Today is the day Anna. You are gonna walk right on up to her and make her be your friend. Any friends are better than none. Yeah. Gerda's right. You need a friend that goes to this school. Okay. How do you make friends again? How did Kristoff become your friend? Oh right, you punched him in the face because you thought he was coming to like molest you. But he was actually just chasing his dog. Right. Crap. I don't think punching Elsa is going to work. New idea, quick. You're going to be at school soon, come on Anna. Think. You can do this. It can't be that hard, right?
After Gerda's talk with Anna, she felt resolute in her plan to become Elsa's friend. It seemed like it could be a struggle, but making friends was never easy for Anna, especially if she actually wanted it.
Anna just sat there, staring at Elsa. She couldn't figure out how to approach the blonde. It had been years since Anna wanted to make a new friend, and of course the one person she probably shouldn't befriend, she was going to.
Icy eyes met hers, and she turned away, trying to focus on Sir Alden's instructions. Shit. Bad Anna. No getting caught staring. Wait. No staring. Yeah that's better. Oh fuck what am I going to do.
"I'm going to partner you with sparring partners appropriate for each skill level. First off, Ariel with Tiana. Jasmine with Mulan. Elsa with Anna." She knew he was still talking, but her brain shut off, and she found herself staring wide-eyed at her partner. I can't spar with her. What if she finds out I'm Anders.
His voice cut back in, "I will watch each match and give you pointers on what to focus on." Anna couldn't even focus on his voice, so she was a bit hesitant with this ordeal.
Luckily they'd have some people spar before them so she could get her head in the match.
"Tiana, you move like you have two left feet. Work on footwork. Ariel. You are totally out of your element here. Watching you move is like a fish out of water. Work on grip and upper body. Next!" Anna could point out so many other faults in the beginners' movements, but she chose to ignore it. Sir Alden would chew her out for giving unwanted direction, so she kept her mouth shut.
"Mulan keep your feet on the mat. This is not some martial arts class. And work on your defensive. You're too aggressive. Jasmine. Great body flow, but you are the opposite, become more aggressive because you'll never win a match by dodging. Next!" Now he had a smirk on his face and Anna was glaring. Full on glaring at the man. Alright focus on the match it'll be okay Anna. Just be Anna.
The match began with an "En garde" and fantastic positioning. It was Anna's first opportunity to see the girl in an unobstructed view. As her competitor not her teacher. Still, Anna couldn't help but note the faulty footwork on Elsa's part, and her body almost responded, but she held back. Then she saw the opening left by a wide swing, and ended the match without meaning to.
"Elsa, you left a lot of openings, so work on keeping your stance tighter, and your feet are shuffling awkwardly. Anna. Your body is too tense, and you failed to notice many openings left by your opponent. Focus on the match and loosen up." She had known he'd point out the miss in her openings, but she didn't expect the tense comment. She felt as though she was loose, but one glance at Elsa had her tightening up again. The blonde's beauty was so captivating, and when she removed the helmet to reveal her hair sticking to her forehead, Anna almost laughed, but she knew she'd be the same.
She removed her own helmet, revealing bangs stuck to her forehead with sweat, and extended a hand to shake, in good spirit of the match. Her opponent stared at her hand like it was a foreign object, and Anna chuckled awkwardly.
"You're supposed to shake after a match." The look on Elsa's face was priceless. It took all of Anna's self control to avoid laughing.
"Huh? Oh. Yeah right, sorry." Elsa gently grabbed Anna's hand and with one shake Anna's hand was empty again. Now or never Anna. Just call out her name.
"Elsa! Wait a minute. Could you meet me outside. I mean. If it's not too much trouble. Of course you don't have to. I'm not trying to like pressure you or anything. Oh crap. Damn it Anna shut up. Shit I wasn't supposed to say that out loud. Anyways, if you wanted like could you follow me outside?" Anna was beet red, and she turned away from Elsa, practically storming her way outside. She stood by the tree she saw on her first visit, lighting up her cigarette. God damn Anna. Could that have gone any worse? No probably not. Well at least you didn't blurt out how attractive you find her. That's one good thing. Eugh. She's probably not even going to come out here. Anna sighed, and looked up at the sound of a cough.
