An Awkward, First Something

by talkstopaintings

[Modern AU] Elsa and Anna, college classmates, begin a tentative, awkward relationship. Memories, expectations, and self-worth — this is a first for them both.

13. A Poignant, Rainy Day Part II

A/N: Okay this chapter didn't come out as fast as I had hoped it would, I'm really sorry. IRL issues as usual. Anyway, as usual thank you all for the favorites, follows, and reviews! I'm seriously surprised (and I don't think I'll ever stop being surprised in all honesty) at the positive response this story has generated and it makes me really, really happy! You're all very wonderful to me. Oh and because I have gotten the occasional comment here and there, I just want to say to my readers:

Don't ever feel bad about not reviewing. While reviews are always very motivational for a writer, don't feel as if you have to review! Don't worry if all you have to say is "I liked it!" I appreciate everyone's support. I do this for fun and I'm glad that you all continue to join me on this little, mundane adventure. Whether you're loud or you're silent, thank you for reading.

Warning: For minor anxiety attacks.

---

The rain dripping down upon the umbrella made goosebumps crawl all over her skin. She was grateful that she had decided to wear a thicker coat that day. It concealed the slight tension lining her arms and shoulders, shivers ghosting over her body. Her stomach twisted every time the bleak sun above the clouds vanished from view, darkening the already dull atmosphere around them. She had to stop herself from clutching her purse strap when the downpour thickened every now and then.

God knows it would only make Anna worry more.

A quick glance out of the corner of her eye revealed a soft, contented smile. Elsa bit her lip and stared straight ahead. Come on, you asked for this. There's no point in getting worked up when you wanted this in the first place.

Elsa sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, letting the turbulence of anxiety and worry crawling under her skin wash over her before pushing it back. She had taken her medication in the morning as per usual, but winter was always harder than the other seasons. The constant chance of rainfall filled her with a dread she could never quite escape. At least in spring the showers were usually accompanied by sunlight and blue skies. Their city in winter was cloudy, gray, and dismal.

"You alright?"

Anna's voice was almost washed out by the pitter-patter of rain.

Almost.

Elsa smiled thinly and opened her eyes. She gazed fondly at the concerned sea-green eyes staring at her. They had stopped walking, likely because her pace had slowed and Anna had noticed.

And here I was trying not to make her worry. Well done, Arendelle.

She sighed and reached up to brush back a lock of strawberry-blonde, delighting momentarily at how soft Anna's hair was. She wondered if whether the redhead was meticulous about her hair or if it was just naturally soft.

I hope I find out one day.

This close, tied together by her silken scarf, she could see each individual eyelash on Anna's eyes. The obvious affection and worry directed at her, of all people, sent a tremor through her body.

"I'm fine," she said, turning her head so she could lay a chaste kiss on a freckled cheek. It was warm and pliable under her lips and she lingered long enough that she could feel Anna's smile. A bubbly giggle rose up close to her ears. It astounded her how warm Anna always seemed to be.

Of course when she's not soaking wet or suffering from a fever.

A hand reached up and mimicked her earlier action, pausing at her ear to run over the shell before lowering and caressing the side of her face.

Elsa stiffened, the nerves under her skin spiking, unsure of how to deal with the swirl of different emotions; anxiety, fear, dread, fondness, joy, and something else she was vastly unfamiliar with. It made her blood boil and her pulse quicken when Anna's fingers traveled down and cupped her chin, thumb rubbing back and forth soothingly. She drew back a bit just so she could look at Anna directly. The redhead was gazing at her tenderly and, again, the clear adoration in those blue-green eyes made her breath catch.

"I'm fine," Elsa repeated, but her voice was distant and her eyes fell to half mast, a blush blooming on her pale cheeks. Absentmindedly, she leaned into the calloused palm and watched Anna's expression as if from afar.

Is this what people mean when they say it feels like you're the only person in the world to them?

Her breathing quickened, heart speeding.

Anna frowned and withdrew her fingers and Elsa was glad for the respite, but at the same time she sorely missed the contact. Anna pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side, eyebrows knitting together.

"Elsa," Elsa shivered at the way her name rolled off Anna's tongue, "are you sure you're okay?"

The blonde chuckled dryly and glanced down at their feet, watching raindrops splash near Anna's weathered sneakers. "I'm fine, really I am."

Liar.

The hand clasping hers squeezed it lightly.

"It's just," she lifted her head to see Anna staring off to the side, frustration overtaking her features. She huffed and her lips quirked into a pout. "You don't seem to like the rain very much." She rubbed the back of her neck and Elsa smiled slightly at the light pink tinting her freckled cheeks. "Well you told me that already, but-" Anna turned back to her, eyes wide and searching, worried. "You really don't seem to like the rain. Do you want to sit down somewhere and wait to see if it stops?"

Elsa quickly shook her head, mumbling, "No, no." She bit her lip and said, "I already said I'd go with you. I would like to see what you and your group are working on."

Anna frowned and gently nudged her with her shoulder. "Hey, we could do that some other time. If this weather is really stressing you out though, I think it'd be better if we waited it out."

"That's sweet of you Anna, but really, I'm fine," Elsa said, lifting her gaze back to Anna's. She smiled slightly at the uncertainty lining the redhead's brow.

"Do you mind if I ask why?"

"Huh?" Elsa blinked, confused.

Anna glanced down at her shoes, a shadow crossing over her face, before looking back up at her. "The rain, I mean."

Elsa twitched, the corner of her lips curving downward.

Teal eyes searched hers and the hand in hers squeezed her fingers once again. "I understand if you don't want to talk about it though."

The blonde bit her lip, left hand immediately going up to tug on her braid. Anna noticed the action and brought their clasped hands out of her jacket pocket, holding their fingers up to her chest and giving a wobbly smile. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Her eyes darted to the side and she shifted her weight. A shadow flickered over her eyes and she added, softly, "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Elsa winced and pulled their hands to her own chest and gave Anna an unsure, strained smile. Anna looked back up at her and, seeing Elsa's thin smile, quirked her lips into an awkward, half-grin. Elsa had the thought that Anna was trying to reassure her. She fidgeted and mumbled, "It's not that."

Anna's eyes softened, understanding dawning in her eyes and she smiled again, faintly and less uncertain.

Elsa played with the fingers in her grasp, placing a soft, barely-there kiss on the tips. The corner of Anna's lips curled up higher and she knew she had succeeded in soothing her worries just a bit. "It's just—"

Frightening.

"—difficult to talk about." Elsa looked away, licking her lips nervously. "Can we, er," she glanced back at Anna, eyes wide, "talk about it some other time? Not today, please."

The rain beat down on their sole umbrella and she could feel the hair rising on the nape of her neck.

Anna blinked, startled. "O-of course," she said, looking down at their intertwined fingers. She rubbed the flesh of Elsa's hand soothingly, worry giving way to something tender and patient. She squeezed Elsa's hand and whispered, "Whatever you're comfortable with."

In spite of her anxiety, Elsa found herself trembling, yet smiling at the easy acceptance. It was so different than what she had experienced thus far.

"You can't let whatever this is stop you from succeeding Elsa."

"But Papa—"

"No. I know you have the capacity to overcome it. No excuses."

It wasn't the first time someone had been so understanding when it came to her anxiety, but this was coming from Anna. Someone who liked her, was interested in her, her, Elsa, not Elsa Arendelle, but Elsa. Someone who wanted to—and willingly chose to—be in a relationship with her.

The realization was like a tiny drop upon her head, cold, small, and almost imperceptible, followed by a great cleansing wave.

"Thank you," Elsa mumbled, cheeks reddening.

Anna glanced up, oblivious to what had transpired inside her, and flashed a large smile. She gave a smile giggle and rolled her eyes playfully, snorting, "Don't thank me! Any other person would have done it."

Not necessarily. And you're not just any other person. You're my girlfriend. You're Anna.

Her stomach clenched.

"We c-can talk about something else if you'd like," Elsa stuttered, glancing away shyly, not wanting to let the gentle, tentative atmosphere flee. Her cheeks darkened and she gripped Anna's hand tighter.

Anna nodded and glanced around, then tugged on Elsa's hand. Elsa followed her lead and they ducked under a nearby tree, both of them glad for the extra cover. Anna wiped the water droplets from her jacket and Elsa's coat and the blonde's face flushed brighter. She grinned timidly from beneath her eyelashes, still unsteady from her buzzing nerves and brushed back the redhead's bangs, fingers lingering on her forehead for a moment. Anna smiled brightly and her eyes twinkled. Elsa felt the blush on her face crawl down her neck at the gleeful expression, red disappearing beneath the collar of her coat. The blue-green hue of her girlfriend's eyes stood out against the downpour of their surroundings. It made her lean in close and her lips curled into a more genuine smile when their noses brushed lightly.

"W-we could think of this as another date," Elsa stammered, the heat in her cheeks blocking out the cold and drizzle from the rain. Anna tilted her head and the brush of her bangs—so close, soft, and wet—against her brow made her lightheaded. She struggled to explain her reasoning, why she didn't want to just walk in silence. "I just thought, since we've had to push our schedule back a-and we might not even get to see your group's play because-" she bit her lip as droplets rolled down Anna's face, eyes flicking down to look at her worn jeans and sneakers, "-I don't want to see you relapse."

Anna blinked again and stared at her through half-lidded eyes, murmuring, "Don't worry about me. I feel great." The corner of her lips quirked and pink dusted her cheeks. "Really great," she stressed, looking at her with a direct gaze. The slightly crooked smile, accompanied by the warmth in her gaze, made Elsa's breath catch in her throat. Her ears turned red and her heart hammered in her chest.

"We don't have to talk about anything," Anna added, crooked grin shifting into her thousand-watt smile. "Being with you is just fine."

How does she do that?

Elsa huffed, breaking eye contact and fiddling with the first button on her coat. She pouted, lower lip sticking out as she grumbled, "You're making me lose my train of thought."

