A/N: I'd like to apologize for the severe delay between chapters. If you haven't read my other story or checked out my tumblr, then let me just state I had an incredibly hellish semester. It drastically cut down on my writing time and for that I apologize. However, I can safely say, updates should pick up a bit by now. I'm on my vacation and the next semester doesn't seem quite as daunting.
Thank you all for continuing to express interest in this story. I do read your reviews and I try to keep up as well as I can. We still have sometime before the major angst sets so enjoy this lighter chapter until then!
Feels like we're learning this out on our own
"What makes you say that?"
It didn't come immediately after her confession. In fact, Kristoff only said it just as they were turning onto the street that led back to the apartment complex. Anna jerked her head from the window. She blinked several times at him, but he continued to stare straight ahead.
"Excuse me?" she asked, brow furrowing. What the hell is he talking about?
He glanced to her as he flicked on his turn signal. "I said, what makes you say that?"
Anna's frown deepened. "No, I got that." She shifted higher in her seat. Her fingers itched to fiddle with something. "I mean, what are you talking about?" She threw a sidelong look out the window. The complex was within view and she could see several lights on. "Just a few minutes ago we weren't talking about anything."
A flush of heat ran through her when Kristoff shot her a raised eyebrow.
"Er," Anna started, grabbing one of her braids, "I didn't mean it like that." His eyebrow quirked higher and she felt the flush spread on her cheeks. "Wait, I'm going in circles. What were you asking me again?"
Kristoff turned onto the parking lot while saying, "I was asking you about you and your sister." He settled his van into a space and turned off the engine before fixing her with a look. "I mean," he rubbed the back of his neck, "it's not really my business to pry, but I- well, I got a lot of brothers and sisters, so it's just strange to hear something like that to me."
Anna laughed and unbuckled her belt, grabbing her empty water bottle. She avoided his gaze, feeling the nape of her neck flush. "I don't think it's that strange," she mumbled. Beside her, Kristoff unlocked the car door. "Lots of siblings don't get along," Anna explained, sliding out of his minivan.
"Yeah, but I've never met anyone who talks about their relationship like you do with your sister."
Anna gritted her teeth. "Like I said, I'm not winning any awards for 'Best Little Sister.'"
She looked over her shoulder at Kristoff, who was still in the driver's seat. He frowned at her. "You don't seem that bad to me Anna."
She blinked. When Kristoff continued to frown at her, she looked down at her shoes and shrugged. "Maybe." Before he could question her further, she lifted her face and grinned. "It could be worse! Elsa could have completely rejected my desire to live with her! But hey, it's not all that bad."
Though I was betting she would.
Kristoff snorted. "She's not completely heartless."
Anna stared down at the cement underneath her feet. Her lips twitched and she fingered her phone in her pocket. "Yeah, she's not." Warmth bloomed in her chest at the memory of Elsa's smile.
I'm the one that kind of fucked up.
She shoved the thought away and looked up at him, noting he hadn't moved from his spot. "You coming big guy?"
He shot her an incredulous look at her nickname and she giggled. Kristoff smirked slightly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually I have to head to work."
Anna blinked and glanced at her watch. "This late?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, nodding. "Yeah, I got stuck with the night shift."
Anna frowned and glanced over her shoulder. "What about Sven?" Her stomach twisted at the thought of the injured puppy alone for so long. She looked over at Kristoff in time to see him shake his head.
"Getting pupsitted by a neighbor," he explained.
"Oh? Who?"
"Aurora Briars." He jerked his chin up and Anna followed his gaze to the apartment. "Lives on the same floor as us. Kind of surprised she took the job."
"Why? Not a puppy person?" she quipped, eyebrows rising.
"You'll understand if you ever meet her," Kristoff said. "Anyway, I'll see you lat—"
Anna grabbed the car door and leaned forward. "You sure everything's going to be fine with Sven?" He stared, surprise flashing across his face. She rushed to explain, cheeks flushing. "I mean, uh, you said she's not a dog person. Well, I kind of am! I like dogs. Love dogs. And since you've been helping me out since I got here and everything, I could...well if you're worried about Sven. Elsa's not going to be back for a while so I could, uh—"
Kristoff's sudden snort made her stop. Anna stiffened, shoulders tensing. She clamped her mouth shut as he laughed. The blush on her cheeks traveled down the back of her neck.
When he finally calmed down, he gave her a half-smirk. "You don't have to worry. Aurora wasn't happy about the deal, but she won't turn down an animal in need. She's a good person like that."
"O-oh?" Anna stared, wide-eyed, before catching herelf. She twitched and then nodded, glancing away. "I mean, yeah, of course! Of course she is! I'm sure she's a nice person. Sounds like it." The redhead cupped her fingers and coughed once. "Just, if you ever need another dog sitter..." She trailed off and shrugged, smiling awkwardly at him.
Kristoff's lips quirked up higher. "Right," he said. Then he jerked his chin to the car door, "Anyway, you mind?"
