I stirred from my sleep with a groan, stretching out across the rest of the couch. The throbbing in my head reminded me that we drank last night. Well, you drank a good bit miss 'finish this bottle, that's a good idea.' A blush came over me as I remembered why I did that. Anna was so close to me. The thought of Anna's breath running over her lips brought on a shiver.

I took a glance at the clock as I stood up. 5:43am. I left the living room table exactly the way it was and headed into my room. I closed the door behind me with a click and knocked on the bathroom door. After not hearing anything I headed in.

The tile was cool on my feet as I walked to the medicine cabinet to find some Ibuprofen. I filled a small cup with water from the tap, and took the two small pills with it as I crossed the bathroom and made sure the door to Anna's room was locked. Soft snoring was barely audible from the other side.

I walked over to the bath, turned on the hot water, and started digging in the closet next to it for the bath salts I had somewhere. Thank god, it's a Sunday. I would be a mess going to class like this. I added in some of the salts and set the container on the side of the bath. I removed my clothes, setting them neatly on the counter, glancing at the door to be sure that I locked it. I turned the knob on the sink and splashed some cool water on my face, the throbbing in my head not dulling at all. I hope it's not like this all day. I pulled the hair tie out of my hair, and unwove my braid, letting the hair fall over my shoulders.

I went back over to the tub and turned off the faucet. The water was steaming and I was already looking forward to how much better I would feel. I dipped my hand in the water and moved it around, making sure that no remnants of the salt remained before stepping in. The water was a little too hot, but bearable. Anything is better than this headache. I sank into the water until it was up to the bottoms of my ears, relishing in the warmth it cast over my body. A long yawn escaped my mouth and I closed my eyes. I began thinking back to last night. The drinking was going fine, I hadn't blurted out anything weird and wasn't having too much trouble with basic motor function. A memory of the drawing came to the forefront of my mind. I remembered it in detail. From the curve of the chin to the long, dark lashes cast over the cheeks. It was a beautiful drawing; do I really look like that?

I stretched, the chilly air of the bathroom did not bother me too much, but it helped emphasize the feeling of warmth as I lowered my arms back into the water. In the quiet of the bathroom I could hear Anna, still snoring gently in her room. Funny how natural this seems. I just met this girl two days ago and somehow, I am completely at ease with her. My memory of her leaned in close, breath washing over my lips, the pounding in my chest I had ignored and the burn of my lungs wanting air jumped in to prove me wrong. Well, mostly at ease with her.

What was she thinking about? Her eyes were distant, yet so focused on my lips. A shudder passed through me, despite the hot water all around me. And a lot of good you were Els, you didn't seem like you were going to say no. A blush washed over me, all the way to the tips of my ears. You've got me there, I thought to myself, before rolling my eyes. And you're talking to yourself again.

I lowered myself a little farther into the water, letting the water cover my ears and wash out what little sound there was this morning. I let a long while pass, content to soak in the silence.

I'm going to have to get some answers from her today about what happened last night. Carefully as I can. The throbbing in my head was still present but dulling from the warmth of the water and the ibuprofen kicking in. The water had cooled down to a reasonable, warm temperature. I pushed up out of the water a bit and let out a yawn. Guess I better finish up. Maybe I will lay down and see if that helps any.

I grabbed a loofa and poured some body wash on it before rubbing it over my skin gently. The sensation was relaxing. I spent extra time rubbing in my shampoo and conditioner, the massaging feeling soothing to my throbbing head. After a quick rinse, I undid the stopper on the tub drain and stood up, grabbing one of the clean, white towels off the small, metal shelf that hung over the faucet end of the tub. Wrapping the towel around me, I stepped out onto the mat and began to dry off, rubbing small circles across my skin with the towel, before wrapping it around my hair.

I quickly grabbed my stack of clothes and set my hair tie on top, taking the whole pile with me to unlock Anna's door before hurrying over to mine and into my room. I pulled on a fresh set of clothes; a comfy pair of sweat pants, a t-shirt, and a warm pair of socks.

I crawled on top of my neatly made sheets and sprawled out on my back. I could see the first bit of sunlight peeking through my window shades and birds beginning to chirp. Laying there, images of a resting woman with long, dark lashes resting on her cheeks and lips, full and inviting. I could feel the small blush wash over me. Is that how Anna sees me? Flashes of Anna's eyes, distant yet somehow also focused on me, entered my thoughts causing the small blush to grow deeper.