Anna giggled and the blonde's face reddened further. For the first time in a long time, she was glad it was winter. The cold breeze wafting over them helped the burn on her cheeks.

I must look like an oddly shaped tomato by now.

But still, despite the undercurrent of nervousness, disorientation, and fear that she felt, there was something else underneath it all.

Lips pressed against her cheek, breath brushing over her pale skin.

A strange giddiness.

Elsa bit her lip, trying to hide the smile that threatened to overtake her. Anna's bubbly laughter in her ear was a testament to her success.

The redhead tugged on her girlfriend's hand and Elsa lifted her gaze from the cement to grin shyly. "We can talk. We could talk all day if you want," she said and to Elsa's ears, Anna sounded breathless. Her cheeks were pink too and she awkwardly shifted the umbrella in her hand to brush back a lock of hair behind her ears, eyes darting to the side quickly. "But, uh, let's talk on the way? I still need to tell my group where I've been."

Elsa jumped, hairs prickling on the back of her neck. She laughed, nervous again, and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. "Oh right! Right, how could I forget about that?" She shook her head, the heat on her face now from embarrassment rather than that clenching, coiling feeling that made her blood race with a mixture of delight and something else. "I'm sorry Anna. I must seem so scatterbrained today."

Anna laughed and her breath came out in a wisp of faint fog. She grinned crookedly at Elsa and the blonde felt her legs quiver, muscles turning to jelly.

"That makes two of us." She tugged on Elsa's hand again and the two departed from their spot under the tree. "But I, well I..."

Anna blushed and chewed on her lower lip, pushing her nose into the scarf that tied her and Elsa together. The blonde's heart skipped a beat.

"I think I like that side of you too and I-I wouldn't m-mind seeing more of it if you- well if you want to s-show it, I mean-" Anna coughed and her grip tightened on Elsa's hand. She squeezed back reassuringly and the redhead's tense shoulders relaxed. She glanced back at Elsa, brow furrowed worriedly and grin awkward, "You don't have to, but just so you know, I would really love to see all the different sides of you. Er, if you're fine with that of course."

She wants to see other sides of me? All of me?

Elsa inhaled sharply, halting in her tracks. Anna's arm was jerked back by the sudden stop and she stumbled a bit, whirling around to face her, eyes wide.

"Elsa?"

How did I get so lucky?

The blonde reached out, cupped Anna's chin beneath her scarf and buried her nose in one strawberry-blonde braid, full, cherry-red lips pressing several short, chaste kisses on one freckled cheek.

"Oh, wow, wow!" Anna giggled and she could feel tanned skin warming quickly underneath. "I guess I said the right thing?"

"You have no idea," Elsa giggled, blinking back the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. Her heart was racing a mile a minute and the giddiness from before made her want to do something. Something to express the current of affection and strange emotion that was causing butterflies to erupt and flutter in her stomach. Now she was extremely glad she had planned to share an umbrella with Anna. Elsa pulled back, but not before she gave Anna one last, lingering kiss on the corner of her mouth. "I think we should go now."

Anna grinned, eyes sparkling. "Yeah, but, oh let's talk on the way!" She made a face at the rain splattering on the top of the umbrella. "This weather makes everything dreary. We should do something to lighten things up."

Elsa smiled and pulled Anna's hand, tucking it into the front pocket of her coat. When Anna blushed faintly and ducked her head, smile hidden in the blonde's scarf, Elsa felt her stomach clench again. She gestured her head forward and asked, "Let's go?"

Anna nodded wordlessly and squeezed her hand.

They continued on and the redhead nudged her shoulder. Not to temper her off balance, but to press her side in closer to the blonde. Elsa leaned into it. She couldn't resist. Even with the hiss of rain all around her and the chill seeping into her clothes, she felt warmth circulating from her arm and shoulder. It reminded her of when she had fallen asleep curled up next to Anna in her girlfriend's dorm room, safe and free of the majority of her worries for once. Her only concern at the time had been for Anna; a need in the pit of her stomach to see her well-rested and sprightly again. Waking up to Anna's peaceful expression—the dull ache in her eyes and overheated skin gone—had been one of the best things she'd ever experienced. To see Anna smile just because she had woken up next to Elsa had been paramount.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

Anna's voice brought her back from her reverie.

Elsa blinked, glancing at her girlfriend who was watching her curiously, one eyebrow quirked.

"I mean, like I said, we don't have to talk about anything. I'm fine just being with you," Anna said, gesturing by nudging her elbow into Elsa's. "But you did say you wanted to talk, so, what did you want to talk about?" She grinned sheepishly, cheeks bulging with the curve of her smile.

Elsa laughed and huddled closer to her girlfriend under the umbrella. The rain continued to pour around them as they headed to the eastern central part of campus.

"Hm, I actually don't know," she admitted, biting her lip when Anna raised an eyebrow again. "Don't look at me like that! I'm more used to making small talk." She fiddled with the fingers clasped in her hand, ears turning red. "O-or talking about business dealings! U-usually my friends are the ones who talk and I comment every now and then," she stammered. A smirk curled on Anna's lips and her teal eyes twinkled in obvious amusement. Elsa pouted and glanced away, mumbling, "Why don't you start?"

"Nuh uh," Anna said, sticking her tongue out in childish play. She nuzzled the blonde's cheek with her nose, laughing softly when Elsa groaned in response. "You start."

"Why me?" Elsa pouted, hoping jutting out her lower lip would convince Anna to start speaking instead.

The redhead grinned and she expected another teasing comment. Instead, her eyes closed halfway and Anna said softly, "I like hearing you talk. I love the sound of your voice."

The quiet timbre of her voice washed over Elsa like the raindrops on their umbrella. Her knees shook and she knew it wasn't because of her anxiety concerning the weather. Her heart jumped into her throat and she swallowed, cheeks reddening.

She's not even trying to tease me this time and she still turns my legs to butter.

Elsa forced down the lump in her throat and nodded, turning away from the utterly adoring look being sent her way. It was making it hard to concentrate, to say something that wouldn't come out as gibberish.

A light bulb flashed over her head when they passed by the library.

"Oh! That reminds me, there is something I wanted to speak with you about."

Anna brightened, eyes practically stars. "Like what? Tell me, tell me!"

"It's about Aurora," Elsa said, glancing back at her girlfriend.

"Huh?" The redhead's brow furrowed, her playful look vanishing. She tilted her head to the side and Elsa refrained from giggling at the obvious confusion on her face.

"What about her?" Anna asked.

"I saw the look she gave you earlier this morning," Elsa explained, "Don't take it to heart. She's not usually so, well, grumpy."

Anna's eyes widened and she blinked rapidly. "I'm still confused," she mumbled. "Well, that happens a lot to me, but this feels like Meg all over again. What are you talking about? Are you two friends?"

Elsa smiled and leaned her head against the redhead's shoulder, chuckling when she heard Anna let out a disgruntled noise. "Her family and mine became close when I was in my mid-teens. They're also well off. She's usually a very elegant woman."

"Oh?" Anna scrunched up her face, nose wrinkling. "She looks great, but those glares of her could send people six feet under if looks could kill."

Elsa's smile quirked into a teasing grin and she blew gently against Anna's ear. The redhead squealed in response, rubbing the side of her face furiously on her shoulder, trying to rid herself of the tingling sensation.

Elsa laughed and nuzzled Anna's arm in apology. "Trust me," she said, voice tinged with amusement, "she's a true blue-blood when she's not in Communications."

Anna frowned and leaned her head against the white-gold crown of hair next to her. They took a turn and Elsa could see the campus theater appear in the distance.

"So it's true that she sleeps a lot?" Concern laced Anna's words and Elsa squeezed her her hand in her coat pocket to reassure her. "I always thought that was just a rumor."

"Yes and no, you could say," the blonde mumbled. She was growing distracted by the rhythmic brush of Anna's jacket against her cheek. The rain pouring around them was faint in her ears, second to the muttering and breathing coming from her girlfriend. It was the first time in a long while that she felt even close to being calm in this weather. "It's only Communications she sleeps in since it's her first class in the mornings. She has a difficult schedule, between work and being a medical student. She has long hours."

"I can understand that," Anna whispered and Elsa was suddenly reminded that Anna worked late hours at times too. Her gaze lifted to watch a pensive frown form on the freckled girl's face.

Her heart clenched painfully and she sidled closer.

"It's okay," she whispered, leaning her head back down and squeezing Anna's arm in her grip. "She's used to it, the long hours I mean. Though she is a huge grump if you disturb her sleep."

"That explains why I'm on the brunt end of her glares sometimes," Anna laughed, grinning. "I'm not exactly, uh, quiet."

Elsa giggled and pecked her cheek. "I don't care if you're not quiet." An idea lit up in her mind and she leaned until her lips were brushing against Anna's ear. She whispered in a low voice, "I love the sound of your voice."

The shell turned a deep crimson and she bit her lip to keep from grinning triumphantly when Anna shuddered beside her. The redhead coughed, biting the inside of her cheek and mumbling incomprehensibly.

"I'm surprised she's not failing the class though!" When Elsa turned her head and blinked at her curiously, she hurried to add, "uh, I mean, I'm sure she's a really smart person since you said she's a med student, but it's just that she's always sleeping in Communications."

"She's not failing the class because I take notes for her," Elsa said simply, a smirk on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes.

Anna's eyes rounded in surprise. Then she bit her lip harshly to stop the giggle rising in her throat. "Oh you cheat!"

Elsa chuckled, swinging their arms gently together, eyes lost in thought. "Well, it's not like I do everything for her. She does her own work and research. She occasionally takes her own notes too, when she's not completely spent. It's not very helpful when she does that though. She barely ever remembers what happens in Communications."

Anna pursed her lips, tracking the movement of their lightly swinging arms with a hum. "That explains why she never mentioned you when we used to bump into each other."

