~Elsa~

I was brought to tears when I saw all the people inside the ballroom. When I first saw it a couple months ago, I remember feeling sad that I will never see it full again. I didn't know at the time that if I had flash forward to a few months, that my wish would come true. It's so surreal. I could feel love and happiness and pure magic in the atmosphere. This must be the Christmas Spirit I haven't felt in years. The Christmases after the accident were just…awkward and awful.

I remember Anna trying her hardest to interact with me during those times. I think it was the second or third Christmas where I decided to stay in my room. I can't remember which year, and honestly, I don't remember much from these last six years. I know in regard to Christmas that I stayed locked away after the second or third year. Mama and Papa would visit for a while and give their presents, and sometimes mama would spend even the night with me. She did this regardless of the holidays, so I wouldn't be so lonely. Papa would too sometimes, so Mama could switch me with Anna. They tried their hardest to convince me to stop isolating myself. I knew after the first year that the whole isolation thing was ridiculous but felt that it was too late to rekindle a relationship with Anna and Rapunzel. I felt that it was pointless to be back in their lives when they probably didn't even want me back. Oh, how wrong I was. I'll never get that time back.

I also remember that we stopped coming to Burgess for Arianna and Frederick's Christmas Eve parties because we didn't want to come back to where the accident took place. Actually, that was the same year they stopped having them. By doing that they were able to come visit us during the holidays. Now here we are, bringing it back. It's been so long. I bet my aunt is ecstatic.

Anyway, other than the usual isolating myself, I don't really have a whole lot of memories. I was cooped up in my room the majority of the time, left alone to my studies and whatnot. The only source of communication being my parents and the letters I would send to Olaf. Everything blurs together. I just know that I was lonely and bored and regretful a lot. And now look at me. I have a relationship with my sister and cousin again, as well as Olaf, and Jack, the boy from my past, of all people. I have a handful of amazing friends and I'm about to graduate in five months. I'm still unsure what exactly I'm going to do after I graduate though, but that's the least of my worries right now.

I had a plan, but Jack messed everything up. I'm still debating if that's a good thing or bad thing.

"Wow," I hear Jack say, "It's just like how I remember. Crowded."

I crack a smile. "That's what happens when you have an aunt that loves to invite everyone. Not just the business folk."

"And then there's me with an aunt through adoption that's the same age as me and is obsessed with teeth," Jack jokes, referring to Tooth.

"Well," I shrug, "That truly is unique."

Suddenly, somewhere in the crowd, I hear someone calling out my name. "Elsa! Elsa, over here!"

I peer into the flood of people, following the direction of the voice, and see my sister at the front of the room, standing next to my aunt, uncle, and cousin, and behind them was the live band we hired.

I let go of Jack's hand that I was holding and said, "I'll be right back. Not sure when, since I'm sure I'm going to be talking to some business partners with my aunt and uncle but try to keep an eye on me so you can find me later."

Jack grabs my hand again and kisses it. "Snowflake, when am I not looking at you?"

I smiled and knew that my face immediately became a very noticeable shade of pink. Actually, it's probably still pink from what happened in the closet. "Behave yourself." I tease, but also partially meaning it. I would hate it if we had to kick him out.

I leave Jack to find his friends or family, while I make my way up to mine. I approached them, standing next to my sister, and was about to say something when my uncle cut in. "Good, you're here. Now I can address our guests as I stand proudly with my family."

Just like how we used to do it in the past with Mama and Papa.

Frederick stands next to the microphone stand, my sister, cousin, aunt, and I following behind him and standing proudly at his side. He taps the microphone to check if it was on (which it was) and proceeds to speak to the now silent crowd.