"Huh?" Realization flashed across Anna's face. "Oh. Oh! Yeah—I mean no, of course not!" She jumped forward and slammed the door closed, stepping back as he revved the ignition. Kristoff gave her a single wave and she returned it with a small, hurried one of her own.
She watched him drive off, clasping her hands behind her back. When he disappeared into the late traffic of LA's streets, she stood there for longer. The evening sun disappeared behind the surrounding apartments. Anna tilted her head and stared at the beams peeking out from over the rooftops, rocking back and forth on her heels.
I should head inside and leave Elsa a message.
A sigh escaped her lips and she slumped forward. "She's probably not going to be home until really late tonight again," Anna mumbled. She turned around, scratching her cheek as she looked up at the apartment complex. It looked disturbingly empty. She huffed at her fringe and began to walk inside.
"Dinner by myself again."
She threw her water bottle into the nearest trash bin and her ears rung from the sound of it clunking to the bottom.
Anna gritted her teeth. Her face was flushed and her right hand held fast to the hand railing. "I don't remember the stairs being this long," she growled. She had opted to walk instead of taking the elevator. Her and Elsa didn't live high up so she had figured it would be alright. But...
Regret burned as much as her knee did.
Anna stopped mid step and looked up. She only had several more steps to take, but it felt so much longer. She inhaled deeply and slouched. "Fuck, I'm out of shape," Anna groaned, shutting her eyes. "I need to start exercising." She brushed her bangs back, feeling sweat coat her fingers. Another glance upwards made her sigh. "Or eat less sugary goodness."
Which isn't going to happen any time soon if I know me. Ugh, why do donuts have to taste so good?
Squaring her shoulders, Anna heaved herself up the last several steps. She ignored the pain pulsing in her leg and let out a tiny whoop. "At last! Destination reached! No more stairs!" Anna turned on her heel and began to skip backwards, sticking her tongue out at the steps. "No more hallucinating that I'm almost there! No more sweating." She grinned and whirled around, teal eyes sparkling. "Goodbye foul passageway—!"
Her face smacked into something soft, yet firm.
Anna flailed her arms, her feet giving way from under her. She heard a grunt before her world toppled over. Anna flopped to her rear and the back of her head smacked against the floor. "Aw, fuck!" She groaned and rubbed her skull, blinking away the sharp pain. "Hey, do you think you could watch where you're going—"
Her eyes landed on a pair of long legs.
Anna went rigid.
Wait is that—
"Excuse me? You're the one who bumped into me."
Oh crap, it is.
Anna jerked her head up, mouth open. The same blonde from the convenience store glared down at her. She was dressed in a prim, white shirt, briefly reminding Anna of the coffee she spilled on her the other day. A long dark skirt flourished around her slim legs and Anna couldn't help but notice the vibrant red lipstick over full lips. She looked the picture of elegance and stature. Among other things, Anna's brain told her as her eyes ducked down to the woman's legs. Damn.
Except her face was currently contorted into an annoyed frown.
Anna scrambled to her feet, a nervous grin splitting her cheeks. "Oh, hey! Hey, uh," she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Sorry for bumping into you again. I got distracted by the stairs." Anna jerked her thumb over her shoulder, laughing. "So many of them you know? Kept wondering when..."
She trailed off as the blonde slowly arched a thin eyebrow at her.
Anna swallowed and dropped her hand, wiping her palms on her jeans. "Um, sorry again," she mumbled, cheeks pink, "for bumping into you." She stared at the other woman underneath her eyelashes, lips twitching into a crooked grin. "I just moved here."
The blonde huffed slightly, drawing herself to her full height. "I could tell."
She held out her hand, a hopeful smile curling on her lips. "I'm Anna. Anna Arendelle."
The taller woman narrowed her eyes slightly before slipping her hand into Anna's. Her grip was firm and poised. "Aurora Briars," she said with a single shake.
Woah, talk about Elsa-like. Is everyone in this damn building a stiff?
A tiny pin prick of guilt lanced through her when she realized what she'd just called her sister.
Anna forced her smile wider and gently dropped Aurora's hand. "You're the gal dog sitting Sven for Kristoff?"
Aurora blinked in surprise. "Yes, how did you know that?"
The redhead gestured behind her. "He dropped me off just before heading to work. When I asked about Sven, he said you were sitting for him."
Some of the stiffness seemed to leave Aurora. Her shoulders relaxed and she returned Anna's nervous smile with a small smirk. "I am. I owe him a favor after he graciously fixed a plumbing issue I had with my sink." Then, Aurora's smirk softened and she folded her arms. "That and I couldn't just say no when he looked so awkward asking me."
At the sight of the friendlier smile, Anna felt the tension in the atmosphere drop. She straightened, beaming. "Oh? I didn't take him for being shy." Aurora laughed and Anna's ears tingled. Her smile grew.
"Don't let Mister Buff and Gruff fool you," the blonde said, white teeth flashing. "He's more of a puppy than the actual pup."
