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.

17. A Vulnerable, First Anniversary Part II

A/N: This has been a long time coming. I'm so sorry to you all that it's taken me so long to update. I had a hell of a semester, particularly these last two months so that really cut down on my progress. Plus, this chapter was the most difficult to write bar none. It went through the most editing by far. That said, I'm finally done with classes and next semester is likely to be less of a nightmare so I'll try not to be as slow now.

To my Sunshine readers! I'm sorry for the slow updates as well. That's next on my list and should come out this week!

A big thank you to all the people who sent me encouraging messages during my semester and about this chapter as well. Your continued readership and support is much appreciated.

---

"Go away Anna."

A hush fell.

Anna stiffened, eyes widening. Her breath caught in her throat. The rush of adrenaline abruptly stopped. Her lungs enlarged and then constricted, pulled tight and straining for oxygen. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach; a heavy stone cold and unmoving.

Elsa's words washed over her like the rain running down the window pane.

"Why don't you just leave? I don't want to talk right now."

The anxiety prickling at her insides curbed.

Anna drew back from the door, eyes flicking over it. The familiar feeling of confusion fogged her mind. She bit her lip, hands hovering over the white door, a few inches from the wood.

White.

A plain color to a plain door.

She wanted to kick it.

Anna swallowed down the lump in her throat. Her legs tensed, muscles locking up. They felt ready to spring at any moment. Her brain nagged at her to do something. Run or move. She could hear rain water dripping outside. Other sounds faded—the whirring of the living room ceiling fan and the sound of cars speeding down the streets. Her knees shook. After a breath, her heart restarted and thumped loudly beneath her breastbone.

Elsa's soft cries remained.

The fluorescent light of the apartment flickered. Anna blinked and for a moment the white door vanished, replaced by the hood of a car. Tire wheels screeched in her ears, everything jerking underneath her. Then there was angry shouting. Green eyes snapping to her, narrowing. A gloved hand reached for her forearm, grip tight where once it was comforting.

"See?! Look what happened because you wouldn't shut up. I swear—"

No!

Anna stepped back, face pale. She pressed a hand to her chest. Underneath her fingertips, her heart thumped erratically. Okay, woah. Calm down. She took in a few gulps of air. In, out, she counted. On her last exhale, she felt the breath leave her lips in a raspy whisper. The phantom pain in her chest disappeared. Her ears picked up the surrounding pitter-patter of rain again. Cars drove and horned in the distance.

Noise came back.

The muffled sobbing past the door reached her ears again.

Anna shook her head, shoving away the unpleasant memory. She ignored the too-bright, too-harsh, overhead hallway light and squared her shoulders, pressing her fingertips back against the door. The redhead leaned forward, whispering gently, "Elsa?"

There was a hitch of breath and for a moment Elsa's muted sobbing stopped. Anna swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at the door hopefully. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled and she stared at the minute nicks in the wood. Anna tapped a finger against the door and mumbled, "Can we talk?"

"Anna."

She perked up, eyes brightening, though her brow furrowed. Elsa's voice was hoarse, cracking on the syllables of her. But at least she had spoken.

"I don't...really want to talk."

Her heart sunk again.

Anna's shoulders dropped. The door seemed even colder underneath her fingertips. She stared down at her black boots. Great. Now what? She bit her lip. Her stomach coiled tightly and her chest ached when she heard Elsa's sniffling continue. The blonde was obviously trying to subdue her cries, but her tired frame was working against her. Anna dug her tooth deeper into her bottom lip. She wanted to wrap her arms around Elsa, but Elsa's words made her hesitate.

What had gone wrong?

The moment she had entered Elsa's condo, a somber air had hung them. Even when she had laid eyes on Elsa's simple, but beautiful attire, something had clogged up her throat. Speech had been difficult. Her tongue had felt thick and clumsy. Mouth dry. They were alone on what should have been a relaxing and meaningful night. It should have been a happy and warm memory. But she hadn't been able to ignore the tension draped over her.

They'd eaten. The food had been delicious. Anna had felt that familiar feeling of warmth and affection bubble up in her chest every time she looked over at Elsa. She'd been breathless, excited after Meg had left them alone. Her toes had curled in their boots. They were together and having their first anniversary. Elsa's blue eyes had lit up when she'd seen Anna. Despite her slightly disheveled appearance, she'd seemed happy. They had settled into their seats and Anna had thought—foolishly hoped actually—that the other night had been a strange fluke.

But something had been botheringher girlfriend.

Elsa had fidgeted, shoulders hunched up to her ears. Her hands had kept a tight grip on her utensils. She had seemed small in her chair, withdrawn and stiff. Her light complexion had been pale, fair skin given way to something ashen. At first, Anna had just assumed she hadn't slept well. But the distance and tension from their previous meeting had hung at the back of her mind.

Elsa had seemed as reserved as she had been back when they had barely known each other.

And then the locket.

For another short moment the clean walls and wooden floors vanished.

She saw bright chandelier lights and heard music above the rainfall, swaying and crescendoing. Violin strings and a piano. The clinks of wine glasses and chatter of a crowd. Murmurs and laughter. Various, elaborate dresses and uniformed, pressed suits. Waiters and waitresses passing by, deftly handing out platters of appetizers. The bright, golden glow that illuminated the entire room wasn't deterred by the storm thundering outside. Her fingers fiddled with a napkin, insides twisting tightly. The necklace was cold, like ice, on her skin. The straps of her simple gown dug into her shoulders and her back pressed uncomfortably against the mahogany chair.

She could feel their eyes—

Something clattered, a sharp inhale breaking the still air.

Anna straightened, eyes refocusing on the door in front of her. She heard Elsa shift on the other side and bit her lip. Guilt gnawed at her. She kept losing herself. The redhead squared her shoulders again, eyes flashing.

Come on Anna. Focus.

"Elsa?" she tried again, leaning once more against the frame. She pressed her ear to the wood. There was another shuffle and she wondered if the blonde had pushed herself away. Her fingers itched to reach down to the doorknob and turn it.

But I'd do more harm than good that way I bet.

When she didn't receive a response, Anna sighed. The wood was unfamiliar beneath her hands. It felt cold and stiff. Not at all like she'd come to know Elsa. The blonde's aloof exterior was just that. An exterior.

The smile Elsa had given her after their first kiss had convinced her of that.

She steeled her nerves and tried to keep her voice steady. No hesitating right now Anna. Leaning in close, she tried again. "Elsa? Talk to me Elsa," she whispered through the door. "Can you tell me what's wrong? Why you're upset?"

There was another dry heave that made her pause. Anna bit her lip and tried again, quieter this time. "Please?" she murmured.

For a moment, she heard only the heavy downpour outside.

"Anna."

Anna held her breath. There was still a tremble to Elsa's voice. "I'm right here?" she mumbled.

Elsa inhaled shakily on the other end. "No Anna, I don't want to talk right now." Her voice cracked. "Can you please just go home?"

Anna deflated.

She bit her lip, stung. "You want me to just leave?" she asked. Her nails dug into the door. "I don't get it Elsa. What's going on?" She pressed her forehead to the door. "Can you just talk to me? I'm sorry. Did I upset you?"

Her mind replayed their dinner together, looking for a clue.

"Anna, go home."

She flinched, eyes watering. She doesn't want me here.

Had it been her reaction to the necklace?

A shiver ran down her spine. She glanced down the hallway, towards the kitchen where Elsa's gift still resided. Anna's lips pursed into a thin line, brow furrowing. Her stomach twisted. The necklace had been simple, nothing terribly outlandish. She had seen far more expensive gifts and yet...

For a second, gloved hands pushed something into her grasp, fingers wrapping around hers and making her clasp the object tightly. Anna shook her head, bringing her attention back to the door. She curled her hands into fists, guilt welling up when she remembered her stillness at Elsa's gift.

Who am I kidding? Of course it was my reaction to her gift!

Her gut tightened. Anna blinked several times and splayed her fingers open. "W-was this," she began, tongue awkward and clumsy, "about the locket?"

Elsa was quiet, then Anna heard a sniff and her guilt doubled.

"You don't like it."

Oh yeah. It was. Of course it was. "I swear," Anna mumbled, "it wasn't anything bad! I didn't think it was terrible! Honest."

Liar.

Anna pushed away the thought and focused on Elsa's renewed crying. "You just caught me by surprise," she mumbled, the back of her neck burning with guilt, "It's a lovely gift Elsa."

"Do you like it?"

A gloved hand came upon her wrist, holding it delicately. Hazel—almost green because of the light—eyes stared down at her, expectant.

Anna blinked again and came back. She shoved the memory to the far back of her mind. "It really is," she croaked. Her cheeks felt cold and she brushed a hand across them, surprised at the wetness. Rubbing her eye furiously, she told herself now was not the time. For some reason, she felt as if she was back at the cinema, sitting in the plush seat and waiting for Elsa to return from the restroom. Suddenly, she felt nauseous. Did something like this happen back then to? Is that why Elsa excused herself so suddenly? She recalled the slight paleness to Elsa's face and the tension lining her girlfriend's figure. Anna exhaled softly and pressed her forehead to the door again. "Elsa can you please just open the door?"

She waited with bated breath, pulse beginning to hammer in her ears.

"No. Anna, just go."

Elsa's voice was firmer, but hoarse. It tugged at her heart. Anna took in a shuddering breath, hardening her jaw. Her throat bobbed. "I don't understand," she said, shoulders slowly tensing.

"Then go home."

Anna blinked. Once, twice. Her heart skipped. Her hands fist again and she was more aware of the tension still lining her body. Confusion, hurt, and worry—godforsaken, affection-driven worry—rose.

"No."

Steady and soft.

The pitter-patter of rain faded. The harsh, bright fluorescent light flickered. Elsa's faint sobs rose and then stopped. Anna swallowed down the lump in her throat. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "I'm not going," Anna hissed. She narrowed her eyes, trying to ignore the chill in the apartment. Anna rapped a knuckle against Elsa's door. "I'm staying. I'm not leaving you. I-I refuse."

For a moment, the door was glass underneath her palm.

A shiver ran down her spine. Glass double doors. Only a small, thin jacket kept the rain and cold off her bare shoulders.