"Greetings everyone!" He starts. "I would like to begin by saying that it is truly an honor to have each and every one of you here with us today. It's been a long time since my wife and I have hosted a Christmas Eve party, and we are delighted to bring it back. We are especially happy to have with us our nieces, Elsa and Anna. Just like my daughter had done when she became a freshman a few years ago, these two have adapted from the world of homeschooling to the world of the public school system. I'm sure it was a culture shock, and I admit I was afraid for all three of them and how their attitudes would change, as well as if they would have to deal with bullying of any sort. Now the bullying I'm not sure of, but what I am sure of is that their attitudes and behaviors are the same as ever and that perhaps I needed to have a little bit more faith in them. After all, it's not them I don't trust, but the world. It's a dangerous and scary place that can easily influence our children, and I am proud to say that I have been blessed with three wonderful and smart girls that bring much joy to my life. I am truly lucky. Tonight, would be almost perfect if their parents were here. But I know they would say the same things as I do. So, let's raise a toast to my three girls."

The crowd, those who had drinks, do as they're told, and while I'm used to eyes being on me, I still couldn't help but feel anxious, and a bit embarrassed. It's definitely because there's people here that I see every day that can tease me whenever, like Jack. If they weren't here, I probably wouldn't care as much because I wouldn't see these people again (probably).

"To Elsa, Anna, and Rapunzel," says my uncle, "You've made me the happiest father and uncle the world has ever known."

The crowd says our names and cheers. I smiled and tried not to awkwardly wave, but Anna and Rapunzel were already doing it, so I joined in, not wanting to be left out. The three of us glanced at each other, smiling brightly. Their faces were pink too, feeling embarrassed as well, no doubt.

Afterwards, my uncle continues. "Please, everyone, help yourselves to the food tables and don't be shy to request a song. We want everyone to have the best time possible and will also be giving away presents at the end of the night, so be sure to hold on to your tickets. Thank you."

The crowd claps and the music starts playing while my family and I move to the side. As we did so, my aunt said, "Freddie, that was beautiful."

Rapunzel hugs her dad. "You're literally the best."

My uncle chuckles. "Thank you, loves. But now comes the boring part. Talking to people. Now that Rapunzel and Elsa are of age for business talks, it is expected of you two to accompany me. Though I don't want you to take over my business, Rapunzel, it has not yet been brought up in conversation to our closest partners."

"I'm still deciding too, dad," Rapunzel says, surprising me. "I've been putting some thought into it, and I figured, just because it's something you don't think I would want to do, something that even I know I probably won't end up liking, doesn't mean I shouldn't give it a try, right? Sometimes we need to take risks if we ever want to truly know. Maybe I'll end up liking it after all."

Frederick chuckles. "Very well. We will discuss it all in due time, my daughter. So now, let us begin."

And so, while my aunt and sister went off to mingle with their own people, my uncle, cousin, and I stuck together to converse with important strangers. Never talk to strangers unless it's for important business meetings. Ha.

Oh, if only Jack could rescue me.

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~Anna~

As my aunt and I departed from Frederick, Rapunzel, and Elsa, I made my way to Kristoff. I found him as soon as I had entered the ballroom and have kept my eyes glued on him ever since. He stood along the wall nearest to the food table, his family nowhere in sight, but our friends all circling around him. Jack, Bunny, Tooth, Flynn, Maui, Moana, Olaf, Merida, Astrid, and Hiccup. I could see some people staring at them in annoyance. Eleven teenagers circling around by a wall near food does seem a bit suspicious, but obviously, none of them are going to roofie to chocolate mountain.

Well…Jack might. He did put a laxative in Mr. Black's drink that one time during my first (and hopefully only) detention. I can see him doing something mischievous like that, but at the same time, being with Elsa has mellowed him out a little. Not drastically, but more so carefully. Like, I guess you can say that he knows when it's appropriate now to be a prankster and have fun rather than just when he feels like it. And Elsa, my goodness, she's gotten more playful and a little rebellious too. I can't believe she actually snuck out to see him.

I never snuck out to see Hans and here she thought me saying yes to his proposal is scandalous. Ha! Wait until our parents hear about it all.

"Hey, guys!" I say, cheerfully when I approach them. "How is everyone doing?"

I've already greeted them all at the door, but now that the party has started, I want to make sure they're having fun and are comfortable. While I remember having a lot of fun during these parties, I also remember how intimidating they can be sometimes too. It's not just common townspeople that fill the ballroom. Important businesspeople do too and if I was able to notice them staring rudely at my group of friends, I'm sure some of them noticed it too.