"Is that what convinced you even though you're not a dog person?" Anna asked. Aurora's eyebrow shot back up and she clamped her mouth shut. A bright red flush bloomed on Anna's cheeks and descended down her neck.
"Do I not look like a dog person?" Aurora asked.
"No." Anna almost smacked herself and hurriedly added, "I mean yes! I mean, what I meant to say is that you don't look like an animal person!"
Aurora hummed and her eyes fell to half-mast. The redhead felt her cheeks darken.
"I actually like animals quite a bit," she said smoothly, eyes glinting.
Today is not my day.
Anna looked around, her fingers beginning to twitch and flex as she stammered, "Er, you just look like you've never touched an animal in your life." She wanted to bite down on her tongue. "N-not that that's a bad thing. You just look really clean and proper. Which is good! My s-sister is like—"
A laugh snapped her attention from a scratch on the wall.
Anna gaped as Aurora covered her mouth with one hand, blue eyes twinkling.
"My, my, my." The older woman dropped her hand and smirked. "You remind me of a bird my aunt used to have."
Anna frowned and tilted her head. Wait, what? Is that a good thing?
But instead of clarifying, Aurora checked her watch. She pursed her lips. "If you'll excuse me, little robin, I have to be going. Sven's not going to be asleep for long and I need to buy some emergency puppy food."
"Oh, uh, sure," Anna said, stepping aside as the blonde moved past her.
Aurora stopped a few steps down however and smiled over her shoulder. "It was a pleasure meeting you Anna. I have to say, you make a better second impression."
Anna beamed, waving on instinct. "It was nice meeting you again too!"
However, when the blonde had turned out of sight, she stopped and her hand dropped.
"Wait, what?"
She blinked several times.
That was a compliment right?
Anna bit a fingernail, brow furrowing.
Little robin.
Warmth flooded her cheeks.
I think so.
The redhead curled her fingers into a tiny fist, heart beating quickly.
Not only did sex-on-legs turn out to be kind of really sweet, but I think I just made a new friend! Maybe. Sort of. I'm counting it.
A grin spread on her face. Excitement flowed through her muscles. She spun on her foot and bounded down the rest of the hallway to Elsa's apartment. She hummed as she unlocked the door and pushed it open, eyes bright.
"I'm home!" she called.
There was a solid second where Anna stood halfway between the threshold and inside the apartment. Her eyes flicked over the living room, searching hopefully for any sight that someone else was there besides her. Her gaze landed on the coffee table, the kitchen archway, and the television set before she smacked her forehead.
"I have got to stop talking to myself," Anna grumbled. "Of course Elsa wouldn't be back before me." Her ears pinked and she rubbed a small circle into her brow. "She already told you Anna. She has a lot of work to do." Anna sighed and shut the door behind her. She kicked off her sneakers, tucking them neatly next to the door frame. A smile briefly lit her face when she noticed a pair of slippers situated along the wall. Oh, cute. I didn't think Elsa would have fuzzy slippers. Anna giggled once and straightened. "Figures she would have two pairs of shoes to wear though. I'll bet she has heels specifically for work."
It would be just like her older sister.
"Agenda books, post-it's, and clothes for different activities," Anna recounted. She nudged the shoes with her toe, expression softening. "Elsa hated it when she wasn't prepared for every little thing." Then, the smile vanished from her face. Anna frowned and scooped up a shoe. She flipped it over and traced her thumb along a sole. "Huh," her lips curled downward, "you don't look like you've see much action before, little fella."
The inside was soft to the touch, but not the kind that proved hours of being worn. Anna's frown deepened as she pinched the heel between two fingers and bent it. "Still stiff." She glanced at the other shoe. "What are you two even doing out here in the hallway? Shouldn't Elsa keep you next to the bed?"
Unless Elsa really doesn't wear them often so she just leaves them here for convenience.
Anna's stomach twisted. She looked up at the living room clock, worry pinching her insides when she saw it was a quarter past seven. She blew at her fringe and gently set the slipper back down. "Well hopefully you two will see some action tonight."
After making sure Elsa's shoes—as well as her sneakers—were propped up tidily against the wall, Anna turned and dragged her feet to the couch. She flopped onto it and groaned. Her knee throbbed, reminding her how much she had walked today. "Ugh." Anna huffed and rolled over, reaching down and rubbing the bone. The skin under her fingertips felt warm and the pain traveled up and down her leg. "Right, right. I know, I'm going. I'm getting up." She hissed and pushed herself off the couch, stumbling to her bedroom.
Anna flicked the switch and smiled slightly as light flooded her tiny space. She glanced around. "Okay, where did I put my charger and pills? Ooh, right! Drawers." Her knee pulsed as she limped to her dresser and rifled through them. "Aha! Found you!"
She plugged in the cord to her dead phone and left it by the wall, shaking her pills.
"One's more than enough," Anna grumbled as she limped to the kitchen.