Her eyes widened in surprise, "Elsa?"
"You asked me to follow you, no?" There was a teasing tone that gave her away. But still, Anna blushed.
"Well, uh, yeah. Um…"
"Well, Miss Anna, why did you want me to follow you?" Anna was still being teased, but the "Miss" placed in front of her name made her cheeks burn brighter, and her brain shut down. She just stared at Elsa's expectant gaze. A cough broke her out of her stupefied look, and she returned the cough, as if to clear her thoughts.
"Oh, right. Um… Why did I call you out here? Why did I call you out here…" Anna paused for a second, her previous thoughts all wiped from her brain until she heard Gerda's voice in the back of her thoughts, become friends with Elsa, please? "Right! Did you want to hang out today, like later? Like as friends? Or acquaintances that want to become friends? Or whatever? Like just hang? Er… Again, you don't have to. I'm not pressuring you. I would never pressure a beautiful girl into doing anything. Like that's not me. But yeah," she tucked a fallen hair behind her ear, "if you wanted to, I would like to hang out?" She gazed down at the dirt she was kicking around, unwilling to meet the icy eyes that captivate her so well.
"Did you just call me beautiful?" Anna's eyes widened. She was completely unaware that those words had flowed so freely from her mouth. Even more unable to look her counterpart in the eyes, she gave a minute nod. "Thank you. Um. I have a lot of tutoring going on, and I won't be free until 7 tonight, and that is kind of late, and I don't want to be pulling you away from your things so late at night… But, I would really like to spend some time with you, so please don't take that the wrong way…"
"7 is good! I also have some things going on, so 7 is really good! Um… I'll pick you up at 7?" Anna was beyond giddy. It was the first time she felt like someone other than Kristoff and Sir Alden actually wanted to see her. She internally pumped a fist into the air. Way to go Anna! You did it!
"Okay." That smile brightened Anna's mood even further.
Elsa struggled out of bed, her body still screaming, though much more manageable now. She picked out her outfit for the day, some tight, dark blue skinny jeans, and a simple white tee shirt. Why does it have to hurt all over? Please God tell me why! Elsa silently cursed whatever God was looking over her, and slipped into a cold shower, partially to numb the pain, and partially to wake her up. As she dressed, she heard the front door close, and sighed at the signaled absence of Sir Anders. Is it too much to ask to see him once outside of lessons? I mean he can keep that damn mask on, but I want to know who he is inside! It is getting so awkward living with a man I don't know anything about.
"Elsa dear! It's time for breakfast!" Gerda called her down in an unusually cheerful tone. The woman was always joyous, but it seemed to be amplified today. Why is she in such a good mood? Elsa was internally grumbling as she made her way to the table. Her egg whites and oatmeal were placed in their usual spots, and she dug in immediately. The everyday exercise had increased her appetite exponentially, and she was eating twice as much every morning. Gerda was staring over at her with a face splitting grin. Elsa sighed around her food.
"What is it Gerda?"
"Oh nothing dearie. Just. Just happy is all. We've got a nice little family here. Me, Kai, you, and Anders." Gerda was humming now.
"How is Anders a part of this family? He's never around." Her tone was harsher than intended, but he was really beginning to get on her nerves.
"Just because you never see him doesn't mean he's never around," Gerda seemed unfazed by the harsh tone and chuckled, "Maybe he's scared of you!"
Elsa actually snorted at that notion, "Why would he be? He could probably beat me in any match in less than a minute."
"Tsk tsk, Elsa. You know that physical strength is not the only thing to be feared in this world. Do I need to tell your father to tutor you on the lessons of the world again?" Just as Elsa was about to ferently deny her, Gerda cut back in, "Don't worry, I'm only kidding. That man thinks books can teach you everything you need to know in the world, but he's very wrong. Friendship tends to give you the biggest lessons in life, yet he practically keeps you from humanity. Hey, Elsa? Can you promise me something?"
Gerda wants me to make a promise? She's never asked anything of me before… "Yeah?"