Elsa tilted her head, frowning. "I guess it does."

Mentally however, she was thinking back to all the times that she and Anna had shared classes. Despite the redhead's casual exuberance, she could barely recall a time Anna had ever attracted attention. Unless that attention had been directed at her.

In class, Anna faded into the background.

Why is that?

"You care for her a lot, don't you?"

Elsa blinked and pulled back to stare at Anna. The redhead flushed and looked away, muttering, "I mean, from the sound of it you look out for her a lot. That's kind of you. It shows how much you consider her a friend."

"I guess you could say I know how it feels," Elsa said. She glanced away, but she could feel Anna's eyes boring holes into her. Quietly, she added, "To be pressured by others."

Family.

"I knows how it feels."

There was silence.

"It must be nice," Anna whispered and something in her voice made Elsa look back sharply. But the redhead was avoiding her gaze, staring straight down the road. "To have someone who can look out for you."

Elsa's brow furrowed. Her fingers dug into the fabric of Anna's sleeve. There was a catch in Anna's throat. Something in the way she spoke made the blonde question her choice of words.

She opened her mouth when—

"Here we are!" Anna exclaimed, a grin on her face again and tone bright.

What?

Elsa blinked and turned to face the structure in front of them.

The campus theater looked small in comparison to the surrounding buildings. While the academic subject buildings had rooftops hanging over the trees, the theater wasn't even two stories high. It looked older than the surrounding buildings too. Judging from the red brick and comparing it to the sleek slab of slate gray stones that made up the other buildings, she deduced it had been one of the first few places built on their campus.

It looks a little run down. Her eyebrows knitted together and she glanced from the theater to Anna, who was gazing at it with a loving expression. But charming.

Elsa inhaled quietly. In a little bit I'll be meeting her friends. Well, it can't be that bad I suppose. I've already met Kristoff and Rapunzel. This should be easy. Right?

The blonde fidgeted, biting her lip and glancing at the campus theater from underneath their umbrella. Her stomach coiled and flipped. Although she could handle an entire board of directors or colleagues within her business classes, meeting new people had always been difficult. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and she gripped Anna's bicep harder. The redhead shifted, a curious frown on her face. Elsa smiled back uncertainly and Anna grinned, pecking her temple.

"It'll be okay! They don't bite." She pursed her lips, looking thoughtful and Elsa distracted herself by staring at the adorable way Anna's cheeks rounded. "I can't promise anything for your hair though."

Elsa frowned, leaning back and staring at the redhead in bewilderment. "My hair? What do you mean?" Unconsciously, she brought a hand up to her hair to thread it through her painstakingly maintained blonde bangs.

Anna giggled and shifted the umbrella to her shoulder so she could brush back a stray lock on Elsa's forehead. "They're fond of noogies, but I'm pretty sure they won't go near your hair since you can tell from a glance that you spend so much time on it. Can't say the same for mine though." She laughed and Elsa relaxed a little. Anna's grin widened. "They're jerks, but not disrespectful."

Elsa nodded, blushing faintly. Outwardly, she appeared reassured. Inwardly, she was proud Anna had noticed the lengths she went through to maintain her appearance. Growing up it had been expected of her to appear completely immaculate in her appearance. To wear the right kind of shirt, the right kind of dress, the right kind of skirt and footwear—everything. Even her make-up had always been meant to accentuate her features in a way that was professional and faultless.

"Appearance is everything Elsa."

Her lips pursed.

"Not everything has to be perfect."

They twitched, curving back up.

But it sounds different coming from Anna. It...feels nice to hear it from her.

"Ready?" Anna quipped, bringing Elsa back to the present.

The blonde smiled and straightened, shoulders high and chin up.

"Ready," she said. She wasn't going to let the continuous downpour around them unbalance her. I can do this.

Anna inhaled excitedly. "Okay, let's do this."

She felt the redhead tighten her hold and Elsa blinked. She glanced between Anna's determined and excited expression to their linked arms, frowning subtly as the redhead pulled her to the double doors.

I don't think I'm the only one nervous here. Why?

She didn't have time to contemplate her question before Anna pushed open the doors. The hiss of raindrops was immediately dulled when they slammed shut behind the two. Elsa inwardly sighed with relief and loosened her grip slightly on Anna's arm. The redhead dropped their umbrella, closing it with a click and shaking it to loosen the water droplets that had collected on it before stuffing it into her backpack. All the while, Elsa took the time to take in her surroundings. She rarely set foot outside her apartment, unless it was an outing with her friends or an appointment with her therapist or psychiatrist. In truth, the blonde had never seen what the campus theater looked like inside despite having passed by the building on occasion.

The rows of seats were red, a deep crimson that reminded her of the rare opera visit her parents had taken her on when she was younger—a small child that could barely look over the shoulders of the person in front. They were plush and looked to be the most well-kept part of the theater. Her gaze traveled along the decorative carpet in the middle to the wooden stage in front. It was void of everything, save for a few empty chairs. She noted, however, that the wood was sleek and shined. The signature red curtains, by contrast, looked slightly dusty. She wondered how often Anna's theater troupe actually held plays and how well-funded they were.

But it really does look charming. With the current weather gone from her mind, she found herself smiling as she looked around. Her grip on Anna's sleeve completely relaxed and she felt the warmth of the theater seep into her wet clothes and down to her brittle, trembling bones.

"It's about time!"

Only for her to jump at the sound of a young man's voice. Her fingers dug into the jacket on impulse, clinging to it, and she blinked rapidly as a brunette poked his head out from behind the curtains on the sides. He smirked and jumped off the stage, striding purposely towards them. Beside her, she felt Anna perk up.

"Eugene! I didn't think you'd be here today," the redhead said. She gently slipped her arm from Elsa's hold—flashing the blonde a quick, reassuring smile—and hopped towards the brunette.

"I could say the same for you Red! I didn't think you'd be well enough today for Rapunzel to let you go without thirty pages of strict instructions." He chuckled and stopped before them, crossing his arms. "Looks like I was wrong though."

He grinned and reached forward, wrapping an arm around Anna's neck and shoulders. Discreetly, Elsa let go of Anna's sleeve—though she made sure to fold the scarf completely around the redhead's neck without alerting her—and stepped back, clasping her hands to her front for something to hold. The warmth that she had felt earlier dissipated somewhat. Elsa shivered and bit her lip, refraining from wringing her hands together. She concentrated on the fact that her scarf was still around Anna's neck while she and the brunette conversed.

"See, I told Princess not to worry about you," Eugene said and Elsa wondered what relation he had to Rapunzel and Anna. The redhead laughed as he sunk his knuckles into her hair, grinding them in and ruffling the damp tresses. "I knew you would bounce back!"

"If I remember right you kept teasing Rapunzel about how I would die of heat stroke, starve until I was nothing but bones, and turn into fine dust," Anna replied, pushing his fist away from her hair with a giggle and snort. "She practically kicked you out of our dorm room when you wouldn't stop going on."

Eugene laughed once, squeezing Anna to his side. "What can I say? I know a bad case when I see one and you looked like a boiling tomato while you were out, but you've been through worse!" He turned, jerking his head to the stage, and led Anna down the row. "I was just having a little fun and you know Rapunzel didn't believe most of it."

Anna grinned and looked over her shoulder at Elsa, who stood at the entrance, fingers twitching uncertainly. The redhead gestured with her hand to follow, mouthing, "Come on. Everything's okay."

Elsa shivered, not at all from the cold that seeped through the opening at the bottom of the doors behind her and through the aging walls of the theater, but from the anxiety that twisted and coiled in her stomach. It rose up her sternum and her heart hammered in anticipation. Anna paused, a frown creasing her brow and the blonde stiffened. She mentally shook herself and stepped forward. She saw Anna's eyes brighten and swallowed the lump in her throat, smiling slightly. Still, the click-clack of her heeled boots seemed absurdly loud to her.

Anna turned back to Eugene, who had stopped to look quizzically between the two of them. "Who else is here already?" she asked, and Elsa was grateful that she didn't need to introduce herself just yet.

So much for that confidence from before...

Eugene shrugged, leading them backstage. "Just me and Es today Red. His Grand Grooviness hasn't arrived yet and the others are busy with boring stuff. Like work."

The three of them disappeared behind the curtains, slipping backstage to a small room where a table had been propped up with a few chairs. In one of them sat a dark-skinned woman with thick, luxurious jet-black hair and dark green eyes shaded by faint mascara. She looked up from her coffee when they entered and Elsa saw a grin spread across her rouge lips, teeth straight and white.

"Well, look who's finally back and looking like sunshine," she said, laughing throatily. Anna beamed at her, discarded her backpack next to Elsa, and pulled away from Eugene to throw her arms around the other woman.

"Hi Esmeralda, have you been watching out for our rowdy boys while I was gone?" Anna quipped.

Esmeralda laughed again and pinched one of Anna's cheek, her eyes twinkling. "Of course Sunshine. Someone has had to keep their head around here without you to distract everyone."

Eugene huffed, leaning against the wall. "I resent that comment! She makes a bigger mess when she's here."

The redhead blew a raspberry at him and Elsa giggled quietly in the doorway, opting to watch the interactions in the background.

Esmeralda rolled her eyes at their childish behavior and poked Anna's cheek, turning the redhead's attention back to her. "No, but really sweetheart, tell us what happened to you." She brushed aside Anna's bangs, clasping her hands in one of her own. "We were worried. Eugene said you were sick, is that true?"

Anna blushed and glanced at the floor. "Uh, yeah. I came down with a fever because of stuff. Overworked and lack of sleep, according to, well, everyone."

Elsa clenched her hands tightly, her mind flashing back to Anna swaying on her feet next to her when they had exited Creme de la Creme. Looking at Anna now, leaning back on the balls of her feet, she was convinced that the younger woman really was back on her feet. Maybe, just maybe we won't have to cancel our future plans.

