Chapter 36
And here we are. Next chapter. Let me know your thoughts on the comments. Suggestions are very welcomed.
I wanted to post this on Christmas but I wanted to publish two chapters together as a Christmas present. So here it is. Enjoy.
Note: this story is also in AO3 with Illustrations of this story.
I will upload the illustrations from time to time. This is my gift for you. Go check them out if you'd like in DeviantArt
My Instagram is Starflame007 and my deviant art account is Starflame7
Disclaimer: Frozen and other Disney characters belong to Disney Co. This is merely a fanfiction and a bunch of fandom references and puns.
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Chapter 36. Dear Derek
To His Highness Prince Derek of Rosendelle, (it does sound weird doesn't it?)
Or should I say, dear Rebel Prince? (Just kidding)
Dear Derek, (much better)
Before I start, I must confess something about this letter. I have been struggling for days and days if I should send a reply to your letter or not.
I wish I could tell you more about it, but I am afraid I cannot. Not even through a folded paper that you would never read. I hope you understand and forgive me someday for being such a coward.
Then, why am I writing to you anyway if this might never be delivered to you? Well, not to sound repetitive, but you couldn't have said it better on your letter.
I have no idea.
I guess, I also needed to talk to someone. A pen pal as you said. And Anna, my sister, well as much as I would like to talk to her about well stuff, I cannot. I could never explain it to you either, but let's just say it's complicate.
Which is why I must admit your letter surprised me a lot. You had asked if I remember you. Of course, I do dummy. I mean, how could I forget you? You are also you after all.
Now, how should I continue? I am also filled with so much I want to share with you but words simply won't come out. If that's what you meant on your letter before then yes. I am also struggling. I have no experience on writing letters.
As much as I would like to say, there is one that has been bothering me the most all Summer. And yes, it's because of you. Ever since your letter arrived, I have also been thinking about things and wanted to tell you this: thank you, Derek.
You might be thinking, thank you about what? And the truth is, I wanted to thank you for many, many things. So I'll try to enounce the most important on this letter:
Thank you for still considering me a friend. I had done things that makes me wonder if you'd still call me one if you'd knew. But it does feel nice that you still consider me one and trust me.
Thank you for defending my home and my family's honor. I must confess, even if I don't like violence, I admire you for your bravery and that you stood up to your values. Sorry you had to get suspended and that your father had to get involved too. I do feel sort of responsible in a way. I remember him as funny and good man.
Thank you for not believing on those rumors. I wish I could tell you everything, I truly do. But again, I cannot. And, well, I think I should also say thanks for, you know, saying I'm not ugly, I suppose. I do not consider myself pretty or anything, but I know Anna isn't. So, thanks for defending her on my behalf.
Also thank you for sharing your feelings with me, in regards of your mother. I may have never met her, but I had met you. And somehow, I feel she'd be proud of you for standing up for others and defending my own mother.
And thank you for the invitation to compete against each other one more time. This might sound a bit too childish from me, but I can't stop thinking about sand castles now. I have even pictured a castle design in my mind you know. If we ever go to the beach, you should bring your best bucket and shovel because you are definitely going to lose.
Now I'm the one telling pure nonsense. I know for sure this will never be. I used to dream of things like this before. But never mind. The thing is I need to be realistic and understand that those dreams were just that. Dreams.
And yet, mama says it's good to dream. And she is very wise. So, maybe. Just maybe. At least for this moment. I will allow myself to dream.
If it weren't for your letter, I wouldn't have found myself daydreaming all this Summer. In fact, Summer season itself has been growing on me lately. Maybe it's the heat as you mention?
Which reminds me, how are you dealing the hot weather at Rosendelle? Did you managed to sneak out and go for a swim? Swimming does sounds nice.
Here in Arendelle it's quite hot too. The other day, my mother asked me to help her to prepare lunch. We made sandwiches and iced tea. Nothing much you might think, but still it had meant a lot to me; as I am not that great at the kitchen. Still, it was sort of fun. Plus, Anna and my father seemed to like the sandwiches.
If I remember correctly, you also liked to spend time in the kitchen. Although, most of the times you went there to steal an apple or a snack. Maybe, we could try someday each other's sandwiches next time we see each other. And Anna could be our judge.
Oh, my. I just realized it's past midnight already. I didn't even finish my studies and here I am writing a letter I might never send. This is all your fault Derek.
I will end this letter before I end up embarrassing myself even more.
Still, thank you. For reminding me again, we are allowed to dream.
Goodbye Derry.
Yours, sincerely
Your Partner in Crime Elsa
P.S. You should leave the jokes to the professionals.
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Derek looked at his stuffed bear as he finished reading Elsa's letter for the thirteenth time.
"Don't give me that look." He told the plushie.
The bear, also known as Captain Cuddles, and companion of the Prince ever since ever, remained silent of course.
The Prince heart was beating fast and all need for sleep had been replaced with something else.
Like a new dose of energy had been infused into him. This new form of energy ran through all his body making the pain in his injured leg be replaced for a tingling sensation. Almost like an itch he couldn't scratch.
He couldn't take away Elsa's words from his head.