Merida was eating a piece of pie when she answered. "Ah'm en luv wi' 'is pah." Her accent is already really thick, but when her mouth is full, it makes it even harder to comprehend.

"You say what now?" I ask, laughing with the others.

Merida swallows. "I said I'm in love with this pie. What is it?"

I look at the pie on her plate. "Oh! That's buttermilk pie. I hate buttermilk, but the pie is literally better than pumpkin, in my opinion."

Maui shakes his head. "A white girl admitting that something else is better than pumpkin? Impossible."

"Hey now," I point a finger at him, "we're talking about pies. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are an entirely different form of pumpkin, and I will die loving them."

Maui holds his hands up in defense. "Okay, okay. I see you. I respect a person who knows what they like."

"And I apparently love buttermilk pie," Merida added before taking another bite.

Tooth pretends to whisper to Bunny. "Remind me to remind her to brush and floss her teeth. Buttermilk shouldn't be tasting as good as she's making it seem. That means it must be loaded with sugar."

Bunny nods. "Oh, most definitely."

Finally, Jack asks the question I was waiting for. "Sooo…where's Elsa?"

"And Rapunzel," Flynn adds, looking behind me into the crowd of people.

I sigh, dreamily. "Oh, you two and your adoration for my relatives is making me swoon." I put the back of my hand on my forehead and lean back, pretending to feel faint. "Someone catch me, I've been impaled with the yearning of young love."

Olaf quickly goes behind me and positions himself. "I got you boo. Whenever you're ready."

I giggled and fell back into his arms with no fear. He catches me and we cheer. "Whoop whoop! Trust is what makes friendships strong!" He speaks.

"Isn't that relationships?" Astrid asks.

"And what do you know about relationships?" Flynn teases. "You've never even been in one."

And while I knew he was joking, I felt that was kind of mean. I open my mouth to defend Astrid, but, of course, Astrid doesn't need defending. She's quick to reply. "Neither have you, Flynnigan. Yeah, you've fooled around with plenty of girls, but been in a committed relationship with one? Ha. I don't even know if you know what the word committed means. Poor Rapunzel."

And to my surprise, Flynn looked genuinely hurt. "Hey…" but he falters on his words, looking unsure of what to say. "There's, uh, a first for everything, right? Cut me some slack."

Astrid opens her mouth to say something back, but Maui beats her to it. "Oh geez, you teenagers are something else. Why do I hang out with you guys again? I really shouldn't be."

"Because you have no friends your age," Moana says, making Jack and Flynn "ooohhhh". Her and Merida high five, and I'm biting my lip to not laugh. It's funny, but also everyone's jabs are feeling a bit personal. I sure hope a fight doesn't break out.

I suddenly remember the fight that broke out between Eret and Flynn in the lunchroom months ago. That was crazy. They haven't really talked much since that happened. Which really sucks. I'm not sure how close they were, but whatever happened between them, I hope it gets resolved. Same with Astrid and Heather. I've heard Astrid's point of view, but I'm curious to hear Heather's. What was it that made her suddenly change?

Eh, those are questions for another time I suppose.

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~Flynn~

I've counted at least twenty vases I could steal if I had the opportunity. I might be able to steal one, but I'm not going to. I can't do that to Rapunzel, especially now that she knows about my secret hobby (and is my girlfriend). Even if she didn't know and wasn't my girlfriend, I still wouldn't do it. She was my friend before either. I mean, hell, I felt awful about stealing her crown. Sure, a vase is less personal, but it's still hers. Well, technically it belongs to her parents. But still. I want them to like me.