She rummaged through the refrigerator, sighing happily as she pulled out a water bottle. "LA heat gives you a new appreciation for water." Anna took a large sip before unscrewing her medication. She made a face at the pill in her palm. "Ugh, I hate how meds taste."
Her mother had never managed to get her to stay still at first to take anything. Everything tasted horrible.
"Bottoms up." She threw her head back and swallowed her medication with a grunt. Her face contorted as she quickly sipped her water. "Ew, ew, ew! I swear everything taste like they've been rolled in chalk and disinfectant." Huffing, Anna closed the refrigerator and began to prep herself a quick ice pack.
Several minutes later and she was sitting on the couch, flipping through channels as she pressed a cold towel to her knee gently. Besides the murmur coming from the television, the apartment was quiet.
Anna squirmed in her seat. She glanced down at her wristwatch, but the hands hadn't really changed since she checked it minutes ago. She rubbed the ice pack, brow furrowing. "Hurry up and make it better." She ran a hand through her hair. Dried sweat clung to the strawberry-blonde roots. Anna grimaced. "I'd like to take a shower and not stink anymore."
A laugh track came from the television.
Anna shot the show a look. "Oh, haha. Very funny." She lifted the ice pack and gently, using just the tips of her fingers, rubbed her knee. The lingering burn had vanished and Anna stretched it out to find out it was only slightly stiff. She sighed, relieved, and stood up, turning off the television.
The floorboards creaked underfoot as she moved between her room and the bathroom, a bundle of clothes and a towel under her arm now.
"A nice cool shower to soak off the grime, text Rapunzel, and—"
Anna paused, something catching her peripheral vision.
Elsa's door stared back at her.
She grimaced.
It was solid white.
She remembered a time when their father had painted their treehouse white.
But it had snowflakes. Made out of triangles and squares. Hexagons. Blue and purple ones.
"You look so boring," she mumbled.
Embarrassment and a twinge of guilt slid down her spine.
Anna glanced down the hallway, ears pricked. The sound of traffic was distant, but other than that, everything remained silent. She nibbled on her lower lip. Doesn't seem as if Elsa's going to be back anytime soon so I guess dinner can wait.
How long it would wait, Anna didn't linger on.
The cold shower and feeling of cleanliness lightened her mood.
Anna slipped into her bedroom with a grin, towel around her neck and clothes changed. She patted her hair dry and began braiding it as she walked to her closet, humming.
"Okay, second order of business!" She scurried over to her duffel bag in the corner with an excited grin. "Check on my baby," Anna giggled as she unzipped her bag and pulled out a smaller one from inside.
The small, black shoulder bag contained the most personal—and expensive—possession she had brought from New York. She had spent over a year saving up for it and when time had come for her to hop onto the flight for Los Angeles, she hadn't thought once of leaving it behind.
"Hello girl," Anna crooned, blue-green eyes sparkling as she slipped her fingers into the bag and pulled out a sleek, dark camera. "I'm sorry for leaving you in there for so long, but I had to get settled in first." She stood up, grabbing her case, and sat down on her bed.
The camera had been promised as a gift from her aunt and uncle when she expressed an interest in majoring in photography. But true to her nature, she had told them she would save up for it herself.
It had been the one thing she had pushed herself to get aside of the plane tickets.
Anna hummed as she ran a silk handkerchief over the sides. "Soon we're going to be exploring all the places LA has to offer. Lots of sights to see." She brushed her thumb over the rim of the lens.
Pictures had a habit of staying.
"It'll only be for two weeks."
Suddenly, the phantom brush of her mother's hand against her cheek made her pause.
Anna blinked rapidly, looking around and brought her camera to her chest. Goosebumps rose on her skin despite the warmth in the air. She blew at her fringe and shook her head.
"I'm getting overly sentimental," she mumbled.
Her stomach growled viciously.
"And hungry."
Anna pouted. She placed her camera back, running her fingers over the top once more, before setting it on her bed. She grabbed her phone, sent a quick text to Rapunzel—"I'm doing okay. I met one of my neighbors!"—and headed out into the kitchen.
"I think it's okay to start dinner now." A quick glance at the living room clock told her it was nearing nine. Anna ran a hand through her hair, frowning. Maybe Elsa will finish up sooner tonight. When I called her she did sound worried...
Was it alright for her to hope?
Her stomach growled again and snapped her out of her thoughts.
"I'm going to do it. I'm starting dinner," Anna said, sliding into the kitchen. "I can always reheat it anyway."
Her resolve strengthened when her eyes landed on the sweet potatoes she had bought. Anna grinned, grabbing them and some vegetables. She nabbed a quick apple to stave off her hunger while she cooked.
The apartment began to flood with the aroma of caramelized sweet potatoes. The sound of vegetables sizzling drowned out the honking and rushing of cars. Anna munched on her apple as she flitted to and fro, nudging asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
All the while, she kept looking over her shoulder at the clock, counting the minutes.