"If someone tries to be your friend, give them an opportunity. Please."
"What? I mean… Okay, I promise…" But why would you ask me this now? Elsa's skepticism sank into a pit in her stomach, making it difficult to finish her meal, and she promptly excused herself from the table.
Kai returned as she walked away with a confused look etched into his expression. To which, Gerda responded with a simple wave of her hand, signaling he needn't worry.
Elsa slipped back downstairs with her fencing bag and backpack in tow. "Ready, Kai?"
"Yes, Miss Solnberg. After you," he held the door open.
The drive to school was silent, but Kai seemed to be happy. It rubbed her the wrong way, making that irritation already bristling in her furl into an angry pit in her stomach. She ignored his smile by pointedly staring out the window at the passing houses. The tension felt high in the car and she couldn't wait to release herself from it. When the car rolled up to the building, she couldn't get out fast enough, opening the door before the car had even fully stopped.
On any other day she would sit and wait patiently for Kai to step out and open her door for her. Today, however, everyone's upbeat moods pushed her further into the abyss of anger and degradation. Why does he meet with them and not me? What did I do to deserve any of this? Am I really such a horrible person that he needs to avoid me so badly?
Her usual prim and proper attitude was discarded for one of disgust and exhaustion.
For the first time in her schooling career, Elsa Solnberg sat in the back corner of the room, slumped in her chair. For the first time, she didn't even attempt to take notes. Her negative feelings seemed to emanate from her body, and no one sat next to her. She had never let someone get to her like this before, which only doubled her frustrations.
3 classes passed like this, until she reached Fencing 101, where she wasn't allowed to brood in some back corner of the room.
Sir Alden made it clear that every class with him was precious time, and participation with improvement was the only way to get an A in his class. To encourage good moods, he'd often open class with a terribly awful joke, to which no one laughed except himself. Last Friday it was something about a guy whose blood was all over a crime scene, but good news he had 130 cholesterol. Today, however, he started off with a little anecdote about his schooling career.
"You know, I never made it to college, but while I played on my high school football team, I had a lot of friends. It seemed like a lot of my teammates would always smack each other on their rears, but never me. Then, I decided to take the initiative and smacked one member on his rear, and he'd greet me like that from then on out, and often times more so. But it was only him. So, I thought I'd have to initiate it with every member, until around the fourth guy, I found out that the guy who wouldn't leave me alone actually had this huge crush on me, which is why no one touched me. It was a courtesy thing, and I spent the next 2 years trying to explain to that man I was nowhere near interested in him."
The class laughed. Some only snickered, but most were full on laughing at him. He smiled in kind, and glanced at the brooding Elsa. She was holding back a smile while glancing at the redhead who kept snorting whilst laughing like a madwoman. Slowly the class hushed and the redhead looked over at Elsa, causing the blonde to cast her gaze to the mat, avoiding eye contact. She could feel the gaze on the side of her head, and felt blood rushing to her cheeks.
Sir Alden recalled the classes attention and Elsa kept her eyes down until she could no longer feel the kind gaze. She refocused on Sir Alden, glancing at the freckled girl, curiosity laced in her stare.
Sir Alden announced the partners for today, and a gasp ran through Elsa. I don't think I can spar with her. She's too captivating. Wait. What am I thinking? She's a girl. Just win. That's all that matters here. Elsa shook her head, and donned her mask.
While a rather long spar in comparison than the others, it seemed to be over as soon as it started. Elsa thought she might have a chance, but it seemed even Sir Alden knew she didn't. Sighing, she stared down at the hand in front of her. She wants to shake? Why? It wasn't even a good match.
"You're supposed to shake after a match," she looked at the smile given to her, shock written across her face. Why?
"Huh? Oh. Yeah right, sorry," regardless of her reservations, she shook the hand offered quickly, and turned to leave. I just want to go home.
When the girl shouted her name, she was surprised to say the least. Then her opponent kept talking, and her surprise morphed into amusement. This amusement sparked her to agree, albeit in her head. As soon as the redhead left, Elsa truly contemplated the offer, before Gerda's words rang in the back of her mind. She stepped out to join the redhead, who was smoking by the tree where she first spoke to Sir Anders.