"Anna—"

Elsa's voice was pained; tired and raspy.

Please don't cry.

"No, I'm not going home Elsa," Anna said firmly, hand grasping the doorknob. "I don't know what's going on, I don't get why you're hiding in a bathroom, but we need to talk about this. Face to face Elsa." Then, more quietly, she added, "Look, i-f I upset you, at least let me apologize?"

She turned the knob.

Locked.

Anna halted, eyes widening.

Of course Elsa had locked it.

I'm such an idiot.

The simple action of Elsa locking her out had gone straight over her head.

Anna gritted her teeth again. Her jaw tightened until it hurt. She jerked at the handle once more. "Elsa, you're really scaring me here. Why can't you just open up?" It didn't make sense to her. What could be so bad that you won't let me in? "Please," she hissed.

The doorknob jiggled and she felt the urge to kick the wood frame again.

Instead, she leaned her forehead against it. Her eyes fluttered shut. "Just talk to me?" she asked softly.

Elsa's breath hitched. She could hear the blonde gasping.

Anna gulped. When she opened her eyes, her vision was blurry. She pushed her ear up against the wood, letting go of the knob. "Hey, come on. What's the worst that could happen?"

"The best thing you can do right now is to leave Anna," Elsa replied. Her voice cracked.

Anna blinked harshly.

She wasn't used to this. She wasn't used to seeing—hearing—Elsa so upset. The older woman carried herself with an essence of poise and grace, so different from anyone Anna had ever known. She kept her chin up and stared straight ahead. She'd been a solid mountain for as long as Anna had known her, voice reserved and calm. Over the past month, the redhead had watched those walls slowly melt. It was so unlike Elsa to fall apart like this.

Or is it?

Anna felt the previous year flash her by. She recalled the blonde's lonesome figure that day, curled up on the hallway bench. As if she'd been trying to isolate herself. Her eyes narrowed when she remembered Elsa during their movie date, the sudden disappearance and return. The slight hesitance and tension before she had leaned into Anna's touch.

Maybe...maybe it's...not?

Anna drew back, eyes widening. She cupped her hands together, knuckles white. "I don't understand..." She paused when she heard another whimper. Her stomach coiled tightly, a vice rising up and around her chest. Her breath hitched and she glanced around, eyes frantically darting everywhere.

What do I do?

She felt helpless.

Her eyes honed in on the hallway, where it led to the living room and by extension the kitchen. The gears in her head turned.

Maybe...

Anna snapped her gaze back to the bathroom door. "Elsa," she began, leaning against it again, "I'm going to—" she tried not to let her voice catch, "—leave."

She heard a clatter from the bathroom, as if Elsa had jerked or bumped against something. Anna stared for a second, hopeful. But when Elsa didn't respond, she bit her lip and nodded once. Okay, that stings. Anna pushed down the wetness behind her eyes and mumbled, "That would help you right?"

A sharp, breathless inhale.

She waited, ears pricked for any more sounds. Elsa shifted on the other side and then:

"Anna?"

Anna perked up. "Yes?" she squeaked.

"Are you really leaving?"

Elsa's voice was soft. She sounded drained. Anna blinked, shoulders sagging.

I can't help, can I?

Anna ignored the wave of disappointment that threatened to wash over her. She inhaled and forced her words to remain steady. "But listen," her eyes flashed as she straightened, nails digging into the wood, "I'm not leaving you alone." The redhead swallowed, blinking rapidly when her eyes watered. "Just try to, uh, try to—"

"One, two."

"—breathe," Anna spluttered. Her eyes widened. She suddenly felt disoriented. A bead of sweat dripped down her back and her heart thudded loudly in her chest. What the? Anna shook her head. She inhaled, exhaled, and stammered, "Just, well, just keep breathing, okay? I mean, uh..."

What was she even saying? She felt completely out of her element and the continued silence was unnerving her.

"Hey, are you—"

The rain continued pouring outside.

"—okay?"

Anna's skin crawled, goosebumps rising on her arms. She bit her lip and balled her hands into fists at her side, staring up at the door with wide eyes. Her heart was in her throat. If I can't help, then—

She whirled around, darting back to the kitchen. Her boots clunked against the varnished wood flooring. She skidded to a halt in front of the table. She was about to grab her bag and dig through it when her eyes fell upon their dinner.

Anna paused, brow knitting together. It's probably cold by now.

It still smelled wonderful. The subtle aroma of basil and tomato. The barest hint of pepper and fresh garlic. Anna's stomach churned when she thought of Elsa preparing it before she had arrived. Their wine glasses sat there half-empty, the light liquid now devoid of bubbles.

And now our anniversary's over because—

Her gaze landed on the necklace. Anna stiffened.

The necklace was still in its case. She hadn't touched it again after Elsa had gotten up from her seat and excused herself. It shone in the huge fluorescent light of the apartment. The carvings on its silver surface reflected it's heart-shaped locket. It was simple. She'd seen more expensive gifts.

Elsa had likely bought it because the heart had reminded her of Anna.

It was simple.

The thought had gone farther than its material worth.

Elsa had been so tentatively excited. Her blue eyes had been the brightest they had been when she'd handed the box over to Anna. The eagerness and hopeful expectancy on her face had been what convinced Anna to kiss her without thought. She had felt such a strong urge and want to convey to Elsa had much she cared.

And felt cared for in return.

The necklace glimmered faintly. It was a simple, silver chain thing.

What hadn't been simple was the sudden rush of bitter nostalgia. The anxiousness that tightened like a vice around her chest. The swarm of memories flickering like an old film reel in her mind.

Anna slowly reached forward. Her fingertips trembled as she traced the patterns on the locket. Her pupils dilated and her throat felt dry.

She heard the hustle and bustle of the house again. Several voices laughed and crowed outside their room together, telling them to, "Hurry up and come out! Stop hiding her from us!" Then, gloved hands reached around her neck and delicately hooked the clasp together. The emeralds had sparkled brilliantly. They'd felt heavy on her sternum. She had breathed in slowly and then those gloved hands had smoothed over her shoulders and cupped her chin. A shiver had run down her spine. His grip had felt firmer than usual.

"Do you like it?"

And herself, staring up with nervous, adoring eyes into his.

"I love—"

No.

Anna shook her head, warding away the thoughts that came unbidden to her mind. She kept slipping. She couldn't afford that. Snapping her gaze away from the necklace, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out her phone. Her fingers couldn't dial the number fast enough and as she brought it up to her ear, Anna felt her chest constrict painfully. She breathed in and out in short pants as her phone rang.

A soft click rang in her ears.

"Wonder Girl!"

Anna let out a breath.

"Meg, listen—"

"Oh hey, fancy getting a call from you. I wasn't expecting that, I thought you and Elsa were going to be too busy mooning and ogling each other all night," Meg cut in.

Whatever dam she'd been holding up broke.

"Meg! Listen, I need your help!" Anna spluttered, clasping her cell tightly with both hands. "You have to come home. Now, like right now! Fast!"

"Wha—woah, what's going on?"

Anna resisted the urge to chew her lower lip. She glanced in the general direction of the bathroom, stomach clenching when she noticed the continued silence from it.

"It's Elsa," she whispered and her voice cracked. "I-I don't know what happened exactly, but she—" Anna squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, "she got really scared, I think? She's upset." She swallowed down the lump in her throat. "Yeah. She's really upset. She's locked herself in the bathroom and I—"

"Woah! Woah, wait, what?" Meg cut her off. "Slow down Anna."

She clamped her mouth shut. Anna swallowed, trying to work around the sudden dryness in her throat. "Sorry. Sorry, I just," the redhead paused, "I think I upset her."

There was silence on the other end and she went stiff as a board. A thousand needles prickled over her skin and she licked her lips.

For a moment, all she heard were their voices.

"Did you get that?"

Anna started, jerked from her trance. She blinked rapidly, mind still whirling. I have to stop that. It's over with it. Straightening, she turned her attention back to her phone. "Sorry Meg I didn't catch that, I wasn't—" here "—paying attention."

Meg was silent again. Anna wondered what her expression currently was. Was the brunette frowning? She was certain she was.

"Huh, nevermind about that. I'm coming home."

Relief flowed through her. Anna glanced in the direction of the bathroom again. "Um, please hurry, she won't talk to me." Anna winced and added, "I think you'll have better luck than I will comforting her. Since you know her better and all..." She trailed off, gaze drifting down to the table.

I don't...

"I'll talk to you when I get there."

Anna blinked, fingers tightening around her phone. "Right, right," she mumbled absentmindedly. Her eyes flicked over to the necklace again before darting away. She could concentrate on that later. She was tempted to check on Elsa again, but she reconsidered immediately.

"You're staying right?"

Anna snapped her attention back to her phone. She frowned, ears picking up the sound of footsteps and jingling keys. "Staying?"

Meg huffed on the other end. "I mean, you're not going to leave her before I get back right?"

Something flared hotly inside her. Anna hardened her jaw. She stared at the table, eyes unfocused as she listened to the pouring rain outside. The apartment was cold and seemed even colder compared to the hot, angry feeling running through her veins.

"Yes," Anna said. It came out somewhere between a hiss and a guilty mumble. "Of course I'm staying." Her other hand came down and she flexed it. "I'm not going to leave her."

I wouldn't do that. I don't want to leave her at all.

Meg hummed and the redhead heard the tune of a car alarm. "Okay, I'll be there in a bit."

Anna opened her mouth to say something, to imply her worry, convey her concern, but the line clicked dead. She blinked slowly and lowered her phone. Her home screen stared back at her.

"Great," she said, shoulders dropping.

Inhaling sharply, she turned on her heel and rushed back to the bathroom.

"Elsa?" Anna called softly, pressing her hands against the doorframe. She leaned in close, eyes flicking up and down it. The shadow from before remained and she wondered if Elsa had moved at all from her spot.

Probably not. But maybe that's a good thing?

Hope bubbled in her chest. Then it wavered when she saw the shadow move underneath the gap. Anna made a noise when she heard a slight rustle.

"Do you want me to get anything for you?" she blurted out. "Blanket? A drink of water?" She had the urge to do something. Something before Meg arrived.

There was another thump. Anna stared at the door with wide eyes.