Through the window over the kitchen counter, she watched the sky darken. The only traces of light were opposing apartment windows and street lamps.
"Join us in Hawaii," Anna muttered as she flipped through the magazine. She stared down balefully at the family of five sitting at a beach patio. "Bring all your loved ones for a wonderful getaway. Enjoy the sun and ocean waves, yeah, yeah." She shoved the magazine to the side, pouting.
She had found the damn thing in one of the coffee table drawers and had flipped through it out of boredom. At first she had tried watching television, but nothing had piqued her interest. So she'd taken to reading, idly wondering what a beach vacation would be like.
It had been a mistake looking through it and seeing all the happy families.
Anna's lips curled down farther.
Dinner had been plated and then wrapped in foil.
Elsa still hadn't returned.
Anna sighed heavily, the irritation leaving her body.
"I should have just made servings for one," she whispered.
A soft click made her jump.
Anna whirled her head around as the door opened.
Oh! Is that—?!
Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw blonde hair.
It is!
Elsa slipped through, eyes closed and hair slightly disheveled. A wave of deja vu washed over Anna as she took in her sister's appearance. Her work vest was wrinkled at the shoulders again and her shirt's collar had obviously been tugged on one too many times. Her sister closed the door without opening her eyes. When it shut, a heavy sigh escaped Elsa's lips and her whole body sagged.
Anna frowned, clutching the magazine tightly in her grasp. She moved to get up, but stopped when Elsa leaned against the door.
"Thank god it's quiet," her sister whispered.
Oh, she realized. The redhead slumped in her seat, trying to work around her tongue. She hasn't noticed me yet. Probably expected me to be in bed by now. Quietly, she rose from the couch, placing the magazine down on the sofa.
Elsa turned around just as Anna said, "Welcome back."
Elsa shrieked. Her sister's eyes flew open, blue flashing in shock and fear. She jumped back, a hand pressing to her chest as her back hit the door. "Ouch! I—Anna?!"
Anna's heart skipped a beat when their eyes finally connected. Her lips twitched into a half-smile and she curled her fingers. "Hi."
Elsa stared at her for a moment, eyes still wide, chest heaving. Then she sighed again and ran a hand through her hair. "That's the second time you've scared me like that."
The redhead scuffed her toe against the hardwood floor, cheeks pinking. "Sorry. Didn't mean to."
Elsa just shook her head, muttering, "It's fine." Her brow furrowed. "What are you doing up anyway?" She glanced at her wristwatch. "It's—"
"Nearly midnight?" Elsa jerked her gaze back to her. Anna continued to smile awkwardly and shrugged. "I know. But I didn't feel like sleeping. I was waiting for you to get home."
Cold blue eyes stared into hers. Anna bit her lip. She felt a chill in the air despite the Californian summer heat. She gripped her shorts, feeling her smile waver.
At last Elsa looked away and walked over to the coffee table. "You didn't have to," she mumbled as she set her bag down. She began to remove her heels, wincing as she tugged. Anna looked at the slippers still situated near the door frame and then down at Elsa's feet. Her sister was rubbing over the sole of a stocking foot, face lined with tension.
Anna tugged on one of her braids, glancing to the kitchen. Their dinner had likely gone cold, but...
"I made sweet potatoes and sauteed veggies," she said softly.
Elsa looked up from slipping off her other heel. Surprise flashed across her face. Her lips parted, but no sound came. Her blue eyes rooted Anna to the spot and the redhead felt her heart thump distantly in her chest. The hair on the back of her neck rose.
"Sweet potatoes," Elsa whispered. Anna swallowed thickly and nodded. Her sister's eyes flicked from her to the kitchen. There was a terse moment. "I haven't had sweet potatoes in forever," Elsa mumbled absentmindedly.
Anna tugged on her braid again, staring down at her bare feet. "Uh, yeah. I figured you could use something...homely?" She opened her palms and held them out. "Thought an actual dinner after work would help. Plus, I just wanted—"
—to do something for you—
"—to make sure you had something decent to eat," she finished, lifting her eyes to stare at Elsa through short eyelashes.
Elsa hadn't turned back to look at her. She let out a breath through her nose, pinching her brow. "You didn't have to," she repeated. She opened her eyes and Anna stiffened at the unreadable look. Elsa watched her carefully, the faintest frown on her features. "You should be in bed."
Anna laughed, mentally cringing at how forced and high it came off. She averted her gaze, unable to stand the intense blue before her. Her eyes landed on the magazine, still open to the sunny beaches of Hawaii. A lump swelled in her throat at the sight of the family enjoying lunch on the white sands and ocean blue.
All your loved ones and a wonderful getaway?
In front of her, Elsa moved to the kitchen.
"I wanted to have dinner with you."
Anna wanted to snatch the words back as soon as they left her mouth.
They hung in the air, threading between the two.
She practically felt Elsa freeze. Her own muscles tensed and her mouth went dry.