"And I've been busy with other things," Anna mumbled, eyes darting to the side. The blush on her face darkened and her lips rose in a small, goofy grin.

"Well, we're glad to see you're looking much better," Esmeralda said, kissing Anna's forehead.

The redhead giggled and Elsa felt a strange tightening in her stomach. She clutched her bag strap, shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"But what do you mean by other things?" Esmeralda asked, sitting back in her chair and sipping her coffee with a raised eyebrow. Despite her curious tone, there was a knowing glint in her eyes.

Elsa felt her own face slowly heat up as Anna twiddled her thumbs. Has she been—

"Uh, well, I'd like to introduce you to someone," the redhead said, biting her lip. All at once, Elsa stiffened and her knuckles went white as she gripped her bag strap tightly.

This is nothing like talking to people in business. Or talking to someone on the phone.

Anna turned, moving away from Esmeralda to walk back to her side. Elsa's muscles loosened as the redhead linked their arms together, placing a gentle hand upon her forearm. The utter pride and affection in her teal eyes made Elsa smile shyly, the tips of her ears turning pink.

"Guys, this is Elsa," Anna said, beaming at Eugene and Esmerelda. "My girlfriend. We've been dating for the last couple of weeks and that's why," Anna scuffed her shoe, biting her lip, "I've been taking some time off from the group. Heh," she lifted a pair of puppy dog eyes to them, "Sorry."

Elsa felt heat creep over her face and she delicately unfolded her hands, laying a palm over Anna's fingers.

"So this is the infamous Elsa Arendelle." Eugene sauntered over to her and she refrained from shrinking visibly at the scrutinizing smirk on his lips. The brunette hummed, circling around her. He stopped and crossed his arms, rubbing his chin.

Elsa's shy smile wobbled and her eyes flicked to Anna, whose eager grin disappeared. Concern flashed on her face and she turned to Eugene and opened her mouth to speak.

But then he straightened, a glint in his eye. He wrapped his arm around Elsa—who tensed, shoulders shooting up to her ears, smile straining—and turned to grin at Anna.

"I gotta say Red! You really know how to pick 'em." Eugene gave the blonde a friendly shake before he stepped back, something she was grateful for. "Allow me to introduce myself fair maiden!" He bowed deeply, making a grand show of gesturing with his arm. "I come from the West and have faced many a humorless, suspicious foe!" Elsa slowly lowered her shoulders, one fine eyebrow rising up to her hairline. Eugene lifted his gaze from the floor to stare at her, a mock-important glimmer in his eyes. "All to ask thou a question—"

Next to her, Elsa could see Anna rolling her eyes. She grinned apologetically at the blonde, cheeks pink with embarrassment. Elsa's lips quirked up slightly, before her eyes flicked back to Eugene. He straightened and leaned on one leg, a smirk on his face.

"When Red asked you out, why'd you say yes to a twiggy, flat-chested hyperactive monkey?"

Anna spluttered, face flushing angrily. "HEY!"

Elsa's eyes widened, mouth forming an 'o'-shape. Amusement slowly overtaking her nervousness, she watched Anna let go and walk right up to Eugene and stand on her toes. The redhead grabbed his ear between two fingers and he yelped in pain and surprise.

"You're supposed to be on my side!" Anna huffed, twisting the cartilage in her hand. Eugene yelped again.

"I'm just teasing Red! You're fantastic," he stammered, shooting her a pleading grin, "a real treasure to be around! Please let go of my ear."

Anna let go with a grumble. "You're not doing me any favors, so-called childhood friend."

Elsa perked up, eyebrows rising. So that's how they know each other. Does that mean he grew up in the same orphanage as her? She filed that bit of information away for later.

Eugene glanced over at her and smiled sheepishly. When Anna continued to glare at him he coughed and held out his hand. She took it without cue, smiling back politely.

"Eugene Fitzherbert," he said. "It's a pleasure to meet you Elsa."

"The pleasure is all mine," Elsa said, smiling back more genuinely. She noticed Anna beam beside the brunette, her eyes practically becoming hearts as she looked between the two. The blonde stood up straighter, gazing at Anna with fondness in her eyes.

Eugene grinned, hands on his hips. "Can I just say it's nice to finally meet you in person? Red used to talk about you all the time. Was really starting to wonder what you were like 'cause she wouldn't shut up about you."

Anna flushed and coughed, rubbing the back of her neck. Behind the two, Esmeralda looked up from her coffee, smirking.

"He's not exaggerating." She stood up, placing her cup on the table and strode over. The tall woman smiled down teasingly at Anna and Elsa felt that same something from before twitch when she noticed the blush on her girlfriend's cheeks darken. She wrapped an arm around the shorter woman's shoulders, ruffling her hair. "Our Anna here is quite the talker, but you should have seen her months ago. It was always 'Elsa this,' or 'Elsa that!'"

She winked at Elsa and held out her hand. "I'm Esmeralda, it's nice to meet you Elsa."

Elsa's lips twitched slightly. She eyed the arm over her girlfriend's shoulders before grasping the slender hand in her own and giving it a firm, single shake.

"A pleasure," she said coolly.

Esmeralda smiled, but Elsa could see a faint twinkle of amusement in her dark green eyes. The blonde gulped and suddenly wondered if Anna had felt this way when she met Meg for the first time.

Esmeralda turned back to Anna, pinching a freckled cheek. "I have to say it was really cute watching Anna try to write that letter before asking you out." The redhead's blush increased tenfold and she looked vaguely mortified.

Letter? I'm guessing she's talking about that scrap of paper Anna was holding the day she asked me out. It hadn't been that long. She faintly recalled the piece of paper being severely wrinkled too. Anna's trembling and sweaty hands had nearly split it in two before she had discarded it and blurted out her question. I wonder if she wrote more than one before deciding on that final piece...

The thought dispelled the twisting discomfort in her stomach and she felt her cheeks redden slightly. Elsa's lips curled as she watched Anna wriggle in Esmeralda's grasp, the tall woman laughing heartily.

"It was adorable! We all volunteered to help her, but she was determined to write it on her own," Esmeralda said, smirking.

"Stop it!" Anna whined, tearing herself out of the woman's grip to stand by Elsa's side again. The blonde blinked and her smile widened. Wordlessly, she opened the gap between her arm and side so Anna could link them together once more. Anna briefly shot her a shy grin before glaring at the two brunettes in front of her. "I swear! Is it 'Tease Anna Day?' First Elsa's friends and now my own. Traitors."

"We're just messing with you Red!" Eugene snickered and plopped down in a chair, putting his boots up on another one. "We're like little kids who just saw something shiny and new! We can't help it." When Anna stuck her tongue out at him, he blew a raspberry at her. "Besides, Rapunzel got to meet her so now it's my turn."

Elsa shifted next to Anna, quickly glancing at her out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to ask why so many of Anna's relatives and friends seemed determined to meet her. But when she noticed the lack of genuine annoyance on Anna's face, she faltered. The blonde blinked, mentally stepping back to observe the situation.

There was a sparkle in her eyes and the edge of her lips constantly twitched, as if unable to hold still, and urging to smile. Her fingers flexed against the material of Elsa's coat, either digging into the fabric or moving in unspecific patterns. The redhead caught her eye and the white of her teeth flashed easily.

I've never seen her so excited and yet so at ease before.

Anna was boisterous, but only when she was outside of class, among her friends. It was as if the minute she stepped inside a classroom, with other people surrounding her, she withdrew. She seemed to shrink, awkward and stumbling when others approached her. Her heart clenched. The similarity was uncanny.

But she's different here.

"Oh, we should stop teasing them Eugene," Esmeralda said, chuckling. She sat down across from him, picking up her coffee cup again. "You and I both know how Anna feels about it."

For a split second, Elsa saw something serious flicker between Esmeralda and Eugene. She felt a tension suddenly crackle in the air, but it was gone before she could contemplate it.

The roguish young man held up his hands in surrender, flashing an apologetic smile. "Of course, of course. You know I can't joke about a fair maiden for long." He smirked at Anna, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "Although I stand by what I said earlier, you do know how to pick them Red."

Anna blushed darkly and coughed, tugging on one of her braids with her free hand. Elsa felt her own cheeks heat up as well, but any embarrassment and timidity was overcome by a sudden flow of pride.

Oh learn some modesty Elsa! From the sounds of it, you're not Anna's first partner. The words flashed quickly in her brain and her heart sank in sudden anxiety and worry. I wonder how many people she's dated besides me...

"Yeah, I really do..."

Anna's breathy voice, so close to her ear, dragged her from her uncertain train of thought. Elsa started, angling her head to see Anna staring right at her, a goofy grin on her face. Her teal eyes were distant and dreamy. The blonde was almost positive that if Anna weren't holding arms with her, she would lean so far to the side and end up straight on the floor.

Distantly, she heard Esmeralda coo in the background, followed by a snicker from Eugene. Normally, she would have shrunk into herself, but the affection on Anna's face just made her melt.

Elsa smiled shyly, ducking her head and discreetly leaning into the redhead's side.

"Who knows how to pick who?"

They all turned when they heard the campus theater doors slam open. There was a swish of dark red and gold fabric before a young man appeared, brushing aside the curtains in a grandiose manner and sauntering into the back room. He had finely combed black hair and from the way he walked, with his chin held high and a suave smile on his face, she guessed he was either the leader of Anna's group or the Vice President. Some authoritative figure anyway.

He certainly looks the part.

Beside her, she noticed Anna perk up even more.

"It's about time Kuzco," Esmeralda said, a smirk on her face. She sipped her coffee cup and mumbled, "We were wondering how fashionably late you were going to be this time."