A minute or two crept by—longer if possible—before a small, quiet voice drifted to the wood.

"Anna…"

Anna perked up and strained her ears to hear. Elsa's utterance of her name made her hopeful again. "I'm right here," she squeaked.

She heard a trembling intake of breath. Anna pressed her cheek against the door, glancing down at the shadow near her black boots.

"Talk to me?" she whispered, vainly trying to mask the worry in her voice. "You don't have to come out, but...talk to me?"

"Anna."

She winced at the stress in Elsa's voice.

"I, um, I don't think I'm up for talking..."

Elsa's voice was raw.

Anna winced when she heard another weak sob.

We're going in circles. She's really not going to open up to me.

It hurt.

"Anna, um," Elsa rasped, "If you could just—"

"I called Meg," Anna interrupted. There was a hitch of breath. The door creaked. She was tempted to reach for to the doorknob again. To give it another shake. But she already knew it was locked.

Still, she wanted to breach the barrier between them somehow.

Anna stared at the doorknob, brain ticking away. Did she stop crying? Her stomach twisted at the thought. She hoped Elsa had decided to listen instead.

The idea of Elsa crying until she had no more tears to give cut through her.

"She'll be here soon," Anna mumbled, leaning back slightly. "Meg, that is," she added, "she should be here soon." She frantically searched for a way to comfort Elsa. To fill the silence. "She started getting ready right away to come back."

She heard a shift. The shadow moved. Anna tensed.

Her mouth was moving, tongue working to form syllables, trying to push down the rising, clenching feeling in her chest. "She dropped what she was doing immediately. It shouldn't be long now. But it's..."

She glanced over her shoulder and down the hallway. Outside, through the windows, she could hear the rain coming down hard. Even through the sturdy, high floor condo, she heard it splattering against the roof and pavement.

"It's still raining," Anna said. She turned back to the door. "I-It might be a while, but it shouldn't take too long!" She tried to reassure Elsa..

She received no response.

Anna stared at the door. She lifted her hands away from the wood and shifted her weight from leg to leg. Cupping her hands together, her mind flashed back to the feeling of her and Elsa holding hands in the rain.

It coursed through her like warm water.

Anna turned back around to look down the hallway. She stared at the apartment door and willed Meg to step through it. Her wristwatch ticked incessantly. The events of tonight seemed to suddenly pull together like sludge.

Weary, Anna leaned her back against the door and slowly slid down it until her rear pressed against the cold floor.

"What do I do now?" she whispered.

There was no answer from behind the door. No answer from Elsa.

Anna waited.

---

She heard the footsteps before anything else.

Anna snapped her head up, muscles tensing when she saw the door creak open. She jumped to her feet, mentally cringing when her boots made a loud clunking sound as they smacked against the bottom of the door. Throwing it a sidelong, lingering glance, Anna quickly strode over to the living room.

Meg slipped inside quietly, a frown on her face.

Anna stopped a few steps away, hands flexing awkwardly in front of her. Her chest tightened when she noticed an unfamiliar, hard look in the brunette's eyes. "Hey," she mumbled. Her heart pounded in her rib cage and the cold air made goosebumps rise on her flesh. She shifted her feet side to side when Meg just stared at her for a moment.

She felt exposed.

"I, uh," Anna gestured over her shoulder, "I'm glad you came back for her—"

"She's still in there then?" Meg interrupted.

The hard tone made Anna stiffen. She dropped her hands back to her sides and nodded quickly. "She hasn't made any move to come out," she mumbled, cupping her hands together. "She's really upset."

Meg sighed and dropped her bag by the door. "Alright, I got it Anna." She brushed past the redhead, surprising Anna with the sudden change in tone. "Thanks for calling me."

What? Is that it?

Anna blinked and watched the older woman stride up to the bathroom. She frowned and bit her lip when Meg rapped her knuckles against it. The redhead opened her mouth, about to mention that when she had tried knocking on the door, it had only done more harm than good.

"Elsa? It's me, Meg."

She clamped her mouth shut at the firmness in the brunette's voice. Anna stared with wide eyes as Meg leaned toward the door slightly. The other woman seemed unfazed by Elsa's lack of a response. Her violet eyes merely narrowed somewhat.

"I came home. Do you think you could open up the door for me?"

Anna fidgeted in place. She glanced to the side briefly to see rain still coming down outside. Droplets of water slid down the living room's large glass window. The night was lit only by the distant light of street lamps and other apartment windows.

It made her feel even more out of place.

"Elsa."

Anna snapped her head back to Meg. The other woman had folded her arms across her chest, brow furrowed. The hard look was still in her eyes, but this time she detected a notable hint of concern. She bit her lip and took a step forward, intent on striding over to Meg's side when she heard the floor creak.

"Elsa," Anna breathed, eyebrows rising. Her exclamation was so soft, no one noticed it but herself.

"Why did you come home?"

Elsa's hoarse voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

Despite how quiet she was, Anna still heard her as if they were standing right next to each other. Relief and hurt shot through her. Relief because Elsa hadn't immediately told Meg to go away. Hurt because Elsa sounded as if she'd still been crying.

And beneath both feelings was a sinking, gut wrenching emotion she wanted to ignore. Something bitter that left a burn in her throat.

"I'll tell you that later," Meg said softly. "Can you just let me in Blondie? I really want to make sure you're okay." Her expression softened and Anna felt her stomach twist. "That's all. Nothing more. Just let me check on you for five minutes."

There was a short silence, then:

"You didn't have to come back."

The guilt in Elsa's voice made Anna frown. She blinked, confused, when a slight smile flashed across Meg's voice. She pressed her knees together, suddenly shy.

"No I didn't," Meg said, shifting her weight on one foot. Anna felt anger flare in her veins at the admission. But just as she opened her mouth to say something, Meg added, "But of course I was going to anyway. Now will you let me see your face?"

Anna watched the scene unfold from a distance.

There was a shift, a quiet shuffle behind the door. Her ears picked up the sound of heels clacking against the floor. Then, the door creaked open and Anna felt her heart leap into her throat at the smallest sight of platinum-blonde hair poking out.

Then Elsa ducked back in, retracting her movements and closing the door almost the whole way until Meg grabbed the edge of it.

"Hey, don't worry." Meg's eyes flashed briefly to her. Anna stood there, stiff. The brunette returned her attention back to the hidden blonde quickly. "You're alright. Can I come in?"

Something was nagging at Anna's mind. She took the smallest step backwards. Then stopped when she remembered something; her belongings. The redhead tiptoed to the kitchen, ducking into it just as she heard the conversation continue.

"You can come in..."

It was soft. She almost wouldn't have heard it had she not been self-conscious of every little thing right now.

Her gut coiled tightly.

"Thanks Blondie. Now let me take a good look at you."

Anna bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from making a noise. An uneasy feeling draped over her as she stopped in front of the table. She was grateful for being out of sight, but—

A shine caught her eye.

She glanced to her left and her eyes fell on the necklace. It was still contained in its case, the silver contrasting beautifully against the dark box. She stared at it, brow furrowing. Nearby, she was vaguely aware of Meg and Elsa's voices, but the details of their conversation flew by her.

Should I take it?

A chill ran down her spine.

I can't just leave it here though.

But if she took it, she knew it would be burning a hole in her bag. A constant, uncomfortable reminder. Anna bit her lip, fingertips brushing against the silver surface again. The necklace was beautiful. She was sure that Elsa had put the utmost thought into her anniversary present, but—

Elsa's tentative smile flashed before her eyes. Anna's breath hitched and her heart throbbed. The look on her face, a mixture of fear and hope, wavered in the redhead's mind. Her finger tapped against the silver. Anna pursed her lips and snatched the necklace from its container.

But nothing. I can't just leave it here.

It was light in her hand and cool to the touch. Not heavy at all and its curved corners didn't dig into her skin like the emeralds had. She held it in her palm and lifted it up to her face. Anna blinked, eyes watering. Her eyes roamed over the patterns on the locket. Simple engravings that reiterated the heart design and made her own heart both flutter and tighten.

She glanced at the box and reached over to grab that as well.

"I don't want to!"

Elsa's shrill, hoarse cry cut through her trance.

Anna jumped and snapped her head in the direction of the bathroom. Without thinking, she slipped the necklace into her bag. She narrowed her eyes slightly and gripped her bag tightly, ears listening intently.

"Elsa, you know it'll help right?"

Meg's voice was a low hiss.

What's going on?

"I don't want to." Elsa's voice came again, quieter than before. Anna took a step towards it, throat seizing at how it croaked. "Not when she's—"

Oh.

"—just, not right now Meg, please."

Anna swallowed thickly. She blinked back the tears in her eyes and turned back to the table.

Her pulse thudded in her ears as she quietly gathered up her things. Her fingers felt stiff and numb when she grabbed her umbrella. Their dinner would likely be cleaned up by Meg afterwards. She'd leave the wine. There was no point in taking it with her. Just as she was hoisting her bag onto her shoulder, her ears picked up their conversation again.

"Is," Elsa began, voice shaking, "is—"

Anna stared down the hallway, though she couldn't see them

"Like I said, don't worry about it for now. We can sort everything out later."

She squeezed her bag's strap. They're talking about me. She turned towards the door behind her just when Meg poked her head out of the bathroom. Anna stopped, hand hovering over the doorknob. The brunette frowned, concern and confusion flickering across her face. She opened her mouth to address Anna when the redhead rapidly shook her head.

Instead, and against her better judgment and wishes, Anna just mouthed, "I better go."

Meg stared back at her for a moment before turning away, slipping back into the bathroom.

"Elsa, did you want to move?"

Anna turned away sharply and opened the door. She didn't want to hear the rest of the conversation. Her feet couldn't take her down the hallway and to the elevator fast enough.

She was painfully conscious of the necklace jingling in her bag and burning a hole in her mind.

She was even more painfully conscious that she hadn't given her anniversary gift to Elsa.

---

Anna breathed in, taking in the cold, crisp night air. Fat droplets fell just a few feet in front of her. She tightened her grip on her umbrella, the chill seeping into her skin. She shivered in her knee-length boots.

She'd been standing at the entrance for a few minutes, staring at the rain pouring heavily outside.