Distantly, the sound of cars driving through street traffic reached her ears.
She stared at her toes, clutching the hem of her shirt. The clock ticked noisily.
I can't take them back now. I don't even really want to.
"Anna."
A shiver ran down her spine. Anna looked up, bottom lip between her teeth. Elsa stood in the threshold between the kitchen and the living room, looking her up and down. Her shoulders were bunched up just under her ears and her knees locked together. Her older sister wrung her hands over and over and Anna marveled at how small Elsa seemed in her uniform.
Mere moments ago she hadn't even noticed Anna was in the same room as her.
Anna seized her chance.
"I know you're probably exhausted and that you really, really want to sleep. You probably have to get up early tomorrow too and I know—" her mind flashed to the white slippers "—I remember Mama saying you always used to sulk if anything messed up your routine." Elsa jerked her hands down, eyes flashing. Anna flushed and hurriedly added, "Not that that's a bad thing, but I just, uh—"
Elsa's short sigh cut her off.
Anna clamped her mouth shut.
Her older sister straightened and pressed down her jacket. "Anna, I get it. You don't have to ramble."
"Oh." She resisted the urge to deflate. Instead, the redhead fiddled with the end of her braid again. She turned sea-green eyes on Elsa, hopeful. "Right, so, uh, dinner?"
Elsa looked over her shoulder at the aluminum-wrapped plates. Anna watched as she inhaled slowly.
Please say yes.
Her sister sighed and turned back to her, smiling slightly. Anna felt pulled to it. Her heart skipped another beat.
"It smells good."
She straightened. Anna bit her lip to stop the grin that threatened to overtake her face.
Elsa lifted up a covered plate and frowned at her. "Uh, we should heat these up again, shouldn't we?"
Anna laughed, relieved it didn't sound as forced. "Unless you're as fine with a cold dinner as you are with cold weather, then yeah."
Elsa grimaced and moved to the microwave, opening it while muttering, "Cold air feels nice. Cold food is just horrible though." Anna giggled and something fluttered in her chest when the blonde shot her a tired and amused smirk. "Get us something to drink would you?"
She nearly tripped over her feet in her rush to the refrigerator. "You've got water and more water," Anna said, pulling out two water bottles.
The microwave beeped as Elsa glanced at her. She arched an eyebrow, but the way her lips lifted up made the tension in the air thin. "Water it is Miss-need-to-keep-my-figure," her sister said. Anna made a face. Elsa's smirk widened. She paused the microwave and exchanged the plates.
Anna set the bottles down and frowned. "I should buy us something besides water." She closed the refrigerator. "And more food. We'll run out soon otherwise."
"So long as it's not mountains of Dew and ice cream sandwiches," Elsa piped as she balanced both dishes in her arms.
Anna snorted and took her seat. "I wasn't that bad."
Elsa paused, the dishes hovering over the table top. Her arms were stiff and Anna noticed the muscles of her throat bob up and down. Suddenly, the water bottles in her hands felt too cold.
Elsa nodded and Anna watched her bangs swish. "No," her sister mumbled. "I guess you weren't."
A tightness stirred underneath her sternum.
The blonde pulled out a chair and it scraped along the floor, the noise battering around in Anna's chest. She followed her sister quickly, movements jerky as she grabbed a chair and sat opposite of her. Elsa's lips twitched upwards and Anna returned it with a smile between a grimace and a beam.
The aluminum foil crinkled in the air and forks clinked against plates as they started.
"So how was work?"
It was the first conversation starter that came to her mind.
Elsa's eyes widened. Anna mentally kicked herself.
"Uh," the redhead began, spearing her asparagus, "you sounded really frustrated over the phone." She shrugged as Elsa slowly lifted a mash of potatoes. "I was curious," Anna said softly, ducking her head a bit.
Elsa was silent for a long moment before sighing heavily. Her body sagged in her seat.
"My boss has been driving the entire team down to the bone."
Anna perked up. Her sister munched on her dinner, brow creased. A fire truckblared in the distance. Anna unscrewed her bottle, blue-green eyes watching Elsa intensely. "Especially you?" she gambled.
Elsa paused. She swallowed and briefly met Anna's gaze. A tight-lipped smile wormed on her features. "Not...more so than anyone."
Which means definitely more than anyone.
"We're short on people," Elsa went on. "We shouldn't be, given that I've heard we've received a lot of applications." She sighed and rubbed her temple. "But my boss...likes to consider himself a practical man. He'll find any way to avoid paying for more employees." Her hand closed tightly around her water bottle, jaw hardening. "Which means he likes to stretch teams around, having people cover jobs that aren't exactly out of their expertise, but isn't what we would be doing if we had a larger team for this project. Which is why I've been sitting at my desk, translating things into digital documents over and over again."
Elsa prodded her vegetables and Anna's stomach twisted at the clear exhaustion and frustration in her sister's eyes. She bit the inside of her cheek. "So basically you're doing...grunt work?" Some of the finer details of Elsa's job went over her head. Actually, most of them did.