"That's Emperor Kuzco to you sweetheart," he said, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Remember, we talked about this. I'm the Emperor and you guys are—"

"The Emperor's advisers, yeah, yeah, we know," Esmeralda replied, rolling her eyes. However, the smile stayed on her face as she munched around a cookie, eyes playful.

"I still want to be something else!" Eugene groaned, rubbing his forehead. "A devilish young man like me needs adventure! Excitement! Action! Danger! Not all this wishy-washy royal stuff, blegh." He scrunched up his face and chomped on a potato chip from their snack plate. "And besides who elected you anyway?"

Kuzco huffed, raising an eyebrow. "Remember guys, we had a deal." He grinned brightly and Elsa heard Anna giggle beside her. "We all voted for me! Me, me, me!" he said, holding his arms out wide. "I thought we came to the agreement that you all saw my amazing talent, captivating voice, and just general greatness that puts me above you peasants. I mean, less talented people. Not that you're bad, but just that I'm better. Naturally."

"You mean you voted for you," Esmeralda snarked with a humored expression, blatantly ignoring his boasts as her eyes twinkled.

This time Elsa felt Anna giggle beside her. She smiled at the redhead, who noticed her adoring look and returned it, squeezing her arm.

"Yada, yada! Boring, unnecessary details no one cares about." Kuzco waved his hand, rolling his eyes. "Now how about doing something actually important and telling me what I missed?"

"Right boss!" Anna finally chirped, letting go of Elsa's arm to bounce to Kuzco's side. The blonde's arm felt cooler the instant Anna let go, something she keenly noticed. She found her awareness of the action strange, so accustomed to the cold as she was. Her chest ached.

"Oh well what do we have here!" Kuzco exclaimed, a smile replacing his exasperated expression. He opened his arms wide and Anna jumped into them, laughing. "I was wondering when our best handy girl was going to be back!" He drew back and winked at Anna, ruffling her hair in much the same way Esmeralda had. She giggled, biting her lip. "Where have you been girl? We all missed you."

Anna opened her mouth to respond when Eugene beat her to it.

"Red here has been sick as a dog." He shot her a look, along with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "She took some time off to take care of her roguish good looks along with," he winked at Elsa, "a few other things." She flushed behind Anna and Kuzco and fidgeted, biting her lip. Eugene chuckled and added, "You know Kuzco a fair maiden has to take time off every now and then to make sure she stays in tip top shape."

"Weren't you the one that said I was a flat-chested monkey?" Anna retaliated, letting go of Kuzco to cross her arms and tap her foot irately. She puffed up her cheeks when he just grinned. "And like I said, I was just tired. Overloaded from work and everything, but—"

Elsa felt her stomach twist again and her fingers itched to reach out and do something. Squeeze Anna's arm, hold her hand, or just lightly grasp the thick fabric of her letterman jacket. The blonde bit her lip and settled for clutching them tightly in front of her.

"I'm better now! I took time off and I'm ready to get back to work," Anna finished, turning to Kuzco and bouncing on the tips of her sneakers. She grinned and her hands balled into fists, shaking excitedly. The coil in Elsa's stomach lessened and she felt warmth bloom in her chest, a sense of pride and care bubbling up at the determined expression on her girlfriend's face.

She said she wanted to see other sides of me… Well, I want the same for her as well. This is different. On the surface it looks the same, but here, Anna looks different.

There was a buzz, a sixth sense of energy that radiated from every line and muscle within Anna's body. Jumping up and down in her jeans and oversized sweater, she looked so thin to Elsa and yet her beaming smile was so wide and vivacious that it made the blonde pause. Just so she could take in all of Anna, to see the light that was her excitement and spirit. See her without the stuttering and stumbling that was her doubt and hesitation.

All of a sudden, Elsa noticed the apple of Anna's cheek, the curve and perkiness of her lips. The tension in her neck muscles and the gloss of her hair. Her eyes trailed down to the redhead's jeans, the fabric clinging to her slim legs. They darted back up to watch Anna's braids bounce, the white streak in her hair prominent.

She was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

Elsa's heart skipped a beat and throbbed in her chest. I've never seen her quite like this before.

"Now see this is what I want to hear from all of you," Kuzco said, interrupting Elsa's train of thought as he slung an arm around Anna's shoulder and gestured with his pointer finger. "I want to hear people say they wanna work. For me. Especially for me." He held his chin up high, a confident smirk on his face. "When people come to see our plays, we're supposed to dazzle them! Show them our moves and make them feel as if we're the only ones in the world! Boom, baby! We have to make them believe we're stars. Well, I'm already a star, but you know what I mean."

He let go of Anna's shoulders while she laughed out loud, clamping her hands over her mouth, shoulders shaking. Kuzco pinched her cheek. "Alrighty, what are we doing now?"

Esmeralda rolled her eyes. "Well if you had read the email I sent you, you'd know."

Kuzco waved away her comment. "Ehh, that's not my top priority. Are we all ready for the show?"

Eugene leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head. "As ready as we'll ever be. The script's been finalized and we've got all the props ready. Tickets are on sale, etc, etc." He reached over and popped a donut in his mouth. "All we really need is for people to actually buy tickets. And actually come to the show. That'd be great."

Anna bounced next to Kuzco. "Don't worry, they will! You guys are going to be great, I know it."

Elsa felt a slight sting. Right, she's only backstage help.

Still, Anna did not seem deterred by this fact. She practically stayed on her toes, swaying back and forth as the small group exchanged plans.

Elsa watched it all silently.

They're all so comfortable with each other. I guess that's one of the best things about having shared interests and not just being forced to interact with each other. Just letting things develop naturally instead because you want to be with these people, not because you have to be with them.

Elsa clenched her hands together, shoulders twitching. A gloom fell over her and she stared down at the dusty ground, the group's chatter dying away momentarily. I wish I had something like that growing up.

She hadn't minded traveling across the country so often with her parents, but if she were honest with herself, as a child she had been—

Lonely.

Something brushed against her side. Elsa blinked, snapped out of her train of thought. Anna had grabbed her hand, pulling her forward. The blonde stumbled, surprised as her girlfriend pulled her right up to her group leader.

"Oh, Kuzco this is Elsa! Elsa this is Kuzco, our president!" Anna chirped.

The slim man finally seemed to notice her, quirking his eyebrow and rubbing his chin. He tracked his eyes down her form and she gripped Anna's hand tightly, wondering what was going through his mind.

Wait, why am I acting so nervous? This is nothing compared to my father. Get it together, Elsa.

She raised her chin and stood up straight. "Hello," she said, holding out her hand.

His eyebrow quirked higher at her formal tone. Kuzco squinted, tilting his head.

"Okay," he said slowly, "who are you again?"

Eugene howled in the background and Esmeralda rolled her eyes. Elsa stood there staring, her fingers loosening around Anna's hand in surprise. Anna groaned beside her, mumbling, "She's my girlfriend. The one I've been telling you guys about for months."

"Wait, hang on," Kuzco said, doing a double take. "This is your girlfriend?" He made a small noise between surprise and approval.

Elsa blushed faintly and the corner of her lips curled up. She squeezed Anna's hand in quiet, subtle delight. The redhead beamed up at her.

"She knew how to pick this one didn't she?" Eugene said, clicking his tongue and taking out a mini sandwich from the basket that was laid on the coffee table.

"Don't you start again with the teasing," Anna said, gripping Elsa's arm protectively. "She's not a piece of meat you know."

"I'm just saying the honest truth," Eugene replied, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. "I mean, in comparison, I like her a lot already."

Anna puffed out her cheeks and Elsa blinked down at her worriedly. She patted the hand on her forearm, leaning down to whisper, "It's okay. I don't mind. You went through the same thing with Meg, so now it's my turn?"

The redhead's cheeks pinked and she smiled shyly. "If you're fine then okay."

"Oh, but honey, he's right. You do know how to pick 'em," Kuzco interrupted, crossing his arms and looking Elsa up and down.

Elsa's blush darkened and she coughed. She bit her lip, gazing down at her heeled, black boots. The stares directed her way didn't feel at all like the steel gaze of her father or his business associates. They felt a little bit more flattering, she supposed.

"Thank you," she mumbled.

"Well okay show's over," Kuzco said abruptly. He turned and clapped his hands together. "This has all been great but I gotta get going. You know places to be, professors to see, classes that I have to show I care about, etc, etc."

"Wait, what?" Anna turned to him, eyes wide. "You mean that's all we had for our meeting today?"

"More like this is the end of our meeting," Eugene said, getting up and popping his back. "Me and Es started early today. Class got canceled and you were stuck in Communications."

"Oh." Anna visibly deflated. Elsa's eyes darted to her face to see her pout. "Right."

So eager to get back to work. She giggled softly.

"Don't worry Sunshine," Esmeralda said, standing up from her chair. "With the upcoming play you'll be back at work before you know it."

She pinched one of Anna's cheeks until a small smile appeared on the redhead's face. Elsa shifted besides the two and subtly pulled Anna's hand closer to her.

"Will you be coming to the play Elsa?"

The blonde jumped, blinking owlishly at Esmeralda. "Oh, uh, yes. Yes I will."

"She's coming with me!" Anna beamed up at Elsa and the blonde relaxed. "We just need to decide what day."

"Not coming to the grand opening?" Eugene asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Anna blew at her fringe. "Don't know if either of us can make it. We both have exams coming up and," she laughed and rubbed the back of her neck, "getting sick kind of put a dent in our plans."

Elsa squeezed Anna's hand. "I think we can try," she whispered and the redhead looked up in surprise. "We could study for our exams together, make room for your play."

I want to see how you act during such a big event.

"I think I can reserve you two some good seats," Esmeralda interrupted and Elsa smiled at her gratefully. The other woman winked. "Shouldn't be too hard and think of it as a 'Congrats on getting better' gift Anna."

"Really?!" Anna squealed and enveloped Esmeralda in a hug. "That would be fantastic! I mean I was going to ask if we could get some good seats, but this is even better! Thank you, thank you!"