She joined the redhead, who seemed to be moping. Elsa cleared her throat to get the attention of her companion. When her head shot up, surprise etched on her face, Elsa smiled, and the redhead cleared her throat.
"Oh, right. Um… Why did I call you out here? Why did I call you out here…" The pause that followed had fear settling into Elsa's stomach, bringing to light the hope that she harbored. "Right! Did you want to hang out today, like later? Like as friends? Or acquaintances that want to become friends? Or whatever? Like just hang? Er… Again, you don't have to. I'm not pressuring you. I would never pressure a beautiful girl into doing anything. Like that's not me. But yeah, if you wanted to, I would like to hang out?" Elsa noted the awkward hair tuck and the adorable blush settling on her counterpart's freckled cheeks. She's so cute. Then the compliment settled into her thoughts. She called me beautiful. Why? I'm anything but.
"Did you just call me beautiful?" She hadn't meant to ask, but the nod made her quickly follow up to keep her thoughts at bay. She really wanted to become friends with this girl, promise with Gerda or not. There was just some kind of connection that she wanted to explore. However, as always, her busy schedule would probably keep that from happening. Then Anna said that it worked out perfectly for her, and that ball of hope grew brighter in Elsa's heart. They could become friends.
"Okay."
During her lessons, Elsa felt particularly light. Everything seemed easier. However, she noted that Sir Anders had given her a light load. She was barely sweating at the end, and silently she thanked him. She doubted she'd have time to shower, so some perfume and deodorant were going to have to cover her scent. Sir Anders even ended just a little early, and rushed out. She followed in suit, before she realized she had no idea what to wear. Just before she could tear through her closet, Gerda interrupted her, "Look on your bed." There, a very simple but cute outfit was laid out. She had a nice leather jacket, white tee shirt and dark blue jeans. She nodded and thanked Gerda, before quickly slipping into her new outfit.
She had just shimmied into her pants when the doorbell rang, and panic struck her. "Gerda! I'm not ready yet! What do I do?"
"Calm down, Kai and I will handle this dearie. Just get your boots on, and come down." Elsa did as she was told, giving herself a once over in the mirror. I look good. Yes, I can do this. I will go and be friends with Anna. Elsa sauntered downstairs, only to find Anna in a light green sundress with a bright smile spread from ear to ear.
"A-Anna."
"Hi Elsa!" The redhead was so cheery it brought a warmth to Elsa, and a smile to her face.
"Goodbye Gerda, Kai." Elsa genuinely smiled at the pair, to have it returned in kind.
"You two crazy kids have fun. But not too much! And Anna, you better have her back by 10!" Gerda was so motherly to Elsa that the blonde couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"You got it!" The response brightened Elsa's smile, and she ushered the redhead outside.
"Can I take you to the city center? There's something I want to show you." Elsa nodded, excited to know what the redhead had in mind.
The walk there was filled with many ramblings of Anna, with some responses from Elsa. She preferred listening intently to the redhead. She enjoyed the stories of shenanigans from the girl's childhood.
Too soon, by her clock at least, they reached the city center.
"Let me get you a coffee, Anna," Elsa wanted to at least give some show of thanks to her partner.
"Oh no no! You will do no such thing. I should be the one treating you! Yes I will buy you coffee. But maybe a small one… I mean unless you want a big one. Yeah I can do that. Scratch what I said. I'll get you the biggest coffee. Anything you w-"
"Anna. As cute as your ramblings are, I'm going to stop you. Let me get you coffee as a thanks. No arguing." When Elsa recognized the resignation in Anna's eyes, she strutted triumphantly into Oaken's. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Anna sulked behind her.
Oaken, the large man who owned the shop, was working the counter, "Yoo hoo! Oh! Anna dear! Good to see you with someone other than Christopher! Who's your girlfriend?" Instantly a blush erupted on both girls' faces.