I mean, if things go well with Rapunzel and I, her parents might become my in-laws one day. I still can't believe she's my girlfriend. Hell, there's a lot of things I still can't believe. I can't believe it took me this long to grow feelings and ask her out (especially since we've kissed like twice before I finally asked her the question), I can't believe I told her about me being a thief and that I took part of Hans's kidnapping, I can't believe she hasn't told her cousins and parents about that, I can't believe she hasn't told the cops, I can't believe we kissed during karaoke night in front of her parents (yeah the lights went out, but they still obviously saw our silhouettes.) I can't believe she said yes to being my girlfriend, fully knowing that I'm a good for nothing criminal.

Life is just way too surreal right now. Even my "job" has been going good so far. I'm still stealing, but I've changed my usual spot about an hour away from where Rapunzel and everyone else lives. The Stabbington Brothers haven't really been harassing me as often either. I give them what they need, they give me my next assignment, and that's that. And thank God.

There was a big part of me that was never going to ask Rapunzel to be my girlfriend, but after our kiss during karaoke night, I just knew I had to officially make her mine. I should have done something after she kissed me during the kiss-cam during the first hockey game of the season, but I wasn't sure because of her "tradition" comment. And I know I shouldn't have done it because of the risk of someone finding out about us (someone from my line of work), but at the same time if someone really wanted to hurt me by using my loved ones, they could have easily used any of my friends or the kids at the orphanage.

And not once have I ever been threatened. I genuinely felt that it would be okay. As long as I do my part and Rapunzel doesn't say anything, everything will be okay.

And I'm going to prove Astrid wrong. I know I've never been in a committed relationship before, just brief flings, so it's definitely new territory for me, but her lack of faith that I can be committed is insulting.

I'm suddenly thrust out of my thoughts when Jack nudges me. "Watch this," he whispers as he takes something out of the pocket of his suit. It looked like a plant. Wait, is that a mistletoe? Where the heck did he get that?

Jack steps away from me and is quickly standing behind Hiccup and Astrid, dangling the plant above their heads. "Uh oh, what do we have here? Two love birds under the mistletoe! How romantic."

Hiccup and Astrid's faces turn bright red, which made me question whether their blushes are from embarrassment or annoyance. Probably both. I know we've all had our fair share of teasing each other and our crushes, I've participated loads of times, especially with Jack about Elsa. But if I'm being completely honest, I think Hiccup and Astrid deal with the most harassment from us.

And it's honestly all because of Astrid and her hard-to-get attitude. Okay, well maybe she's not playing hard to get. Maybe she genuinely doesn't like Hiccup (he doesn't seem like her type at all) or maybe she's aromantic/asexual. Merida gives off those vibes too, but then again that's just me assuming because of how they act towards romance and boys. Shit, maybe they like girls and are in the closet. Oh damn, what if they're secretly dating each other? Wow, what a plot twist that would be.

It would also make sense for Astrid to have a crush on Eret. They hang out occasionally, but not frequently. He's like her backup workout buddy when Merida isn't available. At least, he used to be her backup workout buddy. Him dating Heather ended whatever little bond they had. She was not at all happy about finding out about him and Heather, and it makes sense that she would be jealous because she has a crush on him. But then again, she hates Heather with a passion and would rather see Heather in a prison cell than be romantically associated with one of her friends.

I wish I knew their history. No one knows the details, not even Astrid. All we know is that Heather ditched Astrid for Chloe one day and there's been bad blood ever since. The only one that can give answers is Heather.

"Ugh come on," Hiccup groans, "Why do you guys always have to tease us? Does it always have to be like this? I–" But then Astrid is grabbing him by the collar and pulling him to her face.

And just like that, my mouth drops, as well as everyone else's. Jack even drops the mistletoe in shock.

Astrid pulls her mouth away 3 seconds later. That's it. That's how long their kiss was. Three seconds that shocked all of us to our core. Three long seconds that left Hiccup dazed. "I…could get used to this. Wait, hold up," he steps away from her, probably because her closeness is driving him insane, "You kissed me. Why did you kiss me?"

"Tradition." Astrid answers, quickly but firm. "Just like the kiss cam."