"I should have worn something else," she muttered to herself.

And then suddenly fatigue washed over. Anna blinked, fresh tears burning behind her eyes. She trembled and wrapped her arms around herself. All her effort; wasted.

All their effort. Wasted.

She bit her lip, the flesh quivering.

Just when she thought they'd been bridging a gap, a new distance stretched between them. It felt as she had gone back in time to stare at Elsa from afar.

What do I know about her? What do I really know about Elsa Arendelle?

Nothing.

She felt lower than she had in a long, long time. She was standing just inside the apartment of her one-month girlfriend. Their first anniversary ended on a low note. Halted before it had even begun. She'd left without really saying goodbye, hadn't bothered to look back after leaving Elsa to Meg. Anna was exhausted; drained. Crushed because of the turn of events.

"What am I going to do now?" she mumbled to herself. Her shoulders slumped. Her umbrella felt unbelievably heavy in her right hand. It felt as if her bag strap was digging into her shoulder with how tired she was now. Her stomach twisted and for a brief moment she thought the short dinner she'd shared with Elsa was going to come back up. But another wave of emptiness washed over her and she felt hollow once more.

Go home and sleep. That's what I'll do.

There was nothing else she could do. Not until—

Not until Elsa feels like she's up to talking with me.

Anna stiffened. She blinked, eyes seeing past the glass door, past the dark parking lot, past the few blinking lights of stray cars, and to nowhere.

And when is that going to be?

Her hands shook. She gripped her umbrella and bag tighter. The cold air made goosebumps rise along the exposed skin of her forearms and legs. She stared down the front of her blouse, brow furrowed. Anna sniffed and picked at the hem of it. She recalled Rapunzel lovingly patting her shoulders and smoothing out any wrinkles after she had slipped it on. Her cousin had seemed so happy for her, green eyes alight with a warm and excited glow.

"You're going to have a great time Anna."

And I only got to wear it for a little while.

Regret washed over her.

Anna blinked harshly, the edges of her lashes wet and her vision blurry. She wiped her nose and inhaled shakily. A slight smile curled on her lips, but she felt her dinner threatened to crawl up her throat. She juggled her umbrella a bit in her hand before glancing out to the dark entrance and street. "I better go," she whispered to herself.

There wasn't any point in staying or waiting inside the apartment complex. Elsa had already made it clear that she didn't want Anna around her.

For the moment, a tiny, desperate part of her pleaded. You don't know if Elsa's calmed down by now.

Despite her own insistence, Anna found it difficult to ignore the familiar disappointment curling in her stomach. She bit her lip before stepping forward, getting ready to open her umbrella.

Out from a still silence and into the sound of water splashing everywhere.

She stepped out from the threshold. Immediately, the rain came down upon her head. The droplets splattered on her shoulders, making her new blouse cling to her skin. Her boots stepped into a puddle and water seeped through the material, dampening the soles of her feet. The cold air filled her lungs. Anna chewed on her lip and fiddled with her umbrella, hurriedly trying to open it.

"Great, just great," she grumbled. "This day just can't get any worse."

Something pale flashed in her peripheral vision.

She stopped.

Anna glanced sideways, brow furrowing when she saw a car driving onto the nearby parking lot. Its headlights shone brilliantly against the dark, rainy night. She heard its tires crunch upon the cement.

Her eyes honed in on the brightness of its paint job.

Silver?

It slowed, trying to creep into a parking spot, and she caught a better look at it.

No. White.

Anna sucked in a breath sharply and everything in her froze. Her fingers tightened on her umbrella, knuckles pulling together tightly.

"Just a neighbor," she mumbled to herself. The car stopped and its headlights turned off. The night was dark once more. Her skin crawled and the hairs on the back of neck rose. "A stranger," Anna whispered, teal eyes wide. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "That's all..."

Her pulse quickened when she saw movement.

Anna ducked her head and ran down the path, onto the sidewalk. She had parked her truck around the corner of the street. She hurried as fast as her legs could take her, flipping open her umbrella and shielding herself from the heavy downpour.

Her mind was blank. She didn't glance over her shoulder as her boots pounded against the cement and over puddles.

The sight of the large, aging red truck couldn't come fast enough.

The moment she skidded to a stop in front of the driver's side, she felt a mixture of comfort and relief settle over her. Her car's towering figure seemed to shelter her from the rain, even though she knew that it was her umbrella doing all the work. Anna fumbled with her bag, rummaging through its content to fish out her keys. She brushed against the necklace before finding her keys. She shivered. Her fingers looked pale in the low, dim light of the street. Her hands shook terribly as she unlocked her car and all but threw her bag into the passenger's seat. Anna jerked her umbrella closed, biting her lip when water cascaded down on her shoulders again.

She nearly slipped as she pulled herself into her truck. Her boots were wet and her head felt light. Inhaling shakily, Anna slammed her door shut and stared at the steering wheel.

For a moment, she forgot where she was.

The white car wavered her mind.

Instinctively, she reached up and fingered the streak in her hair.

The rain beat down on her truck's hood and her heart thudded in her ears. Her skirt and blouse chafed her skin. She pressed her feet down further into the floor of her car and felt the wetness of her boots sink into her feet. The squelching sound made her stomach flip. With cold fingers, she buckled herself in and glanced at her mirrors, brow furrowed.

A look in her rear view mirror made her pause.

Anna blinked, eyes blank. Her face was paler than it had ever been—except that one time—and her freckles stood out garishly on her cheeks. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead and her light make-up had been smudged.

Anna swallowed, throat bobbing. The lump blocking her windpipe didn't want to go away. Her evening was finished.

"I'm going home," she mumbled. Suddenly she felt hollow again. Anna reached over and twisted her key into the ignition, shivering when it whirred to life. She turned the heater on immediately and began to drive out.

Her fingers looked thin and she couldn't stop glancing at the gaps in between.

---

She didn't want to leave the bathroom.

But she didn't want to leave the safety of it either.

In her turmoil, her mind kept replaying the faint sound of boots hurrying away. The familiar coils of anxiety squeezed her stomach.

"Elsa?"

Elsa cringed, lower lip quivering. She was seated on the toilet, knees pressed tightly together. She hadn't moved after Meg had ducked out to check on something. She wrung her hands together, shoulders stiff and raised to her ears. Her legs trembled and she felt awkward in her heels for once.

Meg gently pushed the bathroom door wider, sidling inside. The blonde stared at her shoes. Meg sighed and crouched down when Elsa didn't stop staring at the floor between their feet. The brunette looked up at her with concerned violet eyes. "Come on Blondie," Meg whispered, gently reaching forward and touching her hands, "you don't have to hide from me."

Elsa flinched, stiffening. "I—" Her voice cracked and she felt that sick feeling rise up in her chest again. Pins and needles crawled over her. Something sharp and tight seemed to sink into her lungs. She blinked rapidly, feeling the burn behind her eyes and stammering,"I just- I don't know what... Anna, she—"

Anna.

Elsa clamped her mouth shut, eyes widening. Her heart twisted painfully. Meg blinked and smiled sympathetically.

"You don't have to tell me everything right away, but uh..." The brunette stood up and rubbed the back of her neck. "Wonder Girl's gone."

Elsa blanched. She rose, arms encircling her torso. Meg stepped back, leaning on the doorway to let her through. Elsa gazed down the hallway, brow furrowing. She didn't see a trace of anyone but them. Their condo was completely silent.

Empty.

She left.

Guilt and hurt swarmed down on her like a tight rope, closing around her throat and sternum. A tremor ran down her spine and she let out a choked sound, eyes falling down to the floor in front of her.

Of course she left. I asked—no, I told her to leave.

It didn't alleviate the hurt however. She dug her fingernails into the skin of her palms.

Meg frowned and straightened, cupping her hands. The blonde's fingers shook in her roommate's grasp.

"Let's go sit somewhere more comfortable," Meg said, leading her towards their bedroom. Elsa clutched her hands tightly as they walked, breath coming in short, raspy pants.

Her bed was plush and soft underneath her when she sat down, a stark contrast to the hard, cold tiled floor she'd been resting on for the past half hour or so.

Elsa swallowed thickly, trying to blink away the tears in her eyes. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around her torso, shoulders hunching up to her ears. She curled into herself again, biting her bottom lip harshly. Meg patted her shoulder once before rummaging through her drawer and Elsa heard the telltale sign of pills in a bottle.

"Anna called me, you know," the brunette said. She handed the bottle over and Elsa took it with shaking hands. "She got worried, said something about you suddenly being upset and locking yourself in the bathroom."

"I thought so. I think I heard her talking to you. I don't know..." Elsa mumbled, blue eye boring into her lap. The guilt hung over her shoulders. The adrenaline that been rushing through her finally slowed. She pushed her knees together and tried to make herself as small as possible. Her thumbs traced the rim of her medication, mindlessly fiddling with it. "I panicked."

"Thought so."

Elsa winced, clutching her medication tighter.

"Sorry," Meg said, shame flashing across her features briefly. She straightened and ran a hand through her thick hair. An awkward silence hung between them for a moment before she reached out and squeezed Elsa's shoulder. "I'll get you a drink of water and we can talk about what happened."

Elsa swallowed down the protest in her throat and nodded, not taking her eyes off the hem of her dress. Meg's footsteps faded away and she was left alone again. The blonde exhaled shakily, some of the tension leaving her body. She uncapped her bottle and withdrew a single pill, fingers rolling it over and over. Her psychiatrist's words rang in her head.

"This is faster relief than your usual medication. Take it when you feel it's absolutely necessary. An emergency, you could say. You've had a lot of trial and error when it's come to these things, so I expect you to know when you feel as if you need it. It usually helps you calm down within a half hour to an hour."

Elsa swallowed thickly and wrapped her free arm around herself. She was cold. For once in her life she felt the chill in the air sink into her skin and leave her shivering. The adrenaline from her panic attack left her winded.

Anna.

Elsa blinked back another onslaught of tears, shoulders shaking.

"So I'm guessing you couldn't tell Anna what happened?"

She looked up as Meg re-entered, a bottle of water in one hand and tissue box in the other. She set the box down next to Elsa and handed the bottle over. Elsa took it with trembling fingers, downing her medication and some water in a single gulp. The brunette waited patiently, settling down beside her and pulling out a few tissues.