Anna was the first to speak, "Oaken! It's not like that! We're just friends! Just two friends buying coffee. I mean why would you assume that? She isn't… I mean I don't think she is…? Anyways it doesn't matter! We are not at all a thing and will probably never be and I need to shut up now!" Elsa watched as Anna retreated in on herself, and a blush started to run rampant on her cheeks. I'm definitely not… I mean, just because I think she's irresistibly cute and I would love to get to hug her doesn't mean anything. Isn't that how most girls are with their friends? I mean that's what it sounds like… Elsa looked away from the redhead, surprised she was even thinking about it.
Before Elsa could dwell any longer on the subject, a cheery voice interrupted, "Yoo hoo! Order up!" Elsa smiled and pulled her bank card out, attempting to pass it to the large man, only to be stopped, "Oh no. This is on the house dear. For my favorite girl," he winked at Anna. Elsa watched the blush burn brighter on Anna's cheeks. So adorable. A smile spread across her face, and she grabbed both drinks, handing one to Anna. A brief brush of hands had a tingling sensation rolling up Elsa's arm. As inconspicuously as possible, she withdrew her arm with haste.
"So Elsa, where would you like to go?" Anna's voice sang into Elsa's ears, and her mind went blank for a second.
"Huh? Oh… I don't know. I've never really spent time out with friends… You're actually the only person I've gone into town with, other than family…" Elsa looks at the tiled floor beneath her feet, carefully inspecting the grout to avoid Anna's piercing eyes.
"Oh. Okay! How about we just walk around until we find something that interests us?" It seemed like Anna had the answer to everything, and not a single judgement laced in her words. Elsa smiled up at her and nodded. With that, the two left the comforting atmosphere of Oaken's Brew. "Why?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why haven't you been out with friends?" Elsa could feel Anna's eyes boring into her profile.
Elsa scoffed, "I hardly have time with how many tutors my father schedules for me. Apparently all work and no fun makes Elsa an 'Ice Queen'. Plus Solnberg tends to put me on some strange pedestal, and everyone is afraid to say something wrong to me. You're the first person whose disregarded my last name, and looked at me as a person. Plus you were able to work around my crazy schedule." Elsa smiled bitterly.
"Well, I will admit. Solnberg is an intimidating name. But it's not your fault. I mean…" Anna shook her head, "Nevermind. I just want to get to know Elsa. Just Elsa."
Why'd she stop herself? What more did she have to say? Why won't she just say it? I want to get to know just Anna as well…
"You said there was something you wanted to show me? I'd like to see it now... " Elsa's smile turned shy and unsure as she waited for a response.
"Well, I was hoping to save this for later, but okay. We should finish our drinks first. Let's go sit at the fountain." Elsa just nodded, walking slightly behind the shorter female. I know that my last name intimidates people, but the way that she trailed off makes me feel like there's more to it. Tell me Anna. Why does it intimidate you? What does the name Solnberg mean to you? Elsa sat, drinking her coffee silently, too caught up in her thoughts to say anything. She could feel the curious stare burning into her, but resigned herself to ignoring it. She was afraid she'd ask the questions that she wasn't certain she wanted answers too.
"I'm sorry. It's not you Elsa. I. Can I explain after I show you something? It's the only way I know how to get you to truly understand what I mean." Elsa nodded. She didn't want to ruin what she hoped to build, but if her last name was an obstacle too large to overcome, maybe it'd be better to end this friendship before it truly started.
The two finished their drinks in silence, and Elsa felt Anna's warm hand envelop her own. She looked up curiously, only to meet a bright smile. Anna led her back to Oaken's Brew and she stopped, "Wait. What?" Anna put a finger over her lips, and led her to the back before releasing the blonde's cold hand. Elsa immediately craved the warmth that left her, but her eyes widened as she watched the girl monkey up the back of the building. Moments later, a ladder slid down next to her, and a cheerful redhead beckoned her to climb it. She cautiously followed directions, settling next to the redhead on the flat roof.
