elsa wordlessly gestured for her to continue, Anna added, "And as much as I like the idea of magic, that's not what we're looking at today. Though I can take you to see The Sorceror's Apprentice if you ever want to, assuming you want to of course and I-"
Elsa pressed her hand into Anna's, stilling her. Anna's eyes darted to her. "I'd love to go with you sometime."
Underneath her palm, Anna's muscles twitched, tensed, and then loosened. A strange sort of coolness spread from where Elsa's fingers met the fabric of her jacket. The jumping, rushing beat of her heart slowed down. She exhaled and found she couldn't break her gaze away from how Elsa's eyelashes fluttered and cast a shadow over the apple of her cheek. The corner of her lips pulled up and the shine in her eyes was impossible to miss.
"So, mind telling me what we are seeing?" The amused tone in Elsa's voice was unmistakable.
"Huh?"
Elsa's eyebrow, if possible, raised even higher.
"Oh!" Snapped out of her daze, Anna looked away and giggled nervously. "It's an exhibit on some paintings that were once owned by a king."
Elsa blinked. "A...a king?"
Anna nodded. "Like I said, they only have it once every season since the museum likes to cycle through their collection and it's a really big collection. So when I heard they were going to host it this November, I wanted to take you as soon as I could. They were brought over from the actual ruined castle in Norway. Some of them are just re-paintings of other works, but a few are original pieces. How much do you know about art history?"
Elsa smirked as they neared the museum. "Bits here and there, but I must admit I didn't take you for having an interest in such a subject."
Anna stopped and scuffed her shoe against the first step to the museum. Her cheeks reddened and she mumbled, "Yeah I can see why. I guess you could say my interest in it is an extension of the things I used to read as a kid."
"Your fairy tale books you mean?" Elsa asked, releasing Anna's arm.
Anna nodded as they drew closer to the entrance. "It was great reading about dungeons and dragons, princesses and knights as a kid so when I got older I wanted see if there was anything like that in real life."
"And you thought this king's collection could emulate that?" Now both of Elsa's dark eyebrows were raised, but there was no condescension in her voice and her face didn't belie any incredulity.
She simply sounded curious, if a bit confused.
Anna could have sagged in relief. She doesn't think that's weird.
"He had a lot of things in his collection. Couples, landscapes, historical figures. It was similar to reading about some magical place when I was little." Her stomach knotted together as a memory flashed in her mind.
Old, creaking floors. A cracked window. Moldy beds and a rusted, chain link fence.
When Elsa squeezed her arm, blue eyes staring at her worriedly, Anna realized they had stopped. The cold pit in her stomach was less comforting this time and she mentally shook herself to be rid of it.
"Anna, are you alright?" Elsa's eyes flicked back and forth, searching.
Anna winced and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, just got a bit lost in my head." She reached up and rubbed Elsa's hand, thumb brushing over a cold knuckle. "Don't worry. That happens."
Elsa stared at her, a strange understanding in her eyes. "I know how that feels," she whispered.
The hair on Anna's neck rose and for a brief moment she wondered if Elsa was even speaking to her.
Where did that thought come from?
Anna frowned for a second before her lips quirked into a half smile. She squeezed Elsa's hand—determined not to let the sudden depressive atmosphere continue—and said with her usual pep, "There's someone I want to introduce you to."
Elsa blinked and the strange look in her eyes was gone. She smirked and asked, voice light and airy, "What, are we meeting the king too?"
Anna giggled and leaned over to nuzzle her nose against Elsa's cheek. Her breath released with a light fog over smooth skin. Elsa jumped a bit, but didn't pull away. "Yes and no. They do have a picture of the man who owned these paintings, but the person I want you to meet is very, personally, special to me."
Underneath the tip of her nose, she felt heat creep onto Elsa's face and hopefully wondered if it was because of their proximity.
"Special?" Elsa whispered, distracted.
The redhead pulled back and nodded. Anna didn't say anything more and Elsa didn't ask her to clarify—a slightly dazed smile and look on her face—as they paid for their admission and walked inside. The pale gray sky disappeared as they entered and gave way to a high, marble ceiling.
Anna swept her arm around and grinned at Elsa. "Shall we?"
The light pink on the blonde's face disappeared. Her spine straightened and she held her chin up. Anna marveled at the subtle change from quiet to regal. Mimicking Anna's earlier overly-extravagant behavior, Elsa clasped the helm of sundress and curtsied. "We shall," she said, voice low and dignified.