I need some coffee.

I walked out into the kitchen, loading a filter into the machine before spooning in the coffee grounds. The smell of the grounds was pleasant. I set the pot in the sink under the tap as I turned it on, allowing it to fill, before taking it and pouring it into the reservoir. With a press of a button the machine began to heat, starting its brew cycle.

I took this time to finish getting ready. After a trip to the bathroom, a hairbrush through my hair, completing my signature braid and some tooth brushing later, I was ready enough for a day at home. I could still hear Anna's snores, a little louder than earlier, through the bathroom door. The sound brought a smile to my face. At least she seems to be sleeping well.

I went back to the kitchen and poured myself a coffee with peppermint creamer and snuck in a small bit of chocolate syrup. I took my drink to the living room, taking a small sip, the perfect mixture of sweet and bitter washing over my tongue. I set my mug down on the coffee table before opting to clean our mess from last night. Putting the unused bottles back, the empty one in the recycle, the limes and plate in the trash, and wiping the table down with a rag to remove any remaining mess. I pushed the furniture back to its original position, transferring my mug from the coffee table to the end table next to the recliner. I plopped down into the chair, satisfied with my brief cleaning, and took another sip of my drink. I reached for my book that was off to the side, but instead grabbed Anna's sketch book. My fingers twitched instinctively. I can look again, right? There's nothing wrong with that?

I could still hear Anna faintly from down the hall, still asleep. I bit my lip, feeling a bit guilty, but continued. I flipped through the pages again to the sketch of me, taking advantage of the solitude and clear vision, this morning brought to study it in detail.

I noticed new things about it today. How my brow was furrowed, as if I was deep in thought or dreaming about something. There were a few small stray hairs that had fallen come loose from my braid. It was more realistic than I gave credit for.

Anna's snores had stopped, and I heard her the shower in the bathroom start. A muffled "Ack, Cold!" could be heard from the bathroom. I smiled to myself, the memory of the glimpse of her through the gap in the doorway flashed through my head again. I rolled my eyes. I swear that image will never leave me alone.

I closed the book and set it back on the end table, trading it for my coffee cup. I took another drink and sighed contentedly.

I could already feel that I would be exceptionally nervous around Anna today. Not that it would make much difference from how I am around her normally. It would still make it tough to focus on whatever we chose to do. I hadn't noticed that the shower had turned off, but in the silent house, I could hear Anna now shuffling around in her room. Well, there's no point in making things more awkward than they need to be.

I stood up, making my way into the kitchen and poured a mug of coffee for Anna. After adding creamer, I added the same custom splash of chocolate to her drink as I did to mine.

A knock on the entry way to the kitchen broke the silence, and my train of thought. I turn to find Anna standing the doorway in jeans, a tee shirt, and her hair in her signature braids. Can I call them signature? I've only known her a couple of days now.

"H-Hey," I stutter out.

"Good morning," she replies with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her eyes instead were trying to convey something I found unreadable.

"I made you a coffee," I turned and grabbed it off the counter, carefully holding it with both hands, before walking it over to her. As I handed it off to her, she didn't avoid the contact at all. She practically caressed my hand as she took the cup from me. I tried to swallow but my throat was dry.

"Thank you," she cooed, a crooked smile crossing her lips.

What the hell? My brain struggled to keep up with this totally new attitude. I cleared my throat. "you-you-you're welcome." I stuttered out, walking back to the counter and taking a long sip of my coffee. She sighed and walked over to lean against the counter next to me. She bumped her hip against mine.

"I'm sorry about last night." She said suddenly. I glanced up at her, and she had a very serious demeanor. "I got kinda lost in my head and probably made you uncomfortable."

"I was actually more concerned. You almost seemed like you were in pain." I said giving her worried glance.

She gave a small, breathy laugh. "I guess you could say that." She was staring down at her coffee intently.

"What was it about?" I blurted out, "I-If you don't mind me asking." A couple of unsure glances between me and her cup followed.

"I tend to get a little bit flirty when I drink." She laughed lightly, "and if I hadn't run away and hid in my room when I did, I probably would have tried to kiss you." Her words set off butterflies in my stomach, even though it wasn't really a revelation. Anyone with half a brain could have told you that Els. "I'm sorry I kinda ruined the night."

"You didn't ruin it," I said, smiling at her, "I had a lot of fun last night." A smirk crossed her face. "What?" I gave her a confused look.