Elsa's expression softened as she watched Esmeralda laugh and stroke Anna's hair.

"Of course," the tall woman said, pecking her forehead. "I'm surprised Eugene didn't offer right away," she said, smirking at the brunette.

"Hey, I can't give tickets of our shows to every single lady!" he exclaimed, stopping by the doorway. "That would be favoritism and besides Red can earn her own way."

Anna snorted and he just grinned.

"Alright, alright, enough blabbering," Kuzco interrupted. He brushed past Eugene, glancing at his watch. "I gotta be at Phys Ed before Coach Shang blows a gasket case again, you know how he is."

Elsa tugged on Anna's hand. "We should be going too," she whispered. "I'm sorry, but I have classes in an hour and a half."

"Oh and we still need to catch lunch !" Anna squeaked.

"We have some leftover sandwiches if you two want them," Esmeralda said, pointing to a wicker basket on the table. "It was going to be for everyone, but well..." She gestured to the empty backstage room. "You see how it is."

Anna hugged Esmeralda again, giving the tall woman a tight squeeze. "It was good seeing you guys again," she mumbled in a faceful of thick black hair.

Elsa felt something in her ache at the slight wistfulness in the redhead's tone.

Esmeralda patted Anna's back and said, "You'll be seeing me again soon Sunshine." Then she pinched the redhead's cheek and joked, "But right now, I have French class in a bit."

Anna grinned and pulled back. Esmeralda smiled and brushed past them all, acknowledging Elsa with a nod which the blonde returned with a polite smile before she headed out the door. Anna hopped over to Kuzco, who was waiting at the door entrance. He glanced up from his watch and when she reached toward him, he patted her shoulders before drawing away, exiting out the door, and saying, "No touchie. Only one hug per day remember?"

She dropped her arms, gaping. Elsa bit her lip to stop the giggle rising in her throat. The redhead huffed while Eugene snickered. He exchanged looks with Anna. Eugene spread his arms and Anna looked him up and down.

"What? I see you every day."

Eugene let out a choked snort and this time Elsa did giggle, covering her mouth when they glanced at her. Anna shrugged and grinned before jumping on the brunette. He laughed and spun her around.

The blonde paused in her laughter and watched the short scene with another ache in her chest. I wonder what it was like for them.

The two parted and Anna kissed his cheek, mumbling, "I'll see you tonight right?"

"Right," he said, ruffling her hair, brown eyes warm. Elsa watched the softness in his eyes glow and was suddenly reminded of Kristoff. He coughed and gestured to the table. "Alright, Rapunzel's going to be out of painting class soon so I'm going to go pick her up for lunch." His eyes twinkled and flicked between Anna and Elsa. "You two enjoy yours."

Elsa blushed and looked away. He laughed before leaving the two of them alone. Anna turned to her and Elsa smiled slightly.

"So, lunch?" the redhead asked, picking up her backpack from the floor and skipping back to her side.

Elsa grinned and leaned over, pecking Anna's cheek. "Lunch."

They turned to the table and opened the wicker basket. The smell of sandwiches wafted into their noses and they sighed in content. Anna's stomach growled and Elsa chuckled.

"I think we better hurry," she said, voice teasing. "It doesn't sound like you can wait for much longer."

Anna blushed, laughing lightly. "No I can't and I still need to show you the spot where we're eating."

Elsa pursed her lips as she grabbed two sandwiches, packing them up. She couldn't keep the slight whine out of her voice. "You can't even give me a hint where we're going?"

Anna stuck out her tongue. "It's a secret."

"I didn't peg you for the mysterious type," the blonde said, reaching up and tickling Anna's neck. She pouted when the redhead only giggled once. "Ugh, it's unfair you're not the ticklish type."

That actually made Anna laugh and she leaned toward Elsa's face. "I didn't peg you for the childish reaction type."

The blonde's annoyed expression vanished as Anna rubbed their noses together. Elsa pressed their foreheads together and sighed contentedly. She felt Anna shiver and mumbled, "We can't stay like this all day." She chuckled when Anna let out a disgruntled noise. "I want to see this spot of yours."

"Okay," the younger woman said, pulling back. She deftly wrapped up a few more sandwiches in napkins and placed them in her backpack. Elsa spotted a few fruits and grabbed them, plucking them into her bag. Anna grinned at her, teal eyes twinkling.

"What? We need a balanced lunch," the blonde said defensively. "Especially you, after getting sick."

Anna just rolled her eyes good-naturedly before zipping up her backpack and slinging it over her shoulder. She grabbed the empty wicker basket and headed over to a cabinet, storing it back inside while Elsa picked up the empty coffee cups and dumped them into a nearby trash can.

"Your group mates aren't the cleanest," she said before blushing brightly at her own off-hand remark.

Anna just chuckled and said, "That's why I'm their best handy girl."

Elsa relaxed and smiled at her. They interlaced fingers again and left the backstage room. The two of them were already off the stage and at the double doors before the blonde remembered what kind of weather they were currently having.

The doors creaked open.

The hiss and patter of rain immediately greeted her. Elsa stiffened and her grip on Anna's hand tightened. It was coming down harder than before. Within the cozy and small confines of the theater, the sound of rainfall had been dulled. Now she was harshly pushed back into it.

Anna plucked out her umbrella where it had been stuffed into her bag. She popped it open and frowned out at the rain. She turned to the blonde, brow furrowed. Elsa swallowed and her fingers twitched.

"You okay?" she asked, squeezing her hand.

Elsa stared out at the gray campus, blue eyes tracking the downpour. "I'm fine," she said distantly.

Anna glanced out and then back at her, eyes even more worried. "You know we can just forget about the whole thing. We can have lunch here and then head to class."

The blonde stubbornly shook her head and tightened her hold on Anna's hand. "No, maybe it'll clear up before we get there."

"And if it doesn't?" Anna whispered and Elsa could feel the burn of her stare.

She didn't answer, fingers squeezing Anna's until she was sure the hold was almost painful.

Anna sidled closer to her and opened their umbrella. She nudged Elsa with her shoulder and tried to smile reassuringly. The blonde's blue eyes looked haunted for a moment, staring at the worried look on her girlfriend's face.

Conceal.

Then she straightened and tugged Anna with her into the rain. Anna nearly stumbled after her before pulling up to her side and making sure the umbrella was over their heads.

Don't feel.

x x x

I'm such a fool.

God, she hated how she had inherited her father's stubborn nature. Her mother had always warned against adopting his habits, but she had pressed on, determined to ignore the twisting and coiling in her gut, the creep and crawl of her skin under her coat. Her knuckles were white and she stared at the cement in front of her as she slowed her pace to let Anna lead her to their lunch spot.

Anna was silent beside her and she could feel the younger woman shooting glances her way every other minute. She didn't even comment on the tight grip Elsa had on her hand. The blonde didn't know whether to feel grateful or guilty.

I'm really am such a fool. Why didn't I just take up her offer? Please no, I don't want everything to go wrong so soon.

The fingers on her bag strap trembled and she felt her pulse race. With every footstep the campus theater disappeared behind her and she felt the safety of its enclosure dwindling. They were taking a path off the central walkway of campus and she noticed less and less buildings as they went. The lack of shelter from the downpour was getting to her. She became more and more away of the feel of the rain all around her. Her breathing quickened and her fingers felt numb around Anna's hand.

The sidewalk blurred once before her eyes and she stopped, the hiss of rain accompanying a ringing in her ears.

Her heartbeat roared in her ears and her throat clogged up. She could feel tears burning the back of her eyelids.

"Elsa?"

Anna's voice was barely audible among the chaos. Her eyes slowly lifted and she stared, panting, eyes wide.

Anna had stopped when her arm had been jerked back from the sudden halt. Her eyes were as wide as Elsa's and they darted up and down her figure, taking in her hunched shoulders and bowed head. The blonde tucked her bag closer to her, wrapping it around her protectively.

Anna frowned, realization dawning on her face. She shifted the umbrella in her grasp so she could clumsily hold Elsa's hand with both of hers. Elsa shuddered, legs pressing together tightly, form curling in. She fought back the urge to pull the collar of her jacket up higher, breath coming out in puffs. She pushed down the instinct to tear her hand away from Anna's gentle hold.

Conceal. Don't feel. Control it. My medication, I should—

Her right hand moved frantically, unbuttoning the flap of her backpack when—

"Elsa," Anna started—and her voice cut through the fog in her mind. She looked from their hands to Elsa's face. "You're shaking."

Elsa cringed, eyes darting down to see her fingers were trembling, knuckles white.

Anna moved closer and the blonde wanted to pull away and lean in at the same time. The air around her seemed to crackle and her ears singled out the hiss and fall of raindrops. Calloused fingers furiously rubbed her hand, trying to spark warm in her pale skin.

"C'mon," Anna said, tugging her close. "Let's get you out of this rain."

"I'm sorry," Elsa whispered, shivering as the redhead guided her down the campus path. "I just- I can't always-"

Control it. Stop it.

She stopped again and Anna paused beside her. Elsa knew the redhead was trailing her eyes over her figure, trying to decipher the sudden change in mood.

Her breath hitched and she covered her mouth with her free hand, closing her eyes to pause for a moment. In, out, in, out. Remember, slowly. Slowly. She shuddered and breathed, trying to calm the racing of her heat. Her lungs expanded slowly and she allowed the simple breathing exercise to block out the chill and patter of rain.

Control. You can do this. One. Elsa exhaled, short, quick, and painful. Two. She inhaled and her breath hitched. One. She let it out, the puff of air escaping through her fingers. Two. Another inhale, and the oxygen traveled down her throat, through her nostrils, into her lungs. They expanded and retracted and she repeated the number count in her mind.

It's just rain. There's no danger here. No cars, no storm. Just a little fall of rain. It's just water. You're fine Elsa. Just H2O. Nothing can hurt you. You'll be fine Elsa.