"Yeah, but you kissed me on the cheek then," Hiccup reminds her and while I have noticed the two of them getting close and talking more these last few months, I think this is the most I've seen him look so…heated? That's not the right word, cuz he's not mad, but he's definitely confused. "So why–"

"What, can friends not kiss each other on the lips?" Astrid snaps, crossing her arms. "Flynn and Rapunzel kissed like two times, and they remained friends for a while."

"Yeah, awhile. " He repeats. "They're dating now."

"Are you saying that now that I've kissed you, we have to start dating now?"

"No, that's not…ugh! Why do you have to be so hot-headed? You're being so defensive right now and I'm just trying to understand."

"Understand what? It was just a kiss, Hiccup."

"Exactly! I don't want it to be just a kiss. I want it to be meaningful. That was my first kiss, Astrid."

"I…I'm sorry. I just thought…you know what, you should be lucky I even kissed you!"

"You think I don't know that? I'm thrilled!"

"Thrilled? You're literally grilling into me for taking your first kiss and it not being meaningful. I'm sorry I'm not special enough for you."

"You are though, Astrid! That's why I'm freaking out. I don't want you to just kiss me and leave me wondering what it means for us. What your feelings are for me. Because I know damn well you know how I feel about you."

"I know what everyone has been saying, but I've never heard it from you. So, say it, Hiccup. Say it right now. Gods, you just had to make things escalate, didn't you? Just because we kissed doesn't mean we have to start a relationship like Flynn and Rapunzel did. Unless…you want to."

"Unless I want to? You know I do–"

"You still haven't said it though!"

"I just did!"

"No, I want a full-on confession."

"And I want you to tell me what you want. I want a confession from you too."

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

And so, she grabs his hand and leads him out of the room, leaving the rest of us be-fucking-wildered. Flabber-fucking-gasted.

"What the fuck did I do?" Jack finally says looking down at the mistletoe on the floor, eyes wide.

"I think," Merida starts, eyes just as wide, "you just helped them become a couple." She shakes her head, sighing. "Well, I'll be damned. I guess she really had feelings for him after all. Just a friend my ass." She suddenly looks angry. "How long has she kept this from me? Did any of you know?"

Me and the rest of the boys all held our hands up in defense, obviously very intimidated by her, while the girls just shook their heads. "I sure as hell didn't." I say, hoping she believed me.

"Same." The other boys say in unison.

"I don't even see them all that much," says Maui. "I've teased them a few times yeah, but everyone else was doing it, and it was very obvious on Hiccup's side. That boy has no poker face."

"Damn, we should have made a bet on Astrid," Jack teases, making Merida roll her eyes.

"I can't believe this," she says.

"Why are you so upset?" Asks Anna "This is great, isn't it? Your cousin and best friend have feelings for each other. You know they're both awesome people, so why is it so bad for them to be together?"

"Plus," Moana adds, "You Uncle Stoick already loves Astrid."

"And Astrid loovveess Hiccup," Jack teases.

Merida glares at him, and Bunny, surprisingly, gives Jack a warning. "Watch it, Frost. She'll hit you."

"And probably bite," adds Tooth, "Her teeth look beautifully strong and sharp."

I held back a laugh. Tooth is such a weirdo. Love her, but yeah, definitely weird.

"Anna," Merida says, ignoring them, "if you could sneak me one of your uncle's famous beers, I will love you forever. I seriously need a drink."

"Uh…I'm sorry, Mer," she rubs her neck, looking mighty uncomfortable. "But I'm not gonna do that."

Merida sighs, head hanging low. "Worth a shot, I suppose."

"Really, though, Merida," says Tooth, "Are you upset about them being together or just the fact that Astrid never told you she liked him back? Maybe she recently came to this discovery. Feelings are…difficult."

"Both, to be honest," Merida answers. "Even if Astrid didn't know for sure, she must have questioned it at some point, and I wish she came to me."

"Well, you're not exactly the best person to ask for love advice," Kristoff says, making Anna nudge him.

"Let me guess," she says with a knowing look in her eye, "You are?"

Kristoff grins. "Maybe."

"Regardless," Merida interrupts, "I'm still her bestest friend. I'm hurt she didn't talk to me. And now I gotta worry about them breaking up and making everything awkward."