She shook her head, "Nothing important, just a funny thought. So, what are your plans for today?"

"Umm.." I thought about it for a moment, "Probably going to work on the presentation I need to do for my marketing class. What about you?"

"I've got to work later, but I have a bit before then." She said, obviously not very excited about it.

"Work?" I asked, surprised, "Where do you work?" It's not that surprising that she works Els.

She gave a small smirk and laughed to herself a bit glancing down. "I actually work at that coffee shop on campus," she looked up at me. "I had applied there recently, and they just hired me this week."

I smiled at her. "Congratulations! Maybe I should leave the coffee making to you." I lifted my cup up at her and we both smiled. There, her mood seems to be improving. "Maybe after you've had some training you can make me the perfect café mocha?"

"I may be able to make one for you now," she said with a smirk, "After all, you do like them just like I do. Extra chocolaty." With that she took another sip of her extra chocolaty coffee and sighed. "Though I think we have the advantage here. Your coffee is clearly no generic roast like I imagine we will use at the coffee shop. School funding generally doesn't find its way to buying high grade coffee."

"Southern Isles Dark Roast. My dad is close friends with the CEO of the corporation, so my dad gets a good discount on it." Anna was giving me an incredulous look, a small smile on her lips. "What?"

"Here you are, daughter of a wealthy CEO, befriending a vagabond like me and rooming with me." The look of affection she gave me was so sincere I could not help but blush and look away. She took a sip of her coffee. "So.." She paused for a moment and I went to take a sip of my coffee, "What do you think of girls?"

Caught off guard I sputtered on my coffee for a second. "G-girls?" I stuttered out. Is she implying what I think? I glanced up in her direction, but her eyes were trained on her coffee, her index finger scratching along the rim of the cup nervously.

"Yeah, like dating or whatever," she still avoided eye contact.

I like them a lot. "well I.." Go ahead Els, Tell her. Why shouldn't you? Don't conceal it. Memories of her dad's voice from when she was younger plaid briefly through her head. "No," liar. "I'm not.. not into girls." Why do you lie to yourself? The look on Anna's face was confusing. Disappointment, worry, and a tinge of hope all together in one look. She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh, the silence was deafening.

"Just curious," She turned and looked at me again, a smile graced her lips but it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, I've got to take off!" She downed the rest of her coffee and rinsed out her cup.

"Do you want a ride?" I said as she headed out to the couch and began slipping on her shoes. I slide my mug on to the counter.

"No, I'm gonna catch the bus, I'll be fine." Her words were short and quick as she finished slipping on her shoes. Way to go Els, you lied to her and now look at her. She got up and moved towards the door, patting her pockets and making sure she had everything. She paused when she reached for the door knob, and instead turned to me, a sincerer smile on her face.

"Got everything?" I gave her a questioning glance.

"Yeah," She reached up and fidgeted with the end of one of her braids, looking down at it. "I'm actually a bit nervous."

I fixed her with the brightest smile I could manage. "You'll be great I'm sure!"

"You think so?" she looked me in the eye and couldn't help but smile back. "Thanks, I actually feel a bit better. Wish me luck!" She turned back to the door, pulling it open and stepping out.

"Good luck!" I said after her as she started to jog to the bus stop at the end of the block. She waved back and once she was farther down the road, I shut the door. I walked myself over to the couch and plopped down, my hands coming up to fidget with the end of my braid. What's the point of lying to her Elsa? Why didn't you just tell her the truth?

I closed my eyes and let my head fall against the couch. "In my line of work, the way I seem to others means everything, do you understand Elsa?" She could almost hear her fathers voice. "I don't mean to put a great deal of pressure on you Elsa, but the things you do will reflect on me as well; I need to you to be mindful of this family's reputation."

If he really wants what is best for you he will want you to be honest about this, with others and with yourself.

With I sigh I got up from the couch and headed towards my room, that presentation wasn't going to write itself after all.

*Author's note*

*Well here it is guys, another chapter after all this time. I'm sorry for my absence. It just became so hard to write and handle adulting at the same time. Thanks to rereading A Snowflake in Spring and all the wonderful fanart I've been getting on my Tumblr dash, I felt I needed to come back to this. For myself and you who read and enjoyed what I had so far.

I hope you enjoyed this new addition, and I aim for there to be more to come soon! As always, reviews and constructive criticism are welcome and appreciated!*