She breathed in again, slow, and let it go.

The ringing in her ears faded and although her heart jumped every other beat, she was more aware of her surroundings. Her shoulders were still hunched and her knees still trembled, but she felt grounded.

Elsa opened her eyes and blinked at Anna. The younger woman was watching, eyes darting back and forth, looking for signs. Her thumb was continuously rubbing over Elsa's hand. She hadn't once let go.

Elsa swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to ignore how her vision blurred slightly. "I'm sorry. This must seem completely out of nowhere." She inhaled shakily. "I'm sorry," she whispered, unable to meet the wide, concerned stare in front of her.

Anna glanced ahead of them and back to her, breath rising in white puffs. "Don't be. There's nothing to be sorry about?" she said, expression softening. She reached down and, after hesitating for a moment, rubbed Elsa's elbow. "Hey, it's okay. You said you didn't want to talk about this earlier, and I'm guessing it's the same here. There's nothing to be sorry about." Elsa lifted her head and blinked, gratified when her vision cleared. Anna grinned gently at her and held the umbrella so that it hung mostly over the blonde's head. "Remember what I said? Whatever you're comfortable with."

Elsa's mind flashed to earlier this morning, before they had arrived at the theater. Anna tilted her head slightly to the side, gaze soft and understanding.

"I won't judge," she said, whispering even more quietly than Elsa.

A small laugh, weak and unsure, bubbled past her lips. Wetness stung the back of her eyes again and she blinked once, twice, before saying, "How do you do that?"

"Oh, uh," Anna squinted up at the umbrella, biting her lip in thought. "Just...move it? I've never really thought about it. It's not something people would think about?"

Elsa laughed again, a bit stronger, and squeezed Anna's fingers in hers. "Not that," she mumbled gently, leaning in close and pressing their foreheads together. "This," she whispered and and let go of Anna's hands so she could touch her chest, feeling her own heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

Anna blinked, brow pinched in confusion. "You lost me," she said, and the proximity allowed her breath to warm Elsa's face.

The blonde lowered her gaze, looking down at her girlfriend's sneakers again. The soles of her shoes were damp and she could see traces of dirt and grass smudged on them. Flicking her eyes all over Anna's person, she noticed that the shoulders of her jacket had gotten wet again, like they had been at the start of class. A few beads dripped down freckled cheeks and a quick glance up confirmed that Anna's hair was slowly plastering to her forehead. Droplets clung to her eyelashes and every blink made Elsa's heart race.

Beautiful. Beautiful and warm.

Elsa exhaled shakily and she smiled, lips quivering. Anna's frown deepened and she nudged the blonde's nose with her own.

"Hey," she said, trying to grin reassuringly. "It's okay."

Again, Elsa laughed and her voice choked on her words. "How do you make me believe something that I don't?"

Anna's eyes widened and she looked lost for words. "I, uh, I don't know?" She chewed on her lip, cheeks turning red. Her eyes darkened and Elsa blinked in curiosity and surprise as the redhead glanced to the side quickly. "I really don't," she mumbled. Then she stared back at her and smiled shyly, a touch of sadness to the quirk of her lips. "I guess if there's one person I want to see happy, it's you."

A shiver ran down Elsa's spine and she swallowed a lump down in her throat. The blonde nodded, their foreheads still pressed together, and leaned in until their noses could brush easily. She sighed against Anna's lips and felt her quiver in front of her, so close she could hear the redhead's breathing pick up. Elsa found she couldn't speak so she hoped that this, this closeness, was words enough.

Anna's breath warmed her face and she closed her eyes, letting out a soft sound of contentment. The anxious feeling traveling just under her skin still disoriented her so instead of trying her usual routine of breathing in and out, she counted each inhale and exhale from Anna's lips, listening to every single one with quiet intent. They stood like that for a while, underneath the umbrella. Her skin twitched at every splash of rain, but the proximity of Anna's warmth, and the order of her breaths, helped, somewhat, to keep Elsa's mind off of it.

Elsa sighed again and nudged the wet nose in front of her.

Wait, wet?

Her eyes fluttered open, blinking hazily at the joyful teal eyes in front of her. Anna was smiling tenderly, rain drops sliding down her dimpled cheeks and plastered red hair. The blonde sucked in a breath, eyes darting up and down her girlfriend's figure.

"Anna!"

"Hm?"

"You're going to get soaked again!"

"Oh yeah," she mumbled, grinning goofily. Then she blinked, face blank. "Wait, what?"

x x x

They stayed under the tree for a little bit longer until Elsa said they could go.

"You're sure?" Anna asked, looking out from the tree's cover.

The blonde nodded, her muscles relaxing when she noticed the downfall lessen.

"Yes, I am. It looks like it's stopping soon anyway."

Thank goodness. It wasn't even midday. She didn't want everything to end terribly. She was determined not to let it.

Anna glanced at her and pressed closer, smiling kindly. "Okay," the redhead said.

Elsa's eyes flicked to her. Wordlessly, she interlocked their arms again. Anna didn't question it, merely turned to walk down the path again. It took them to the edge of campus.

With every step they took, the buildings were replaced by trees. The back of the campus was filled with trees and small meadows. It was an unusual quiet get-away from the more suburban parts of their city. Like with the campus theater, Elsa had hardly ever visited it, preferring tall structures over wide, open spaces.

Anna, on the other hand, seemed to be intimately familiar with the stretches of green and grass. She held Elsa's hand and guided her along the beaten, faded paths, choosing to duck into the more dense areas to shelter them from the rain.

Elsa was so concentrated on the hand in her own grasp and on the pathway that she didn't even realize the rain had stopped until they neared the edge of a small plain and she heard the click of the umbrella being closed.

She blinked for a moment, staring at the bright pink plastic. Anna flashed her a smile and pointed up.

Elsa tilted her head back. The sky had cleared.

It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

The wind whooshed and howled faintly in her ears. It kept brushing back her bangs, making them flutter and flash in her face, despite the amount of hairspray she had used in the morning to keep them in their signature place. Elsa frowned, trying to maneuver her heeled boots among the pebbles and little pot holes in the grass. She kept a tight hold around her torso, trapping her bag against her so the breeze wouldn't rustle anything inside. Even if she could stand the cold better than most people, it didn't mean the wind biting against her face didn't bother her.

The hand guiding her gave her a firm squeeze and she looked up, blinking.

Anna grinned at her and cocked her head slightly. "We're almost there!" Her smile softened and she shrugged apologetically. "I'm sorry to drag you all the way to the back of the campus and past everything, but this place is really worth it, I promise."

Elsa smiled and squeezed Anna's hand back. "It's okay! I trust your judgement," she called over the wind, cheeks pinking and straining with the strength of her smile and inner delight.

Anna beamed over her shoulder and that same brightness she had shown in the studio alighted in her eyes. Elsa felt her heart skip above the clouds knowing she had caused that boundless spirit to appear and knowing it was directed at her, of all people.

"Just a little bit more bit more and we can get out of this weather," Anna huffed, slowing her pace so Elsa could match her step by step.

The blonde shifted her bag to the side so she could press against Anna, leaning over slightly so she could say teasingly, "Just a little bit more and then we can eat?" Anna's cheeks pinked and her mouth opened to protest when a low growl emitted from her stomach. Her freckles disappeared into her growing blush. Elsa laughed, pecking her heated cheek and said, "I guess that's a yes."

Anna just shut her open jaw and stared down at the beaten road in front of then, shifting her backpack gently so their lunch inside wouldn't be squashed. Eventually, the trees cleared and Elsa's eyes widened as the scenery around them changed. Faint patches of sunlight dappled the grass of the small hill they stopped in front of. There was a large, twisted tree at the top, its roots curling and bending into the ground. The bark was heavily cracked and its branches raised high, a testament to its age. It shaded the majority of the hilltop with its far reaching fingers and despite the small size of the hill, Elsa was reminded of the three story house she had lived in as a child. Something about this place seemed grand.

She stood there gaping until she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. Elsa jumped slightly and blinked wide blue eyes at a sheepish, grinning Anna. The redhead was subtly shifting her weight from foot to foot, biting her lip, which, the blonde noted, quivered slightly. She was cupping her hands together, holding them in front of herself that Elsa realized was familiar to her own anxious habits. Her brow furrowed worriedly and the blonde wanted nothing more than to reach over and smooth out the creases she saw there.

"Do you like it?" Anna asked, teal eyes as wide as Elsa's and pleading.

This place must really be important to her.

Elsa tipped her head back, scrutinizing the hill. Before her eyes, the cold and gray colors slowly lightened as the sun's rays spread over the ground, bringing out the green and brown hues around. The clouds rolled off into the distance, giving way to the bright, warm light that the recent showers and downpours had hid. The wind died down and the crawling feeling just underneath her skin disappeared. Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled at Anna, eyes sparkling.

"Like it?" Anna's eyes grew expectant with worry and the redhead flinched, biting her lip harder. Elsa ducked her head, chuckling softly. "I love it," she said, cheeks reddening shyly.

The smile she received was brighter than the sunlight spreading over them.

Anna bounded over to her and, on some instinct she didn't know she possessed, Elsa spread open her arms and she jumped into them, nuzzling the blonde's shoulder.

"Yes!" Anna squealed, fingers digging into her coat and cheek rubbing against her own. "Yes, yes, yes! I'm so happy you do!" Elsa grinned and buried her nose into copper red hair, inhaling the scent of green apple. She pressed a lingering kiss to Anna's temple as the redhead continued to giggle and chatter in her ear. "I was hoping you would! I know it doesn't look like much, but-" Anna drew back, hands on Elsa's shoulder blades. Elsa smiled, heart thumping madly in her chest as Anna pressed their noses together. Her eyes fluttered shut and she shivered when the redhead's breath ghosted over her lips.