Elsa slumped forward, staring at her wrinkled dress. "I gave her the necklace," she mumbled, tone flat.

Meg blinked, quirking an eyebrow. "And...she didn't like it?" She frowned. "I thought it was a great idea."

Elsa shrugged. "I thought it was too." She cringed at the underlying neediness and confusion in her own voice. Her fingers twitched. The urge to pick and scratch at her skin was returning. Elsa wrung her hands together, biting her lip. "I don't know what went wrong."

Wasn't it good enough?

Her stomach twisted when she recalled the blank look in Anna's eyes.

Meg sighed next to her and before Elsa knew it, she felt a tissue dab at her eyes. The blonde winced and drew back slightly.

"Want to start from the beginning?" Meg asked.

Elsa shook her head. Still, words tumbled from her mouth: "We were eating. She was quieter than usual and I—" her breath hitched, "—I was so nervous. I couldn't stop thinking about how I acted the other day and how she took it. I wanted to- my hands, they..." she trailed off, digging her nails into her dress, not caring about her clothes for once. "I panicked," she said hoarsely. "Something in her expression. I panicked and then I didn't want to be there anymore. I couldn't look at her. I—!"

"Woah, hey," Meg said slowly, brushing the tissue against Elsa's forehead. "Slow down, it's okay."

Elsa sniffed, shutting her eyes tightly. Her heart thudded in her chest and she wished her medication worked faster. "Meg, you should have seen her face." Her throat tightened. "Or heard her voice when she was standing outside the door."

"Elsa," Meg whispered, gently laying an arm around her shoulders, "everything's going to be fine. You'll see." She tugged her closer, but Elsa couldn't rid herself of the turmoil twisting and coiling in her stomach. "One messy evening isn't the end to everything."

But it was our anniversary.

Despite her thoughts, Elsa nodded mutely and let herself be held. Her blue eyes bore holes into her medicine, staring at the assortment of pills.

If only I wasn't broken.

---

The dorm lot was still. Cars were tucked into parking spots and there wasn't a student in sight. 10:15 glowed on the screen of her truck's clock. Anyone who wasn't in their dorms at this point was either out with friends or sleeping somewhere else given tomorrow was Saturday.

Anna sat in her seat, staring with unseeing eyes at her steering wheel. Her arms were crossed, fists pressed against her sides and knees pushed together. Rain dripped down her windows and splattered on the ground outside her. It hadn't stopped since she had started driving and she doubted it would lighten up anytime soon. Her clothes were still slightly damp from the downpour and a few droplets slid down her umbrella. Still, her truck was warm in comparison to the cold, dark atmosphere outside. The engine hummed, the heater spreading a pleasant, much needed warmth into the interior. The large vehicle encased her protectively and she leaned forward to rest her forehead against the top of her steering wheel.

The old red truck was a solitary comfort.

Anna swallowed and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of pine and cinnamon. Her car freshener made a familiar, nostalgic feeling drape over her back. She could almost imagine she was home with her family rather than sitting alone in her car. With the darkness surrounding her, Anna could almost imagine the constant pitter-patter of rain was the scurrying footsteps of her brothers and sisters.

The scent of pine made her chest ache. Anna frowned and sighed. "I wish you were back already Kristoff," she mumbled to herself. With a weary sigh, Anna lifted her face from her steering wheel and stared at the dark parking lot outside. Beyond the cars and other buildings, she could make out the general shape of her dorm building in the distance. Anna bit her lip and unpocketed her phone, switching to the list of contacts. Her thumb hovered over Rapunzel's name.

I don't want to go up there yet.

In truth, she wasn't sure how she could face her cousin after all that had happened. Anna settled back in her seat and fiddled with the hem of her skirt. "How am I going to tell Rapunzel that our anniversary is shot?" Her stomach rolled over at her own words. Anna sniffed. She hadn't even been able to wear the clothes her cousin had bought as a gift for her for too long.

It's like I can't appreciate any gifts today.

Anna winced and bit the inside of her cheek. She placed her phone down in the cup holder next to her and glanced outside again. She could see a few lights from her dorm building and it made her fidget in her seat. If Rapunzel was in their room, she would definitely be awake.

"What am I going to say to her?" Anna whispered. She slumped in her seat and stared at her knees. Anna chuckled lightly to herself and mumbled, "'Hey Punzie, I decided to come back early. Oh, the anniversary? Yeah, it didn't go so well. Something came up and things just," a thin smile laced Anna's lips, "kind of went downhill from there."

Elsa.

She clenched her hands into fists in her skirt, biting the inside of her cheek even harder than before.

I hope Meg's taking good care of her.

Anna slapped herself. The quick flash of pain was a wonderful distraction.

"Of course she is you idiot." The redhead rubbed her eyes and sighed. She stared between the gaps in her fingers towards the dark parking lot. Obviously Meg knew what to do considering how Elsa reacted to her. Guilt twisted in her stomach. I wish I could have been of more help.

Within the confines of her truck, Anna felt that familiar sense of isolation and loneliness wash over her. Her hand dropped from her face.

This again.

For a brief moment, she thought back to the long, lonely nights of a small bed and an old ceiling.

Stop it.

Anna jerked in her seat. She reached toward the door handle, intent on unlocking it.

I can't be by myself right now.

But just as her fingers unlocked the door and pushed it open, the clear sound and scent of rain brought a fresh wave of nostalgia.

"How did everything go?"

Anna stiffened.

She heard the excitement in their voices. Felt the sodden material of her dress cling to her skin.

Anna tightened her jaw.

Yeah, now's not a good time to be alone.

Her mind whirled with images of standing in a doorway, watching child after child scooped up and carried off. Away from old sheets and a rusting playground. To a new place with strong, warm, and welcoming arms.

She shoved the memory as far back as possible.

But if I go back now, I know they'll just ask me questions. Just like they did when I broke up with Hans.

Anna bit her lip and gently closed the car door. It clicked softly and she settled back into her seat.

Her friends—family in the case of Rapunzel and Eugene—meant well, but she was tired of being prodded. They had walked eggshells around her in the months following her and her ex-boyfriend's separation. Between the heartache brought upon by herself, school, and her friends' worries, it had left her in an acute state of limbo. No direction and no idea on how to change that.

Two years had been too good to be true.

And the end with Hans had proven that.

"And it was my fault," Anna said. Her shoulders hunched up and she gripped her skirt tightly. "I'm not going to repeat the same mistakes with Elsa."

Frustration flared in her veins.

Anna jerked in her seat and thrust her key into the ignition. She revved up her truck and began to back out.

She needed space.

She didn't want to be alone.

She needed to clear her head from all the thoughts circling and circling inside.

She couldn't stand to see anyone else's prodding gazes anymore.

The tires of her truck rumbled over the parking lot and out onto the street.

She didn't—

She didn't know what she wanted.

---

"You just let me know if you need anything more alright Blondie?"

Elsa nodded, tucking her sweater tighter around her shoulders. Meg smiled briefly before heading to the bathroom. Her dormmate understood when she needed her space. She was grateful for it.

After the tumultaneous breakdown, she had explained—between hiccups and tears—to Meg that it had just been another meltdown.

Just.

Elsa cringed and curled in on herself. She had eventually calmed down, but she couldn't shake the guilt and pity still crawling around in her head.

How am I going to explain to Anna what happened?

She laughed, quiet, but hollow. "I'm sorry dear, your reaction triggered a panic attack. I can't tell you because I have severe anxiety and I don't want you to look at me like some freak." Elsa winced at the bitterness in her own words. She buried her face in her hands. "Oh, Anna."

In, out. In, out. One, two, one, two.

Her breaths came out in controlled, slow pumps.

She forced herself to shove aside the guilt and self-loathing running in her veins.

Elsa ran her hands over her face and then curled them in her lap. She closed her eyes, inhaling slowly. She straightened her back, still concentrating on her breathing. Her surroundings faded away. She focused on the rise and fall of her chest, the expansion and contraction of her lungs.

"Elsa, you're scaring me."

Her eyes snapped open.

The room came rushing back. She heard the rain battering against her window again.

Sighing, Elsa rose from her bed, away from the half-empty box of tissues and the bottle of medication still lying on her sheets. She had slipped off her heels at one point in exchange for her bedroom slippers. She needed ease and comfort right now. Quietly, the blonde exited her bedroom.

The shower was running.

Relief flashed through her. Elsa smiled slightly. At least Meg's taking care of herself instead of hovering around me.

That gave her the privacy she needed.

The blonde tugged her sweater higher on her shoulders and padded down the hallway.

Perhaps a change of scenery will do the trick.

She was at her door when something caught her eye.

Elsa stared into the kitchen, blue eyes widening. Her heart skipped a beat. Every single muscle went rigid.

Did she really—

Elsa's breath hitched. She let go of the doorknob and slowly walked into the kitchen area. The dishes had been dumped into the sink. The bowl of ice had been thrown in there too and the wine bottle rested on the counter. She bet that was Meg's doing.

But the box containing her gift had been left untouched.

Except—

She reached out with one hand and traced the rim with a fingertip.

It was empty.

Her fingers shook. Elsa swallowed down the lump in her throat and brought her hand back to her chest. She clutched her sweater tightly and felt tears brim her eyes. Her lips quivered. She didn't know whether to smile or cry.

But why did Anna take it? I thought she didn't like it.

For a moment, she considered poking her head into the bathroom and asking Meg if she'd moved the necklace. But that didn't explain why the box was still there.

"I have something for you too!"

Elsa stiffened. She cupped her mouth, blue eyes flicking back and forth. In her rush to show Anna her present and in the panic that had followed, she had forgotten that Anna had wanted to give her something in return. Her shoulders dropped and she sniffed.

And now I don't know when I'll be getting it.

With a harsh intake of breath, she rounded on her heel and slipped out the door. She needed space. She needed to walk. Something to let out the energy still lingering inside her.

Elsa walked down the hallway, intent on taking the stairs. She would have headed to the roof at a time like this, but the rain still coming down made that option inaccessible. And since she didn't want to stand in a cramped space like she'd been doing the majority of the evening, she opted not to take the elevator.