Anna's heart skipped a beat.
x x x
"And this one here is actually one of my cousin's favorites."
Anna pointed at a woman in a coral dress, Elsa's eyes following the line of sight. The blonde tipped her head to the side and blinked.
"How come?"
Her eyes were wide with curiosity.
"She told me she loved the motion, the illusion of movement really. Especially since the lady is in a tree swing." Anna grinned at Elsa's puzzled look. "She loves swinging, said it was one of the few things that made her happy as a kid."
Elsa's brow creased and she glanced at Anna worriedly. She squeezed her bag's strap. "Few?"
Anna nodded and moved onto the next painting, Elsa trailing after her.
"Yeah, it's a long story, but let's just say she has more freedom in college now."
It wasn't her place to talk about those things, but a part of her felt a stirring in her chest at the concern in Elsa's voice. She doesn't even know the slightest thing about Rapunzel and she was still worried. Anna bit her lip to stop the fool's smile from spreading on her face.
They stopped in front of a painting with several people dancing. They were dressed in common clothing—various greens, reds, browns, and blues. A musician played off to the side and people were laughing, drinking, and dancing. The light-hearted atmosphere cemented it as one of her favorites and when they stopped in front of it, her chest swelled with emotion.
Beside her, Elsa looked the painting up and down. She didn't say anything, just glanced at Anna now and then, waiting for her to continue. Her gaze was thoughtful.
Anna spoke up again, quiet. "I understand what she means and that's one of the reasons I like this collection. From what I read, the King had a really solitary life. He had these in his personal portrait room to lighten up the atmosphere you could say. Everyone seems so free and happy in the pictures so I'm guessing it worked if he kept them for so long."
No one's left alone.
A tremble ran down her spine and she mentally shook herself. She turned and was surprised to see that Elsa had her lips pursed. "I think for this one he wanted to show that, even if he was a King, he could still be like any other person in his kingdom."
Elsa frowned and Anna noticed her eyes glazed over. What she was thinking? She bit her lip and nudged the blonde's side with her elbow, waggling her eyebrows. "Look at this way, he kept paintings around that showed even higher-ups knew how to cut loose in a way."
Elsa snapped her gaze away from the painting and her own eyebrows shot up to her hairline. A snort made its way past her mouth before she covered it. "I guess that's one way of putting it," she mumbled, smiling behind her hand.
Anna's own lips rose into a full-fledged grin and she wagged her eyebrows again. "I know another higher-up who should cut loose once in a while too."
As soon as the words were out and she saw Elsa drop her hand from her mouth, she wished she could snatch them right back.
Oh god was that too forward of me?! It was too forward of me! Damn it Anna, control your hormones! Control your stupidity, urgh!
She pulled back from Elsa and her eyes eyes flicked back and forth. "Uh, only when you want to of course!" Anna coughed into her hand and felt her face redden.
God, can I think of any other worse way to make her uncomfortable?
A finger poked her burning cheek.
Anna blinked and glanced back at Elsa. There was something in Elsa's eyes. A strange glimmer, gentle, but—and her heart constricted when she realized this—almost forlorn.
And if she dared to hope, affectionate in its gaze.
"Thank you," Elsa whispered.
"Huh?"
Now it was Anna's turn for her eyebrows to recede under her hairline. Elsa chuckled and withdrew her finger, but not before it sent a small shiver down Anna's spine at the way it graced her cheek.
"I like that you can speak so freely with me." She turned to look back at the paintings around them, eyes falling to half mast. In an almost inaudible voice, she added, "It's nice. Not to be treated so differently."
Anna started, fingers flexing. Oh the things I want to say to you Elsa. To tell you. She raised a hand and hovered it over Elsa's shoulders.
Elsa's blue eyes, misted over with something, convinced her. Just go for it.
She squeezed the blonde's shoulder and when the blonde jumped a bit and whirled to her, eyes wide, Anna wondered what she actually could say in this moment.
There's nothing wrong with being different in the first place? No one is the same and yet everyone is? Elsa, why do you look so scared…
Instead, she blurted out, "I think it's time you met my favorite picture."
"Huh?" Now it was Elsa's turn to sound confused. Her mouth formed that little 'o'-shape Anna was increasingly finding out she liked seeing.