Elsa shook her head, scooping up another piece of potato. "It's equally important, it's just not my job to do it. I'm picking up the slack where it is because he won't hire more people."
They were silent for a few minutes, Anna wracking her brain for something to cheer up her sister with.
I don't know anything about her job. I barely heard what went on in college for her. What even goes into designing a building?!
She chewed a mix of bell pepper and cauliflower. Elsa sipped her water, shoulders down.
"Well it's not out of your league is it?"
"Huh?"
Big, blue eyes blinked at her.
Anna coughed and heat spread on her cheeks. She pushed a few lumps of potato into her mouth. "I mean,' she started, fingers tapping against the table, "you've been through harder things?" When Elsa's eyes hardened, she quickly added, neck flushing, "Not that I mean your job isn't hard. It's just, you know, you can pull through it." She brushed her thumb along the cold, table surface. Anna smiled faintly. "I remembered you used to turn chess matches with Papa into a complete beat down. Even when he thought he had the upper hand."
Her eyes flicked up to see Elsa still staring at her, fork hovering in the air. The redhead's smile became strained. Her sister didn't look convinced or encouraged. Words tumbled from Anna's lips.
"I-in eighth grade!" She jerked forward and Elsa flinched in surprise.
"You turned in a completely working, solar-powered house for the science fair when you were in eighth grade!" Anna clarified. Heat rushed down her neck when her sister's eyebrows gradually rose. She gestured, water bottle in hand, to the tiny window balcony in their living room. "You demonstrated how it would work with actual sunlight. You worked on it for weeks and got first place!"
Elsa shook her head, pressing a small mouthful of cauliflower and sweet potatoes into her mouth. Anna frowned, lowering her bottle. Her sister swallowed and pushed around her food, sighing heavily. "Doesn't matter. A middle school science fair isn't the same thing as building a full-scale project in an architecture firm." She didn't bother to look up from her plate.
Anna winced. "But—"
"Besides, I didn't do it alone." Elsa's words cut her off.
"Huh?" Anna's eyes widened and she watched as her sister chewed another mouthful slowly.
"Papa helped me out a lot."
"Wha—Mama told me you did all the work."
"Close," Elsa pointed out, finally lifting her gaze from her dinner. "I did most of the work, but Papa was there when I needed the help."
"O-oh." Anna bit her lip, feeling the back of her neck and ears start to burn. She hadn't known that. "Mama just mentioned what you used to do," she muttered.
Elsa just shrugged, sipping her water. "Papa wanted to let me have all the credit."
Anna blinked. Her insides squirmed. "That sounds like him," she mumbled. Elsa nodded and returned to eating quietly. Anna's eyes were drawn to the slight sag in her sister's shoulders. The dark blue vest was wrinkled near the neckline.
She doesn't look as bad as the day I got here, but still...
She tapped her fingernails against the tabletop. The dark shadows on her sister's pale face made guilt churn in Anna's stomach. She prodded her sweet potatoes, mind whirling. Her boss sounds like an asshole, making her do all this work by herself. Elsa's tough, but she's no Wonder Woman.
Teal eyes flicked up to zone in on tired, blue eyes.
Elsa chewed slowly on a bit of squash.
Anna's stomach twisted. "Don't you have coworkers to help you?" she blurted out.
Elsa stiffened. She swallowed audibly before saying, fork clinging against her plate, "I do, but the ones I know best aren't in the same department as me. And the ones I'm working with are already working as hard as they can."
Anna frowned when her sister's eyes fluttered close. Well now I know why she's been so stressed. Her fingers flexed. Elsa rubbed her temple. Anna inched her hand forward.
Just as Elsa opened her eyes and met her gaze.
She stopped, breath hitching.
For a second, they stared at each other. Anna's eyes widened slightly at the unguarded look on Elsa's face. This was physically the closest she had gotten to Elsa since she had arrived. She could count the freckles on her sister's face.
Then the contact was sharply broken.
"When the deadline passes I might be able to relax," Elsa whispered, prodding at her food.
Anna blinked, still half in a trance.
Might?
Her chest tightened, an uncomfortable vice wrapping around her.
Is there something else stressing her out?
Elsa avoided her gaze, cutlery clinking.
It's not—no. Shut up.
Anna shoved a large piece of broccoli into her mouth to distract herself from her thoughts. "Well you got that shiny blue ribbon in the end," she spluttered around it. The blonde raised an eyebrow at her. Warmth bloomed in her cheeks. "You know? The one from the fair. You're even smarter than you were before. You can ace this project." When Elsa continued staring, she ducked her head and stuffed more food into her face.
"Just shows that hard work and perseverance will be rewarded," Elsa said softly. Her brow creased and Anna paused in chewing.
"What?" she asked, eyes wide. A tiny, green sprig landed on her plate.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Elsa mumbled.