Besides, stretching her legs felt nice.

Without her heels, her steps were light and soft against the apartment floor. As she passed by her neighbors' doors, she could occasionally hear the television play or voices speak. But the majority of people were inside and quiet. With winter right around the corner, most people had taken to staying in doors when it rained like this.

It made her all the more grateful for the peace.

Elsa sighed in relief as she gently stepped down to the fourth floor landing. The physical act of walking sent a relaxing wave through her body—though she was sure that that was mostly her medication still in effect. The itch in her hands had died down. She tugged her sweater closely and glanced up and down the hallway.

And paused in surprise when she saw Hans fumbling through his jacket in front of a door.

The young man was frowning in mild annoyance. He had a stick of gum between his teeth and was muttering to himself. Elsa blinked, brow furrowing. Her shoulders rose an inch and she strode forward, ducking her head down a bit. He's probably looking for his keys. I hope he hasn't locked himself out of his apartment. That would be awkward. And she didn't particularly feel like interacting with anyone. She was just a few paces behind him when he looked up.

"Elsa!" Hans's eyes lit up and she stiffened. She stopped and he took the piece of gum from between his feet. A shiver ran down her spine when she noticed he was wearing those white gloves again. "I didn't expect to see you out this late."

She frowned and glanced at her wristwatch. It was a bit past ten. A pang shot through her when she wondered if Anna was home in bed now.

I hope so.

Still, she couldn't be sure.

When she noticed Hans grinning at her, she cracked a tiny smile. "I needed to get some air," she said. She shifted her feet awkwardly and shrugged. "This rain has been getting to me..."

Hans blinked and his expression softened. He smiled sympathetically. "Haven't had a good evening?"

Elsa shook her head, absentmindedly tugging her sweater up to her chin. "My plans didn't turn out..." She gestured, eyes misting over. "How I had hoped."

Hans exhaled and rubbed the back of his neck. He popped the gum stick into his mouth and chewed in thought. She shifted her weight again and glanced up and down the hallway. An awkward atmosphere settled between them. She listened to the sound of Hans chewing before taking a few steps forward.

"Well you're not the only one," Hans said suddenly, breaking the tension with a bright grin.

Elsa halted, blue eyes widening. "Huh?"

He gestured to his door and chuckled, tugging on the folds of his jacket. "I locked myself out of my apartment and it looks like I've misplaced my keys."

She grinned crookedly, tilting her head to the side. "I figured."

A blush, to her surprise, lit up on his cheeks.

"Am I really that transparent?" he asked, laughing.

Although her grin stayed in place, Elsa felt her brow furrowing. "I guess so," she said, shrugging. It was her turn to blush in embarrassment when he laughed louder. "I mean—! I don't mean that in a bad way!" she amended quickly, crossing her arms tightly around her diaphragm. She bit her lip, struggling with the right words. Hans merely continued to grin at her. Her stomach twisted. He reminded her too much of Anna in that moment. She glanced down the hallway then gestured with one hand. "You...seem like an honest person is all."

This time, Hans just chuckled. "I'm happy to have made such a positive impression."

She just smiled back.

Silence followed their short exchange and she shifted her weight again. The blonde half-turned, intent on continuing her walk. "I guess I'll be going now," she mumbled. I want to be alone.

Hans blinked, eyes lighting up. "Oh, where are you headed?"

Elsa shrugged. "Nowhere. I just needed to stretch my legs." She cleared her throat and took a step forward. "If you'll excuse me—"

"Do you mind if I come with you?"

Elsa stiffened. Reflexively, her arms tightened around her torso. "Oh." She bit her lip, blue eyes darting to his hopeful and oblivious expression. She mentally cringed. I don't want company right now, but I can't just say no. He'd be the second person I'd disappoint tonight.

The guilt from her failed evening with Anna returned.

I hope at least Anna is feeling better tonight.

"If you don't mind of course."

Hans's voice jarred her form her thoughts. Elsa twitched. He shuffled awkwardly and smoothed down his jacket. "I wanted to check my car." He grinned at her again and her expression softened. "You know, for my keys? I think I must have left them there." The young man sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "And if they're not there, I'd have to go to the front desk anyway. To get a replacement." He chuckled and flashed her a toothy grin. "And I'd prefer to walk with company, if it's alright with you."

He rambles a bit. Like Anna...

Her resolved weakened. "Er, no. No, of course not," she replied hurriedly. Her lips curled into a tiny smile. "Company is fine." As much as she wanted to be left alone right now, it seemed her needs would have to wait. Elsa worried her lip and gestured down the hallway. "Shall we go?"

Hans beamed and together they walked down to the front entrance. He crossed his arms behind his back, taking a place besides her. Elsa tried to relax her stiff position, lowering her hands from around her torso and clasping them tightly in front of her.

It's only for a few floors.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She jumped. She couldn't help it. He was closer than she was used to.

"I guess that's a no," Hans said, smiling. He drew back and hummed to himself.

"Sorry," she said, even though she wasn't sure why. Elsa glanced down. "I just didn't expect you to ask." She had hoped the walk would be silent.

Hans rolled his gum around, pursing his lips in thought. After a second, he shrugged and smiled gently at her. "Well, frankly, you look terrible."

Elsa tucked a strand of platinum-blonde hair behind her ear. She laughed once, eyes hooded. "I'm guessing I'm that obvious as well?" she whispered.

Hans hummed, still chewing. After a pause, he swallowed and then flashed her another grin. Elsa wondered if his smiles were as endless as Anna's. The thought made her insides squirm for some reason.

"Remember what I said? I'm a good judge of character," Hans said.

Oh, at the mall. "Right, you told me something like that," she replied.

His hazel eyes sparkled candidly, but she just blinked at him. He coughed and blushed again. "That and you said your evening didn't go well."

Elsa chuckled. Their footsteps echoed along the empty hallway and without thinking she turned to the stairs. Hans followed her without asking.

"Well," she began, tugging her sweater, "as you already know, my evening didn't go as planned." She fiddled with the end of her braid, wondering how much she should divulge. Hans didn't seem like a terrible person, even though she barely knew him. He was quite gentlemanly. Still, her nature made her hesitate. "I was with..." She bit her lip, cheeks pinking when he blinked at her curiously. "My partner," she said quietly.

His mouth formed an 'o'-shape and he seemed to grasp her meaning. Hans grinned and skipped the last step to the third floor. "I see. What a shame it didn't go so well."

"You're not offended?" she quipped, blue eyes widening. He stared at her and she hurriedly added, "Er, surprised?"

Hans laughed. "No. My ex-girlfriend was into women too."

"Oh." Elsa fiddled with her braid. How did she respond to a comment like that? "Is that so?"

"Don't worry, that's not why we broke up," Hans said, eyes twinkling. She flushed for some reason.

"I see," Elsa whispered, turning a corner. The apartment complex seemed deadly silent this night. It was unnerving. She was grateful she had taken her medication earlier. It was the only thing keeping her skin from crawling. But it's not going to last forever. "I'm sorry to hear that you two are no longer together."

Hans's smile vanished. Suddenly the charming glint in his hazel eyes was gone. For a second, she could have sworn something uneasy flashed across his face. But the look was gone before she could make certain.

A trick of the light?

"We had some...differences," he said, shrugging his shoulders. His arms looked stiff and he tilted his chin up slightly, brow furrowing. "Eventually, she found out she didn't want to be with me anymore."

Elsa halted, blue eyes widening. "I-I'm so sorry!" His eyes snapped to her and she wrung her hands together. "I didn't mean to bring up any unpleasant memories," she stammered, shoulders rising up to her ears.

He chuckled, waving a hand. "It's fine, not a problem. That was a long while back. We haven't been together for some time." Hans flashed a grin at her and Elsa smiled back tentatively. "My brothers told me it was for the best. They said I should concentrate on more important things, such as my studies and future."

It struck something in her. She was all too familiar with how family could be with certain things. Elsa's expression softened. "They didn't approve of your choice?"

He shrugged as they walked down another flight of stairs. "Some of them had a few grievances about the girl I was dating."

"Some?" she questioned, frowning.

Hans's smile returned. "Well my brother Oscar wasn't completely against the decision. He didn't want me dating her, but he knew that I was done with listening to what he or anyone else said."

Elsa frowned, mind beginning to whirl as they came to the second floor. Something was nagging at her brain. "Is Oscar the brother you were with at the mall?" she blurted out.

Hans quirked an eyebrow at her, surprise flashing in his eyes.

For a split and unusual second, she noticed for the first time how different he and Anna looked. Her girlfriend's teal eyes were far more expressive than the blank hazel she was staring into now. Hans's strong jaw and defined bone structure made him seem sharp and keen where Anna was slender and inviting.

Then, Hans smirked and the odd moment passed. "Oh no, that was Christian. One of my older brothers." He pursed his lips suddenly and then chuckled. "Well, actually, they're all older than me."

"Oh?"

"I'm the baby of the family," Hans joked as they turned a corner. Their footsteps were still the only noise in the hallways besides the distant sound of rain. "Thirteen sons in total, including me!" he chirped.

She stiffened in surprise and he laughed.

"Yeah, I get that a lot. Everyone is always shocked to hear how big my family is whenever the subject comes out."

Elsa cringed and bit her lip. She ducked her head when she felt her cheeks heat up. "I didn't mean anything by it, I'm sorry—"

He waved away her comment as they descended. "Don't worry about it, I'm used to it." He straightened his jacket and grinned at her. "Being the youngest of thirteen brothers means you have to get used to things soon."

Elsa smiled slightly, blue eyes darting to stare at the ground. "My partner comes from a very large family."

Hans's grin widened. "Well that's one thing she and I have in common!"

One of many, the blonde mused to herself. Rather than speculate on that anymore however, she decided to change the subject. They were nearing the first floor.

"Which of your brothers is Oscar?"

"The one I was buying a belt for the other day," he explained.

"Does he work at the nearby college?"

She wasn't sure who was more surprised at her question, Hans or herself.

He stopped dead, foot raised above a step. "Have you two met?" he asked, eyes wide.

Elsa shook her head. Her mind flashed back to the man who had been staring at Anna that day in class. "Not formally. I've just seen him around campus. And I only know of one Westerguard, so it seemed natural to think you two were related."