"That's your dad's building. All of the buildings around it used to be smaller too. But your dad erected this huge building, and with the growing tourism, came growing buildings. They used to look more like Oaken's, more traditional. But your dad prompted a modernization that wasn't necessary. I used to sit on the corner, over by Edna's, and sing for money. I enjoyed it, and she let me. Then I'd spend my nights here gazing at the moon and stars. But when your dad modernized Arendelle, everyone got crankier. No one wanted to give money to a panhandler anymore, and I'd get spit on, so I moved over here. I couldn't watch the stars anymore because your dad's building was constantly lit up, and ruined the view. That's why Solnberg sets me off. Stupid, isn't it?" It was Anna's turn to smile bitterly, and Elsa caught that bitter smile with a frown. She's so open… And with me? Even though my dad ruined her life…
"It isn't stupid. I hate this tower too. My mom and I used to come to the little shops whenever she was visiting, but my dad's tower ruined the mood. The traditional architecture is so much more elegant and beautiful. I wish my father didn't disregard the beauty this town held so easily. I'm embarrassed to be his daughter sometimes, and if me being his daughter is hard for you in any way, I don't want to force you to be my friend…" Elsa trailed off, unable to look Anna in the eyes.
Anna snapped over to Elsa, "No, I don't want you to think like that. I want to be your friend. Not because you're Elsa Solnberg, but because you're just Elsa to me. Elsa the girl who I want to be friends with. Okay?"
Elsa smiled over at the fumbling redhead, "Okay." Then another thought struck her, "Why did you sing for money?"
"Uh… another time? I mean that's a long story so…" Anna trailed off, but her discomfort was evident, so with a nod, Elsa filed that information into the back of her brain. She reveled in the thankful smile Anna shot her, and stood up, offering her hand to Anna.
"How's about we make our way back? It's getting pretty late." When Anna took the hand offered to her, Elsa felt another electrifying jolt run through her system. What was that? As soon as Anna was up, Elsa walked over to the ladder, carefully climbing down. Anna joined her, and Elsa looked up only to see more of the girl than she was planning to. With bright red cheeks, Elsa watched her feet the rest of the way down, staring off in the distance once they hit solid ground. Anna pulled a rope, which sent the ladder sliding back up to the top of the roof, and turned to meet Elsa's eyes.
The blonde was still readily avoiding eye contact, and scuffed her shoes on the gravel.
"Well then? Let's get moving." Elsa looked up, finally meeting Anna's eyes, and nodded shyly. For the first time that night, she noticed goosebumps rising on Anna's arms, and stripped off her leather jacket without thought.
She laid it over the freckled shoulders, "You'll catch a cold. It's nearly Autumn and you're in a summer dress. You must be mad to go out like that."
They both shared a small laugh, "And what about you? You're just in a thin shirt and jeans?"
"The cold has never really been an issue with me." Elsa smiled, and the two walked back to Elsa's house, a smile settled on each face.
The departure at the door was awkward, both unsure of whether to hug or not. Finally Anna dove into it, and the two settled into a comfortable embrace, albeit long for a first hug.
Elsa slipped upstairs, the smile engraved in her features, happiness settling in the pit of her stomach. For the first time since she was young, she had made a friend. And one she hoped to keep. Nevermind the inkling that settled into the back of her thoughts that this might be more than a normal friendship. Those thoughts would be ignored, because she'd never been attracted to a girl before, or a guy for that matter. And she just needed a friend for now.
So with a happy thought of the night, she began to drift into unconsciousness, though slightly aware of the sounds outside her window. It sounded like someone climbing up the side wall, but her euphoria overrode the curiosity.
A/N: So a lot longer wait, which you might need to get used to because I'm in school with work and a play going on… But, it's also longer. This chapter mostly just took so much time because of the choices I had to make. Like everytime I hit a hard choice I left and I'd come back like, man I don't want to make this decision yet. Then it'd come to me while working suits and I'd write it down on receipt paper.
But I digress. Apologies for the wait but I do have a question for you readers.
Would you like Anna's perspective on their kind of date not date?
I already PM'd some of you with hopes I'd get an answer before I finished this chapter, but since I haven't, I will just put in a small chapter of Anna's POV after if you find that suitable.
Thank you!