The redhead giggled and the atmosphere around them eased. Elsa smirked and narrowed her eyes a bit at Anna.
"I take back what I said, maybe you are hiding things from me Miss Bjorgman," she teased. Her finger poked Anna's cheek again, but with more force this time. She pinched the freckled skin on Anna's face when the redhead only continued giggling.
"Well, not for long." Anna grabbed Elsa's hand and began pulling the blonde off to a room on the right, connected to the main area.
But before she had even made it halfway, something stopped her.
"Reindeers are better than people."
The familiar tune and incessant buzzing in her pocket made Anna look down.
Elsa glanced at Anna, one eyebrow raised. The redhead grimaced and sent Elsa an apologetic look. Her cheeks burned at the blonde's curious stare and she ignored it in favor of taking out her phone.
Kristoff I love you, but right now is the worst time!
On the lit screen, she read over his text message.
"Need to tell you something soon. Are you free?"
Her stomach dropped at the vague message.
Please tell me he didn't get hurt.
She rapidly messaged her brother back: "Yes, I'll call you back right now. Just give me a minute."
Anna glanced at Elsa sheepishly. "Elsa, do you mind? I need to make a call."
Elsa shook her head and detached herself from Anna's side. "No, I don't. I'll be nearby, take your time." She gave Anna a reassuring smile and walked into a connecting room, though Anna was glad to see the blonde stayed within her sight.
She dialed Kristoff's number and lifted her phone to her ear, heart jumping in place.
Please, please tell me a hockey puck didn't hit him in the skull again.
Click.
"Hey Anna-"
"Kristoff! Are you okay? You're not hurt are you? Did something happen? Tell me you didn't get a puck to the head again!"
Kristoff laughed and the sound of it eased her tension a little. "No, nothing bad happened Anna, calm down. I was just calling to tell you the big news."
Anna sighed and dropped her shoulders. Her heart raced underneath her sternum and she pressed a hand over it.
"Big news? What kind of big news?"
Kristoff had been out of state for most of the year because of his team's sports season. She had only seen her brother on television, through cell phone pictures, and over a computer screen. She had been keeping up with his matches so far, but between work, classes, and her new relationship, she wondered if she had missed something.
She heard him chuckle on the other end. "My team made it to the semifinals-"
"Really?!" Anna squealed.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a couple look over at her and a guard give her a suspicious sidelong glance. Elsa turned her head to stare at her, questioning.
Anna coughed and gave her a girlfriend a thumbs up.
I'm okay, don't worry!
Elsa returned the gesture with a small smile and looked back at the painting she'd been studying.
"Anna? You alright?"
Kristoff's voice brought her back to attention. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, got a little carried away." She laughed a bit, cheeks warming. "I'm on a date with Elsa at a museum."
"Oh?" She imagined Kristoff crossing his arms over his chest, a subtle, knowing smile on his face. "Showing off your skills?"
Anna's face grew hotter. "You're distracting me. What's your big news?"
He hummed on the other end and Anna was sure he was smirking. "The semifinals are taking place back home Anna."
Anna's spine snapped straight and she gasped. "Really? So does this mean you're coming home soon?!"
"Sooner than you think."
Anna held the phone close and smiled, shutting her eyes. She could still clearly remember how he looked—tall with broad shoulders that contrasted with his long, gangly limbs, wearing clothes too thick and oversized for a teenaged boy—the day they met. He'd looked even more clumsy than she had felt in her own body. It had been easier to approach him because of that.
He sure looks different now than how he used to. Still my boy though.
"Anna, there's something I want to ask you about."
Anna jumped. "Huh? What is it Kristoff?"
The tone in his voice made her gut twist. For the second time that day, she felt sweat bead on her brow. A shiver ran down her spine and the hairs on the back of her neck rose.
Don't tell me it's about-
"It's about Hans."
Right.
"Yeah, I know you didn't want me asking about him, but I've been worried Anna."
She stared at the marble white floor, at her shoes, at a loose thread on her jeans, and tried to stop the memories from flooding her mind.
"Anna?" Kristoff sounded hesitant.
Anna inhaled and squared her shoulders. Confidence. You can do this. Keep going.
"I'm here Kristoff, sorry. What about Hans?"
"Overheard Gaston—ugh—saying he moved dorms. I just wanted to call and check if you've seen him lately."