"Oh." Hans relaxed, white teeth peeking out again. "That's him alright. I'm sure you could tell he was the bookworm type." He pointed at his face and squinted. "Glasses and everything."

Elsa just made a noncommittal noise. Only thing I could tell was that he was staring at my girlfriend weirdly. She grimaced and was relieved to see Hans continue down the stairs. I wonder what that means.

"She's likely had past relationships—"

Elsa shoved her therapist's words as far from her mind as possible. Hans had begun speaking again.

"Since his birthday is coming up, my family wants to make a grand celebration." He twiddled his fingers and she was reminded that he was wearing gloves. "He's hitting the midway between the big three-zero and forty, so my parents want to make it meaningful."

Elsa smiled slightly. "That's kind of them."

Hans chuckled, but before she could make anything out of it, he skipped the last step of the stairs. The young man turned around to face her with a flourish and then she realized he did have the bearings of a well-off background like her. She giggled and he beamed. "Say, would you like to come to the party?"

Elsa's eyebrows rose to her hairline. "Wha—I couldn't!" She squeezed her hands into her sides, brow knitting together. "Isn't that rather personal? I mean, we've only just met."

Hans's hazel eyes twinkled and again, she felt her insides squirm. "Well, my family will have a private party after the main celebration, but it's mostly a formal event." She hesitated and he chuckled. "No one would notice you."

People always do, whether I like it or not. Elsa frowned.

"Besides, you'd fit right in!"

She blinked. "I'm sorry, I'm confused."

Hans opened his mouth to answer when a loud blaring disrupted the silence of the hallway. They both jumped and Elsa watched with wide eyes as the brunette dug through his jacket, brow furrowing.

"Damn it, that's probably one of my brothers. They love to bug me at the worst times."

Elsa saw her chance and took it. She turned to go up the stairs, giving him an apologetic smile. "I guess I should leave you to that phone call?"

He grimaced as he pulled out his phone. "Looks like it." As he accepted, he flashed her another grin. She waved a little bit in return. "It was great seeing you again Elsa."

She nodded and said quietly, "Don't forget to check your car for your keys."

Hans coughed and turned to address his caller. She moved to climb up the stairs when—

"Wait, you live on the top floor right?"

Elsa halted, glancing over her shoulder at him. He tilted his head at her. She frowned. "I do, how did you know?"

Hans's grin widened. A shiver ran down her spine.

"Just a guess."

Right, good judge of character.

Elsa swallowed and nodded. The young man turned back to his phone and, with as much grace as she could muster, Elsa darted back up the stairs. She disappeared around the corner, shoulders slumping in relaxation when she was by herself at last.

It was uncanny.

Anna had guessed the same thing when Elsa had showed her her apartment. Her stomach twisted.

I hope Anna's alright...

She wrapped her arms tighter around herself, unable to shake off the unease.

---

"And here's your change."

"Thanks," Anna said, pocketing the coins. She flashed the clerk a grateful smile before ducking away.

The coffee shop was practically deserted. Chairs stood idly without any occupants. She was both relieved and disappointed to see that. The desire for company was still strong, but right now, she didn't think she could face anyone.

So Anna slid into a lonely booth and sipped her coffee by herself. She'd gotten a chocolate donut to soothe the ache in her chest. However, the sugary confection was doing little to alleviate her worries.

Anna tapped her fingernails against the table, listening to the steady rush of rain and cars that passed. The earlier circular thoughts had ceased. While still tired, she felt more listless than anything else.

"I'll go home after this coffee," Anna mumbled, eyes hooded. She blew over her cup and sipped it again. Her wristwatch read 10:45. Rapunzel is still probably awake. She brushed a thumb over her phone. It had been the only thing she'd taken with her when she had parked her truck outside. Her bag, along with the rest of her things save her umbrella, were left behind.

I should put that necklace somewhere safe when I get home.

Anna bit into her donut.

And set aside the picture too.

Her stomach twisted. She sighed and laid her forehead flat on the table. "So much for a great anniversary." Anna closed her eyes, nibbling her lower lip. "How am I supposed to give her her present now? I can't just call her up after something like that happened."

Elsa had made it apparent that she needed space.

Anna groaned and lifted her head, propping her chin on top of the table. She stared out the window, teal eyes watching the trickle and multiple paths of droplets on the glass pane. Idly, she ate her donut.

Should I call Kristoff?

She didn't want to sit and think herself in circles again, but Kristoff was likely in bed by now. Or asleep somewhere in transit. He'd always been the type to have a strict sleeping schedule. Something at odds with her more erratic night patterns.

But she needed to talk with someone.

"Ugh." Anna straightened and rubbed her face. Then, she took a large gulp of her coffee, trying to fight down the sleepiness and fatigue. Anna set down her cup and plucked her phone. She quickly typed up a text and forwarded it to Rapunzel.

"Might be a little late coming home. Don't wait up. Love you."

Anna swallowed down the twinge of guilt that rose up and then flipped through her contacts. She sent another message to Kristoff.

"Are you awake big guy?"

If he didn't answer, she would know he was asleep. Then she could put off talking to him about what had transpired until she picked him up on Sunday.

Of course that meant she would be left alone to her thoughts.

Anna bit her lip and tapped her fingers on the table as she waited. She heard the cafe door open and looked up. A few people walked in and she ducked her head down when she didn't recognize any of them.

That's fine. It would be awkward if someone from class saw me now.

Or worse, it could have been her cousin or one of her friends.

Anna closed her eyes, rubbing her brow. Her phone was silent. She glanced at it wearily before taking a large gulp of her coffee. The hot liquid poured comfortably down her throat. Anna pursed her lips. "Guess he's asleep after all," she mumbled.

She half-expected her phone to ring at that point, but when it didn't she sighed in relief. So Anna rose from her chair and gathered her things. She pressed her phone and coffee close to her chest, trapping the warmth there and headed to the doorway.

No one looked up in her direction and she mentally relaxed.

Until the door of the cafe was pulled open and she nearly bumped into a white, pressed shirt.

Anna skidded to a halt, eyes widening.

Oh god, no. Really?!

Oscar blinked owlishly at her. She would have giggled before, but now he remained one of the last few people she wanted to see. Especially now.

"Anna?" Oscar's brow furrowed.

Anna swallowed, tensing. "Uh, hey. Fancy meeting you here."

That seemed to snap Oscar's attention. He straightened, jaw shutting. Brushing a hand through his hair, he mumbled, "I wasn't expecting to see you here Anna."

Anna smiled weakly, holding up her coffee cup. "Well, it's close to campus. I kind of needed a quick pick-me up." The corner of her lips trembled. "How about you? I didn't think you'd drop by to grab cheap coffee." She wanted to kick herself.

Oscar cleared his throat, tugging on his tie. "Yes, well, I wasn't up to making something for myself." He glanced around, avoiding her gaze. Anna clutched her coffee cup tightly. "Um, I just got off work. I was planning to meet up with someone."

Anna tightened her jaw slowly. "I see," she said.

Oscar whipped his head back. "Not Hans," he blurted out.

Her spine went straight as a rod.

"I wasn't thinking about him," she muttered.

A lie; as much as she would have liked to think otherwise.

"No," Oscar said, drawing back a bit. "No, I'm sure you weren't." He looked over his shoulder, noticed he was still in front of the door, and stepped to the side.

The temperature seemed to drop. An awkward tension settled over them. Anna bit her lip and shifted her weight. Oscar looked away again, tugging at his tie. The clerk shot them a look while ringing up someone's order. Anna gave the young girl a tiny smile.

There's nothing completely bad about this. I just—

"I wanted to apologize about the other day."

I'm just having a really unlucky day.

Elsa's face flashed through her mind. Anna twitched before relaxing the tight grip on her cup. But others...

She inhaled slowly and shot him a half-smile. "That's okay." He smiled slightly in return, but the air in her chest just seemed to tighten. "I know you don't mean any harm." She turned to stare out the window. The rain was a steady, but gentle rhythm now. Droplets ran down the glass pane, coalescing into patterns that went outward and inward. The necklace flashed in her mind. Anna swallowed thickly, heart thudding in her ears. "Most people rarely do," she whispered.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Oscar turn his full attention on her.

She could almost see herself out there. The rain splattered over her bare neck, soaking the edge of her gown. Her hair was heavy and several strands had come loose from her bun. Her fingers flew over her phone, shaking from the cold and pain. Her ankle throbbed from her broken heel and all the while she kept repeating to herself:

"I've made the worst mistake of my life."

Anna ignored it. She brushed her thumb over her phone. A nervous, hot flash swept over her body and she nibbled on her lower lip. "I mean, I'm over it, you know?" The redhead shrugged her shoulders. "I'm the one who broke it off with Hans."

"Anna," Oscar began. "I didn't mean to—"

The hair on the back of her neck rose. "It's okay," she said quickly, taking a step towards the cafe door. She felt his stare boring into her. "No, really, it's okay," Anna said, glancing back at him. She smiled slightly. When his frown deepened, she whispered softly, "I found someone else."

Instead of his expression clearing, Oscar stiffened. "It's not because of what happened between you and Hans is it?"

Anna stopped, shoulder against the cafe door. Her fingers squeezed the styrofoam cup. She half-turned, trying not to grind her teeth together. "This again?"

Shame flashed through Oscar's eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." He laughed, bitter, and rubbed the back of his neck. "I just want to make sure you're okay. I mean, it was all kind of our fault."

Anna inhaled sharply, feeling anger beginning to boil in her blood. "It's not your job to take care of me," she spat. He winced, mouth opening to protest, but she cut him off. "And no, it's definitely not a rebound. I can't believe you'd think I'd do that to someone Oscar!"

A few heads turned in their direction, but she ignored them. Oscar frowned.

Anna clenched her teeth. "Really, Oscar? You really think I'd do something like that to another person after the whole thing with Hans?" When Oscar just tucked his hands into his pants quietly, she slumped. "You know," she whispered and he looked up hopefully, "I thought you were the one who was always on my side." She sighed and pushed open the door, muttering, "But your whole family kind of stinks."

I would never hurt Elsa like that.