Over and over again. He would walk around in circles in his bedroom. Lots and lots of feelings and thoughts had come to conquer his mind. They simply couldn't fit there at the same time.
He should have sent more letters. And not his brother. He should have been there when her parents died. He should have never lost contact. He should have been there at the Coronation... he should have…he should have…
"What now?" he asked his trusty companion.
And again, the plushy bear just responded with his silent wisdom.
Derek grunted. The bear was right. This was all her doing. And he had just one thought in his mind. Her.
This time, he could have sworn the bear was silently advising him.
The bear didn't say anything of course. But Derek got the message anyway.
"Right." He grabbed his cane. "Thank you Captain Cuddles."
And he opened his door not fully knowing what he would do once he reached his destination but determined to do it.
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Derek walked as fast as he could in the dark hallway. His destination wasn't that far. He was not going to make the same mistake he did after their big fight that night at the Winter Ball.
This time. He would reach her on time.
This time, it wouldn't have to take an almost life-death experience to be brave enough to …
BUMPF!!
His chest and whole body bumped into something making him fall backwards on his butt. But instead of a hard landing he had hit something soft and almost wet and …cold?
"Ow…" then he had confirmed his suspicion when he recognized that voice.
"Elsa?"
"Derek?"
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Elsa blinked as she incorporated herself on the snow. At least her powers could come handy sometimes.
Of all scenarios that had run in her mind it had never occurred to her she could bump into Derek himself before she reached his door.
After thinking about his letter all night, she had suddenly felt the urge to talk to him. But now that he was there well… that was another thing.
Second thoughts? Her mind teased her.
Maybe she had found the courage to leave her room and cross the hallway. But it was another thing if she would dare to knock on his door. Less so late at night. Or should she say so early in the morning already? It must be almost five in the morning.
"What are you doing here?" / "What are you doing here?" they both asked as they remainded there sitting in the carpet floor covered in snow.
They looked at the snow beneath them, and then shared a shy smile.
"Sorry." Elsa apologized. "Now your clothes must be wet and cold."
"Don't worry about it." Derek said as he stood up.
He offered her his hand and she took it to stand on her feet.
Then with a wave or her hand the snow vanished with a swirl.
Now what?
This was new ground and unknown for both.
"So…" She started but stopped. Not fully sure what to say or do.
"So?" his voice sounded hesitant and tired.
The Queen studied him quickly to get any hints of his behavior.
Derek looked agitated with red eyes and his wild hair was messier than usual. He hadn't sleep enough, Elsa imagined that much.
But why was he panting as if he had just run a marathon? She wondered. He wasn't even carrying his cane either.
Not to mention they were in the middle of winter and it was cold outside. His pijamas wouldn't be the best outfit to go for a run at this moment.
She looked down quickly and he wasn't even wearing any shoes. Just two unmatching socks.
All in all. He was a total mess. And now his clothes were wet for the snow.
And yet, there was something about this image of him, that she found sort of alluring.
Alluring huh? Her mind once again playing with her.
Shut up. Elsa quiet her own thoughts.
Thank the almighty that it was still dark. Because now he couldn't see her flustered face.
Feeling very self aware of herself she could only imagine what she could look like. Messy hair with her braid almost undone, torn pijama dress and with dark eye bags. No shoes either, just bare feet.
"I…" he dared to speak again. "I read your letter."
Just as those words were said Elsa came back to reality land and tried to put aside her own thoughts.
"Oh…" she managed to say trying her best to sound calm.
Alert. But her inner self was, clearly, feeling quite the opposite.
"I read it several times actually." He admitted shyly as he rubbed his hair.
Oh, you better keep yourself together.
Did he said multiple times?
Is that a good thing? Or a bad thing?
She wasn't sure.
"And I…" Derek looked at her hesitant. "I though, I had to talk to you honestly. But, now that I realize, maybe I should have waited for a decent hour and let you sleep. But Captain Cuddles, convinced me to come and see you and … well, it seems you really were awake after all." He produced a half smile.
"Captain Cuddles? Isn't that your plush bear?" She found her voice as she asked confused.
"He is."
"And you say, Cuddles…"
"Captain." Derek corrected her.
Elsa rolled her eyes.
"I mean, Captain Cuddles." She quickly said not surprised by the Prince insistance. "He told you to I was a awake?"
"More specifically," Derek added. "He told me If I wanted to talk to you I should go find you. The rest was left into interpretation."
"I see. Such a considerate, err, bear." Elsa in other circumstances would have questioned his sanity, or sense of humor; but given she had just lost an argument with herself just recently she would not judge him.
"What about you?" Elsa heard him ask.
"Don't tell me you were planning to do some paperwork Your Majesty."
"What? No. Well, at least not yet."
"Then what are you doing out of you room?" he asked. "Do you have a stuffed bear as councilor too?"
"Yes. I mean no. Well, there's Sir Jorgenbjorgen but he is actually a penguin not a bear." She began to tell. Then realizing she had admitted she had a plushie animal as Councilor she tried to explain. "I mean, he has nothing to do with me being here."
You just admitted Sir Jorgenbjorgen is a Councilor.