After all that's happened, I make an effort not to. She clenched her fist tightly, nails digging into her palm. Anna glared at the floor, shoulders tensed. "No, I haven't seen him. Not since we broke up."
And I'm making damn sure that I don't see his face anymore.
"So he didn't move anywhere near you huh?" Kristoff sighed on the other end and his relieved voice made the tense lining of her shoulders loosen.
"No, if he's moved dorms, it's definitely not anywhere near me. Rapunzel and Merida would have had a field day if they saw him."
The corner of her lips rose slightly at her own words.
"You know I would have too right?" he replied. She knew his arms had tensed and he was standing in the way that he knew would intimidate someone because of his size.
You shouldn't have to.
The thought flashed across her mind before she could stop herself. Anna's fists tightened again, but she pushed back the gut-wrenching, vile feeling rising inside.
"I know Kristoff." It was all she found she could say underneath the strain her voice. She swallowed thickly and mentally cursed when she felt a burning prickle at the corner of her eyes.
You shouldn't have to, but I know you would.
"Anna?" Kristoff's voice was gentle—soft—on the other end.
Anna blinked and smiled. She prayed her voice didn't sound as tight as she felt. "Sorry, I keep spacing out on you Kristoff."
"You alright?"
"Completely. Just a bit tired." This time, she laughed a little.
"You're sure?" He stressed and she knew if Kristoff was here right now, he'd be looking at her the same way he'd looked at her when he had needed to leave for his team's out-of-state run. Brow furrowed, eyes wide with his mouth slightly parted, and arms stiff, inching to give her one last hug.
Anna raised her chin and nodded, even though her brother couldn't see it. "Yeah, I'm sure."
He chuckled and she relaxed when she heard it.
"Okay. Well that's what I really wanted to ask you. I have to go now, my team's bus should be setting out soon."
Anna smiled slightly and because she desperately wanted to know-
And because I don't want to talk about Hans.
-she asked, "Do you know the exact date you're coming home? We could have a night out together! You, me, Punzie, Eugene- oh I could introduce you to Elsa!"
Anna brightened and gasped, clasping both hands over the phone.
The people passing by glanced at her again.
She blushed and looked away-
-to catch Elsa's gaze off in the distance.
She stiffened. The blonde's eyebrows were knit together and there was a far off look in her eyes, mouth pulled into a tight line. Her head was tilted to the side and her stare seemed to freeze Anna on the spot.
Elsa, what's wrong?
Anna bit her lip and gave a tiny wave. All at once the strange look in Elsa's eyes disappeared. Whether it was because Anna had noticed her or because of something else, she wasn't sure.
But she saw Elsa's face return to its calm, quiet look. She returned Anna's wave with one of her own and a small smile.
"Anna! Annaaaaa!" Kristoff's voice broke through her haze.
"Sorry, sorry! Distracting day for me," she admitted, giggling nervously. Anna nibbled on her lip and glanced back at Elsa. The blonde had turned back to whatever picture she'd been studying now.
Very distracting.
"I can tell. I can't wait to meet this Elsa Arendelle." There was a knowing tone to his words. Anna coughed and scratched her cheek.
"You will when you get back!" she promised, grinning.
"Looking forward to it," he said. Then his voice changed a few octaves and he added, "And I can't wait to meet her either Anna!"
Anna made a face and snorted, rolling her eyes. "Oh god Kristoff, Sven's not even with you!"
Kristoff laughed. "Still counts. Anyway, I really have to go now. Have to get ready for another long bus trip, woo."
She giggled at his less-than-excited comment and said, "Alright, settle down Mr. Mountain Star-"
"Ha! Funny."
"-I'll pick you up when you get home, right?"
"Sure. Can't wait to see you and everyone else Anna," Kristoff said and his voice was full of fondness.
Anna sighed happily. "Right, bye Kristoff."
"Later."
The phone call clicked and ended. Anna stood there for a moment, staring at nothing in particular and just trying to hold in the image of Kristoff—bear arms crossed, eyebrow raised, and a smirk in place. Exhaling, the redhead turned and looked around.
She saw a flash of pale blonde hair and smiled to herself. I hope she didn't get bored waiting.
With the call over, she was determined to make sure nothing else would distract her from her date with Elsa. Feeling a little lighter in her chest, Anna walked in the direction of where she had seen the blonde.