Her heart lurched with sudden pain.

Hans and me, we're way too different.

"He moved, you know?"

She stopped, one foot out the door. She could still feel his eyes on her and it made anger pulse faintly in her veins.

"Yeah," Anna mumbled, nodding once. "I know."

She was out the door in seconds, dipping her head down from the rain.

---

More than once, on her drive back to campus, she itched to pull over and call Kristoff. The urge to tell him what happened was persistent. To spill her troubles, tell someone how confused and unsure she felt. But knowing him, she decided against it.

He'd drop whatever he was doing to help and then he definitely wouldn't be able to concentrate on practice and the upcoming game. And right now, I can't be that selfish.

So Anna had parked her truck, dumped her coffee into a trash can, and dragged her feet up the dorm stairs. She shook her umbrella of any excess water and pushed open her door, heart in her throat.

"I'm home—"

The room was empty.

Anna stopped, blinking several times. "Rapunzel?" she called, shutting the door behind her. She wasn't sure why she expected an answer when the room was obviously vacant. A quick glance to Pascal's usual spot showed he was gone too. Her cousin had likely taken him with her. Anna sighed and rubbed her brow. "Yeah, okay, definitely not home."

She dropped her things by the door, but placed her bag gently on her bed. The necklace was on her mind even out of sight.

Anna huffed before something caught her eye.

Tucked under a few tins of paint was a yellow note.

Despite herself, Anna felt a smile curl on her lips. "Figures Punzie wouldn't just text me."

She probably didn't want to disturb us.

Anna snatched the note from its spot and flopped onto the vanity stool. Her hands began to undo deftly her braids as she read the letter over.

"Going out with Eugene and the gang tonight! Left you a note because I didn't want to disrupt your evening with Elsa—"

Her smile widened. Anna's eyes misted over.

"—and hope to see you when I get back! Eugene and I are thinking of getting pizza. Send me a text when you can. Tell me every little detail later? I love you Anna. XOXO."

The smile disappeared from her face.

Anna brought the note up and pressed it to her chest, shutting her eyes tightly. She sniffed. Hiccupped. She dug into her bottom lip, the flesh quivering. "Oh, get over yourself Anna!" The redhead wiped furiously at her face, breath short and wet. She blinked several times, willing away the fat tears pricking her eyes. "It's not the end of the world," Anna muttered. Her shoulders slumped and she crinkled the note in her hands. "It's not the end of anything."

I'm not going to be a baby about this.

Anna loosened her braids with her fingers, pulling the red locks free. She left the note and tiny green ribbons Rapunzel had woven into her hair on the vanity counter and flopped onto her bed.

Her eyes landed on her bag.

"Oh right."

She pushed herself into a sitting position and unlaced her boot, keeping her gaze on her bag. "Might as well get this over with," Anna huffed as she kicked off her boots. She grabbed her bag and tugged it closer to her. The warmth of her dorm room seemed to dip a bit. Her heart thumped in her chest. One, two, one, two. She pushed aside a hand mirror and tube of lipstick. Her eyebrows knit together. "There you are," she whispered.

The necklace was situated between her wallet and the wrapped photo she had bought for Elsa. She could see the teal irises of her eyes glint back at her in the silver.

Anna sighed and gently scooped up the necklace. The metal was cool to the touch and emotion welled up heavily in her throat. Her vision blurred again and she sniffed. "Hey you," she croaked. Anna crossed her legs underneath her and held the heart-shaped object between loose fingers. "So you're my present this time…"

She held it up to her face. It flashed and Anna smiled crookedly. She traced a finger along the edge. "I wonder how Elsa found you." She laughed wetly at the thought of her girlfriend browsing through several gifts, picking and choosing with a critical eye. Anna's lips wobbled into a smile. "Definitely not at an antique shop, that's for sure."

She stilled, thumbs delicately brushing the intricate patterns of her necklace.

Anna sniffed and held it to her lips. "Oh Elsa."

She sat there for several minutes, letting the cold metal sink into her hands and the sound of rain wash over her. Anna curled in on herself, exhaustion finally taking its toll on her. She wanted to lay down and sleep, but…

Anna opened her eyes and her gaze landed on her wrapped photo. "I need to do something," she mumbled. Anna jumped off her bed and hurried to her closet. She kept a few spare things in there from theater. "I know I have something for you in here. I—ah, there!"

Anna withdrew a small piece of silk. She carefully wrapped her necklace in it, creasing the edges together gently. Then, with the utmost care and grace, Anna tucked it into a drawer, underneath several shirts. She didn't want Rapunzel or anyone else questioning her about it just yet.

Anna rushed back to her bed and swiped her photo from her bag, muttering, "Okay little guy, under the bed you go again." Her muscles felt stiff as she went down on her knees, pushing the box farther into the gap between her mattress and the floor. "I need some sleep," she grumbled.

The redhead rubbed her aching neck and sighed. "But first, I can at least say goodnight."

Anna jumped up and switched off the light. Then, she sat back down on her bed and picked up her phone, biting the inside of her cheek. The lock screen came to life and relief flooded her when she didn't see any text messages. "Good, I didn't wake Kristoff after all." She twirled the white streak in her hair as she sifted through her contacts.

Elsa's number flickered across the screen.

"You're a brave girl sweetie. Things won't be so bad, you'll see."

Her mother's voice rang clear in her head. That had been before she'd been pushed into her first public school.

Anna bit her lip, beginning to type slowly.

"Elsa, it's me Anna. Hey, look, I know it would probably be way better if I called, but I don't know if you'd want to hear from me right now."

She stopped, lips pursing. Anna deleted the last few words.

"But I figured this way was better. I just wanted to say goodnight. Check up on you? I understand if you want some space. But I'm right here whenever."

Anna slowed her fingers, eyes misty.

"Call me when you're feeling better?"

The redhead paused for a moment, eyebrows knitting together. She blinked and then shook her head lightly. Furiously deleting her unsent message, she swiped her fingers over the keys again. Her dorm room was filled only by the sounds of her texting and the pour of rain.

"Please call me when you're better."

Too needy. Her thumb erased it.

"I'm worried about you."

She scowled.

"I'm here for you."

Anna bit her lip, fingers hovering over the screen of her phone. The characters blurred before her. She sniffed and brought her knees closer to her sternum, resting her chin atop her sweats. Slowly, she continued her message, the mental image of anxious blue eyes staring back at her.

"I know I wasn't exactly helpful today and that things...didn't go as planned, but I'm—"

Anna sighed shakily. Her fingers began to tremble.

"—I'm here for you. I'm sorry our anniversary was kind of a flop. A big flop actually. I just—"

Her chest constricted. A coil seemed to wrap itself around her. Anna stared at the stagnant light of her cell phone. Her shoulders shivered. She recalled the feel of the necklace underneath her fingertips, cool to the touch and smooth.

What had driven Elsa to buy that for her?

"Do you like it?"

Bright, expectant eyes stared back at her.

Anna exhaled. Her tooth dug deeper into her bottom lip. She resumed typing.

"I was just surprised. I didn't expect you to buy such a thoughtful gift for me."

She ground her teeth and erased the second half of the message, blinking rapidly. Her eyes burned. The light stung.

"I just wasn't expecting something so lovely. It was a good kind of surprised."

She was going in circles. Her lips moved slightly with each word she wrote out.

"I'm sorry about today. I really am. I still want to go to the game with you Elsa. And I want to show you our play. I want to have dinner with you again. I kind of really want to hold you. And kiss you. But mostly just hold you until my arms are sore."

Her mind was spinning. Elsa flashed through her mind. Platinum-blonde hair. Icy-blue eyes. Pale skin and a small smile. Something shivered down her spine and settled somewhere between her sternum and her stomach. Her fingers flexed. She wanted to hold Elsa so much. And maybe be held in return. Faintly, she began to mumble her messages out loud.

"I'm here for you Elsa. I don't understand what went wrong or what I did, but I'm here for you. Call me when you feel better?"

Anna's eyes flicked over her phone, fingers deftly sending each message. She swiped over the keys, whispering to herself.

"Goodnight..."

She slowed her breathing, though her heart still drummed in her ears.

The rain poured outside and sleep dragged down her eyelids.

Anna placed her phone next to her pillow and settled under the covers.

I'm not okay.

---

Anna blinked, teal eyes widening. She took in the decor around her, a pleasant chill traveling down her spine. The array of expensive aromas wafted into her nostrils, making her tingle all over. Hesitantly, slowly, she lowered her hands on the railing and grasped it gently. Below her, people moved and mingled about. Black and white suits, peach, blue, and violet dresses. They all stood out or complimented the dark red carpet.

The violinist dipped into a solo, his notes—romantic and drawn out—flowed high into the air, catching the attention of those near the stage. The chandelier's light glinted off the wine glasses of several stray persons. Something flashed in her peripheral vision and she glanced at a table to see a few women conversing amongst themselves, their rings and pearls glimmering in the soft, pale glow of the large room.

Anna sighed, blinking slowly and letting everything wash over. Goosebumps rose along her skin and she reached up to fiddle with the emerald necklace absentmindedly. The lights, the music, the people around her; it was like something out of her fairy tale books.

So different from the lonely, sparse orphanage.

Anna frowned and released her necklace. She didn't want to ruin it. She cupped her hands together and looked around a few more times before her eyes darted to the side, examining the quiet figure next to her.

He wasn't looking at her, eyes drawn to some point out off to the side.

Biting her lip, she cleared her throat, trying to get his attention. The momentary delight gave way to a nauseous, turbulent emotion.

Hans started and glanced down at her, one eyebrow quirking up.

"Anna?"

She mentally sighed in relief at the worry in his voice. Her eyes darted up and down, trailing over his pressed suit and shined boots before lingering on the dark gloves he wore. They weren't the biker gloves she had bought for him a while back, but at least they weren't an off and clinical white. Inhaling once, Anna fixed him with large, teal eyes.

"Do you think they'll like me?" she asked, unable to keep the slight trepidation out of her voice.

Hans blinked, surprise flashing across his handsome features. Then, a grin spread across his face, white teeth flashing.

"Absolutely!" he said, clasping her hands in his.

Anna beamed and believed him.

Nothing would go wrong tonight.