"That's only if they make it official though," says Moana, trying to sound hopeful for Merida. "They might not make anything official tonight. They'll confess their feelings, but there's no guarantee they're gonna start dating each other, and even if they do, they probably won't put a label on it. Knowing Astrid, she's going to want to be 100% sure."

Anna suddenly starts to laugh, causing all eyes to go on her. "That is such a weird coincidence," she says, then looks at Kristoff. He was confused at first until his eyes filled with realization.

"You want to tell them right now?" He asks.

Anna nods. "Why not? After what Moana said, it seems like perfect timing to me." She then links her arm through his, looks back at me and the gang, and happily says: "Everyone, Kristoff and I are dating!"

And once more, my jaw fell.

I knew Kristoff liked her–he asked Jack, Hiccup, and I once before if what he felt was a crush or not–but I never would have expected Anna to like him back. Like wow, what are the odds that both Hiccup and Kristoff managed to win the hearts of their love interests? Actually, the same can be said for Jack and myself. It's a no brainer for me though. I have the charm and sexiness they wish they had.

"Oh my gosh!" says Tooth, grinning ear to ear.

"Congratulations!" Says Moana.

"Wow," says Olaf, impressed. "Everyone is just dating everyone here, aren't they?"

"Is anyone else dating each other?" Says Maui. He points to Tooth and Bunny. "Are yall?"

Both of their faces turned bright red, and I couldn't help the laugh that came out of me. Does he not know they're adopted siblings?

"Um…she's my adopted sister, mate," says Bunny, his Australian accent thick. I've always been jealous of it. I wish I had an accent. "So, no."

Maui's eyes widened. "Oh gods, my bad."

"Anywaaay, just to clarify," Anna says again, "we're not boyfriend and girlfriend though."

"Wait, what–" I start, confused, but she's quick to explain herself.

"We're dating to see if we're compatible before we officially label ourselves. Hiccup and Astrid might come back into this room as boyfriend and girlfriend, or they might come back as two people who are simply dating each other to see if the person they're looking for is…well each other! Or maybe they'll come back as only friends. Regardless of their choice and your worries, Merida, we've got to respect it and support them."

There's a brief silence, all of us taken aback by Anna's wise words, until suddenly Jack starts clapping. "Wow," he says, "Elsa would be so proud of you right now for your wisdom."

Anna beams. "She would, wouldn't she?"

Merida sighs again. "Uuuggghhh, I hate when people are right. Unless it's in my favor of course. But I suppose, Anna, that I'll take your words into consideration."

And then I say: "What a strange turn of events."

And then from the side, we hear: "Hey, guys. We're back. What's going on?"

It came from Rapunzel, my beautiful girl, and next to her was Elsa. "Yeah," says her cousin, who makes her way to stand by Jack. "What did we miss?" She wraps an arm around Jack's waist, and he kisses the side of her head, making her smile.

Rapunzel is by my side now too, immediately linking her arm through mine. "Well, my dears," I take over, "You're never going to believe this."

And so, everyone took turns explaining what happened and as that went on, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I swiftly take it out, thinking it to be a text from one of my " coworkers", but instead it's a text message from Maui, much to my surprise.

It read: Hey, we need to talk. It's important.

I look up and see that he's already looking at me. I give him a curt nod; my body now tense, and my mood no longer relaxed but now on edge. Last time I had a private talk with him it was with Eret on the rooftop of Mavis's dad's hotel on Halloween. We talked about Eret and I leaving our "professions". Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm pretty sure I told him I would consider leaving somehow, but I never got back to him because of everything that went down with Elsa and Hans the next day. And of course, other life stuff happening. I totally forgot about it, but I'm sure he did too since he never sought me out about it again. Until now.

So why is he doing it now? Can't he wait? He's already waited this long, why not a little longer? Maybe he somehow found out about Hans and that I accidentally helped kidnap him. Fuck. This isn't good. This is bad, this is really bad. Or maybe…maybe he can help me?

I guess I'll find out soon.