"Oh I'll just show you," Anna whispered and the hitch in her voice made Elsa's heart throb. Her blood raced in her veins and she leaned in just a bit more, her eyes opening to slits so she could see that Anna was watching her, gazing at her with the very same something that Elsa felt washing over her.

This close, she swore she could feel the thunder and beat of Anna's heart against her chest. She was convinced that the material of her coat and the redhead's jacket couldn't hide the emotion pulsing in their veins. Anna's eyes dilated and Elsa shuddered at the heavy look in them. Heat—from the sun? she wondered—spread through her as they brushed noses. Anna's warm, sweet breath tingled her lips and she leaned in, hearing the scrape and scratch of fabric. As her eyes fluttered shut, she saw Anna do the same and felt one hand cup her cheek, another trail down her back and hold her waist.

This. I want this.

A loud growl split the air and her eyes snapped open. She blinked several times as Anna stiffened and then reddened considerably. The younger woman leaned back, pulling her lower lip between her teeth and ducking her head, staring down at the ground.

Her stomach growled again.

Giddy and light-headed, Elsa couldn't stop herself from laughing. She clamped one hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking as her girlfriend's face matched her hair.

"That didn't happen," Anna mumbled, refusing to lift her face. "Can we just ignore that?"

There was a third noise. She whimpered and hung her head in self-consciousness.

Elsa laughed again and the sound and feeling that bubbled in her chest was almost an apology for the disappointment that ran under her skin.

Anna's shoulders dropped and the blonde forced down the rest of her laughter. She leaned in close, touching their foreheads together again.

"Want to eat now?" she whispered, closing her eyes and listening to the wind blowing gently around them, as soft and fragile as the little sniffle she received in response. "Let's go."

Anna nodded mutely and the blonde laced their hands together. Silently, they walked up the small hill. Elsa admired the dappled spots of sunlight on the green grass. The gray clouds had almost entirely disappeared, barely dotting the skyline. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and felt a stab of pain go through her when she saw the dejected expression on Anna's face.

I want to see her happy as much as she wants to see me happy.

She squeezed the hand clasped in hers and Anna looked up. Elsa smiled tenderly at her and the redhead's lips wobbled into a tiny, shy grin.

"Let's eat," she said, tugging on Anna's hand and pulling her up the hill. Anna's fingers gripped hers desperately and Elsa flashed her a soft smile as they settled at the root of the tree.

Elsa dropped her bag onto a large root, taking care to make sure the expensive material wouldn't be dirtied. She glanced at Anna and reached over, carefully pulling the straps of her backpack off the redhead's shoulders. She placed it on the ground and was about to pull out their lunch when she heard a small sniff.

"Anna?"

Anna rubbed her nose with the back of her sleeve, letting out a quiet hiccup. Elsa softened and caressed Anna's cheek. The younger woman didn't look up from her sneakers, but she did smile slightly.

"I'm a dork," Anna mumbled.

Elsa cupped her face with both hands, rubbing their noses together. "You may be, but I like that about you."

Anna chuckled and finally lifted her face. "Even when my dorkiness kills the mood?"

Heat bloomed in her cheeks. The blonde bit her lip and fidgeted, glancing down. So I wasn't the only one hoping for that. She cleared her throat and gestured to the grass. "Don't worry about that. Let's just enjoy ourselves and eat. I know you're hungry."

Anna perked up slightly and bent down to rummage in her backpack, plucking out two sandwiches and apples. She plopped down on the ground and patted the spot next to her.

Elsa made a slight face, looking between the tree roots surrounding them and the green grass. After some hesitation, she delicately settled on a large root beside Anna. The redhead raised an eyebrow, her small smile curling into a cheshire cat grin.

"What?" Elsa said, plucking one of the sandwiches from Anna's hands. "I don't want my clothes getting wet."

Anna snorted and took a bite from her sandwich. "I think that tree root is about as wet as the grass."

Elsa blew a raspberry at her and the younger woman laughed, much more freely now. The traces of self-consciousness were gone and the blonde felt her heart lift at the exuberance in Anna's voice.

"For your information, it's perfectly fine." She smoothed down her coat and began munching on her sandwich.

Anna just grinned and scooted closer to her, until her head was next to Elsa's knees. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally making small talk and keeping track of the time until they had to return to campus.

After a while, Anna wrapped up the core of her apple and glanced up at Elsa. The blonde was chewing the last bite of her sandwich and when she felt a hand slipping into the one on her lap, she glanced down in surprise.

"Hey, you said you trusted my judgement right?"

Elsa quirked an eyebrow and nodded slowly.

Anna's grin split her cheeks. "I said I wanted to see other sides of you right?"

The blonde folded up her napkin slowly, mumbling, "Yes, you did."

"Okay," was all the redhead said in response before harshly tugging Elsa off the tree root.

"Ack, Anna!" Elsa flailed her arms, landing on top of her girlfriend in a tangle of limbs. She felt hands digging into her sides and squealed. "Ugh, this is unfair!"

The blonde twisted, feeling a nose nuzzle her cheek.

Alright, two can play at this game.

Smirking and biting her lip, Elsa twisted and reached down, slipping under Anna's jacket and pinching her hip bone. The shriek she received in response was her victory trophy. She shifted until she brought Anna to the ground, the redhead's body still shaking.

Anna laughed, eyes closed and one side of her face growing damp from the wet grass. Her cheeks were flushed scarlet and her bangs stuck to her forehead. Her nose scrunched up as she shook and Elsa couldn't contain the giggle that bubbled up in her chest at the sight. She pressed a hand to her mouth, her cheeks straining and aching from the unusual force of her smile. She didn't even notice that dirt was beginning to cling onto her clothes and hair. She would probably find grass stains on her coat and pants later, but she was far too happy to care. The brisk chill in the air sunk down onto their bodies and the cold from the wet ground was seeping through to her skin, but the warmth—the heat—at her side was unmistakable.

Teal eyes opened, glittering with an abundance of care and affection for her. Anna watched her laugh, her grin slowly becoming tender and small. Elsa felt the heat between them creep into her cheeks. She bit her lip, ducking her head slightly.

"What?" she whispered, fingers curling on the blades of grass next to her face. "Is there something on my face?"

Anna giggled, breathless. "No, it's just I-" she clamped her mouth shut, the blush on her face overtaking her freckles.

Elsa frowned and reached forward, twirling a lock of strawberry-blonde hair between her fingertips. "You what?"

Anna gulped and ice blue eyes watched the movement of her throat.

"I just wonder," she mumbled and Elsa shifted her head slightly closer to hear. "Why did you say yes?"

Elsa hummed, distracted by the glow in Anna's eyes. Her fingers drifted up to the white lock in strawberry-blonde tresses. She struggled to explain the ache throbbing in her chest. "That's- it's because I might be—"

Her breath caught in her throat and a pleading look overcame Anna's face.

She licked her lips and Elsa felt a shiver crawl up her spine as a pink tongue poked up and wetted flesh.

"I think I want to kiss you."

Her heart stopped. Everything in her halted, froze, and stilled. The rustling of leaves was gone. The chill of the earth disappeared. The scent of rain mingling with grass vanished.

Anna stared at her, teeth sinking down into her lower lip. Her eyes flashed with a thousand emotions. So many that Elsa had a hard time understanding, save for the obvious doubt and expectant look of rejection in them.

An indiscernible whimper rose up from Anna's throat.

And with that the pulsing, driving, racing beat of her heart started all over again.

Elsa shuddered and laid her hand atop Anna's cheek, thumb rubbing along the splatter of freckles there. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and whispered, "I don't know if I'm ready."

Anna gulped, lips quivering and eyes shimmering faintly with tears. She lifted one hand and the blonde watched trembling fingers rest against her own cheek, the pads tracing along the curve of it. Anna's chest heaved and she shifted closer. Elsa, mesmerized, copied her movements. They curled up to each other until their noses touched, knees pressing against each other, ankles interlocking, and bodies brushing.

Anna's breath was warm on her face. Her voice was strained as she murmured, "That's okay, I don't know if I am either."

It sent chills down Elsa's spine and she threaded her fingers through strawberry-blonde hair, cupping the back of Anna's neck and toying with the soft hairs on her nape. Anna visibly trembled and sucked in a breath, shutting her eyes momentarily. Elsa's heart throbbed in her rib cage and she ached to become as close as possible to the person in front of her. She dug her other hand underneath Anna's head, stroking her cheek.

"I want you to though," she said and her voice cracked with every word.

Anna's eyes snapped open and the green hue in her blue eyes pulled Elsa in like the ocean. So vast and powerful with infinite depths.

"Do you really?" Anna whispered, lips trembling. She caressed Elsa's cheek delicately, wiping away a tear that leaked at the corner of the blonde's eye.

Elsa nodded, choked up. "Really," she shuddered as fingers slipped under her waist. All of a sudden the fabric of her coat felt thin. "I want you to, really." Elsa pulled Anna's face closer, watching the pupils of her eyes dilate until there was only a slim ring of color. Similarly, Anna tugged on her waist until their torsos were pressed together and Elsa shut her eyes at the feel of the breasts against hers. "I also-" she sucked in a breath, lips quivering. "I also want to kiss you," she whispered.

Anna's hand shifted, moving just slightly so the tips of her fingers brushed along Elsa's ears. Blue eyes opened wide, staring, anxious and expectant.

"T-there's s-so much I want to say," Anna stammered, blinking rapidly. "So much I want to tell you and so much I want you to hear, but I don't even know where to start and—"

"Shh," Elsa hushed, leaning her forehead against Anna's. The redhead stiffened, letting out a choked whimper. Her breath ghosted over Anna's mouth, soft and low. "Not everything has to be perfect right?"

Anna inhaled sharply and pulled her forward.

Their lips brushed, feather-light, barely there, awkward, and fulfilling.

Over them, a light drizzle of rain fell down.