Anger flashed in Anna's veins. She swallowed her food quickly, wiping her chin. "I'm not a kid," she grumble. "I know how to behave by myself.
Elsa stiffened.
Oh, way to prove you're not a kid by acting like a brat Anna.
Her sister blinked, a tight-lipped smile crossing her features. "No," Elsa ducked her head down, "you're not."
Anna's fingers twitched. The conversation slipped between them. They ate the rest of their dinner in silence.
"Alright."
Elsa's voice made her jump slightly. Anna looked up from where she'd been staring at her empty plate. The blonde stood, her chair squeaking noisily in the still apartment.
"Uh, huh?" Anna blinked several times.
Elsa flashed her a tiny smile. "Time for bed?'
The redhead's heart jump started. "Oh, yeah, right!" She grabbed the empty water bottles, shuffling to the recycle bin. "Have you showered?"
Her sister shook her head, taking the dishes. "Not yet. I'll do it after I wash the dishes."
Anna's mind whirled back to the fuzzy white slippers, next to the wall and unused.
I can do this.
She jumped forward, grabbing the rim of the plates. "Here, let me do that!"
Elsa's shoulders twitched and she stared at the redhead in shock.
Moved too fast.
Anna flushed and looked down. "L-let me wash the dishes," she stammered, tugging on the porcelain. "You go and take a nice shower. Today's been really hot."
Elsa didn't budge. She gripped the plates tighter. "A-are you sure?"
Anna frowned at her sister's pale knuckles. She looked up at her through her eyelashes and bit the inside of her cheek when she noticed Elsa's worried look. "Y-yeah! I've got this. You go on." She gently tugged once. "Get out of your uniform, grab a towel, and take a nice, long soak." She jerked her chin in the direction of the doorway. "Put on those slippers of yours."
Elsa's brow furrowed. She glanced in the direction Anna had indicated and the redhead practically saw the gears turning in her head.
Please say yes.
"I don't mind," she said, glancing at the sink. She tugged the plates away from Anna. "Besides, you made dinner, so it's only fair that I wash the dishes."
Anna pursed her lips and tugged on the plate again. Her sister was still clasping it tightly. "It's just dishes Elsa. It's no big deal."
Elsa's grip remained firm. "I can't make you do everything." There was an edge to her voice. Anna wasn't sure if it was guilt or something else.
And that frustrated her.
It frustrated her how difficult Elsa was to read sometimes.
Most times.
Anna hardened her jaw. She leveled her gaze at Elsa and her own eyes reflected back at her. "I can wash the dishes. Let me. I'm not going to break them."
Her sister's grip faltered. Anna tugged the plates free.
"Aha!" She beamed. "There we go, now you go and—"
Whatever she'd been planning to say got stuck in her throat.
She heard a car screech on the street, echoing the mental drive of her brain.
Elsa's hands were pressed tightly against her chest, bottom cherry-pink lip pulled between her teeth. Her blue eyes were wide and they flickered with something Anna still couldn't recognize. Her fingers clutched her dress shirt.
Anna lowered the plates, mouth opening and closing.
Elsa averted her gaze, wrapping her arms around her torso. Her shoulders inched to her ears. "I didn't mean to imply—"
Anna grabbed her elbow without thinking. She felt her sister shiver. She let go, spluttering, "No, you didn't imply anything." Elsa watched her and heat rose to Anna's face. She rubbed her knees together. "That's my fault. I shouldn't have- I didn't mean it like that."
Her stomach rolled and rolled in knots.
Elsa blinked and then her expression softened. "I guess that makes us even?" she whispered.
"Huh?" Anna squeaked, confused.
Elsa chuckled dryly. "Yesterday."
"Oh." Anna's mouth formed into a small 'o'-shape. "Right," she whispered back.
Elsa's lips wobbled into a small smile. She turned in the direction of the hallway. "So I guess...I'll go shower?"
There was a lump in Anna's throat that she couldn't work around. She nodded fervently, inching to the sink. They passed each other and Anna paused when she felt Elsa's sleeve brush past hers. Her breath hitched again, but she quickly shoved the feeling aside and set the plates in the sink, flipping on the water. Elsa's footsteps shuffled to the hallway.
Anna peeked over her shoulder.
Her sister paused, staring at her slippers.
What's she thinking?
The water rushed over her fingers, wiping away the residue food on their plates. Anna grabbed a sponge and some soap, rubbing idly. Her gaze was still on that business-clad back.
Then, Elsa squared her shoulders and she hurried over to scoop up the slippers.
Anna felt the breath leave her.
Elsa turned around, about to duck into the hallway. Anna jerked around, getting water and soap on her shirt.
"Goodnight," she squeaked.
Her sister stopped and glanced over her shoulder, eyebrows pinched together. The guarded look was replaced with surprise yet again. Anna bit her lip, embarrassed by her small outburst.
"Goodnight," Elsa said slowly.
Then, her sister disappeared and she heard a door close.
Trying to find a way down the road we don't know