Well, in truth he used to be a good listener.
Elsa concentrate!
"So if you penguin has nothing to do. Why are you here? Awake and almost in direction to the library. Unless you wanted to reach my room which I doubt it. So that leaves the library."
Ohh…almost got caught!! Her inner voice called her.
"I..." She mumbled. "I couldn't sleep."
"Elsa, do you still worry you'll have another nightmare?" he sounded worried.
"No. Yes. I mean. In part but not everything." She quickly said trying to arrange her ideas in her mind.
He seemed confused. And could she blame him? She was only revealing part of her true intentions.
"I also couldn't sleep because," she cleared her throat. "because I couldn't stop wondering… what you'd think of me… I mean, my letter … well actually both." She tried to sound as calm as possible.
Elsa bit her lip.
"I don't get it." He turned his head slightly confused.
The Queen sighed.
"The truth is. I… I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about the past." She explained. "I know how stupid it may sound. But I still feel guilty for not sending my letter. Even if you never planned to send yours."
The young Prince just stared at her for a moment or two as if he was still processing her words. Until he exhaled some air. Almost like a laugh. Was that a smile?
Wait what?
"Wha…what's so funny?" Elsa took a step forward to see him better in the dark. Was he really laughing? For real?
He regained his calm and approached at her. "It's just the irony of everything I guess."
"What irony?" it was her turn to be confused.
"You. Me." He simply said as he took another step to close the distance between them."Us?"
Elsa could see his face more clearly now. He was looking at her. Once again, those eyes were an enigma to her. Not fully revealing his true intentions behind that soft stare.
"What do you mean?"
"You should be resting Elsa. Not worrying about something you have the slightest of guilt." He said with a bit annoyance in his voice. "I should be the one asking for forgiveness."
"What?" Elsa found her voice. "What crazy idea made you think that way?" his annoyed tone getting on her nerves as well. Elsa just stared at him confused. "Derek you wrote to me. You were the one that made my life less miserable for that summer. And what did I did in return? Nothing."
Elsa knew they were reaching a tone none of them would like to use. But the depravation or sleep and stress was finally showing in their tired bodies and minds.
"But that's the thing. I could have done more. I should have." He said raising his voice a bit more this time.
"But Derek…"
"I know, I know." He interrupted her.
Probably sensing the atmosphere they had reached, the Prince took a step back and took a deep breath. "But there's something bothering me."
Elsa raised her eyes a little bit wondering what else he was going to say. Needles to say, she was having a hard time to conceal herself after what he had said.
Why should they always argue? She wondered.
This was definitely not like she had imagined. Fighting of who should apologize the most?
Congratulations Elsa you just achieved a new level of fool.
Elsa sighed and looked at the near mirror on the wall, where she could see themselves reflected in the darkness. It didn't pass unnoticed that her hair need a brush. She looked like a mess.
"Then what is it?" she dared to ask. Crossing her arms.
The Prince looked up while Elsa kept avoiding his gaze.
"After reading your letter I… I have gotten this feeling I should say or do more. But I don't know what is it exactly. Probably is the lack of sleep but my mind feels a mess inside."
On that she could relate too well.
"Then don't say anything." Elsa insisted trying to sound less cold and finally looking at him. "There's nothing I expect from you to say."
"That's the thing you see." He exclaimed. "A simple sorry feels incomplete. I just wonder if our past would have been less lonely if I had insisted to contact you." Derek frowned at himself. "You know what. Forget it. I must be losing my mind."
Elsa felt her stomach jump. If she were honest those exact words had been more than enough to make her put put aisde her sudden anger and remember the real reason she has left her room.
Also, if she were honest to herself the sight of him looking a bit out of edge and his words were not helping her to get concentrated.
And in this darkness, the sight of him all messy and energetic, she had came to discover, to her misfortune, had turned out to be a misteriously attractive combination.
If he weren't so stubborn. Elsa though.
"Derek," she tried to say, "You are not losing your mind, I had spent so many nights also wondering in the what ifs. Tonight not being an exception as you may notice. But we have to admit the past is in the past and for better or for worst we cannot change it." she said as she hugged herself not knowing what to do with her hands.
Then, looking at the mirror once again she spoke.
"All we have is the future. And it will depend on us if we want to live it alone,..." she took a pause. " Or not?"
The Queen had fought with all her might to produce each of those words. Even if at the end it had sounded more like a question than an affirmation.
And his blank face was a clear evidence he had listened. She waited for his response. But he just stayed there. Quiet. And he seemed to be processing her words little by little.
Why is he not saying anything? She turned to look at him.
I don't know. Maybe for the thing you just said? Her mind teased. Let's see what is the opposite of living alone?
That would be living together. Elsa answered herself. And... Oh…ohhh. Oh no. I didn't just say that.
Oh, but you did.
And then it hit her. Like a splash of cold water. What she had said. Not like she meant it that way. But there was the possibility in that simple sentence.
As realization of the possible meaning of her words Elsa felt her stomach shrunk. Almost immediately embarrassment filled her from toes to head completely.
She hugged herself even more nervous and turned around to avoid his surprised stare.
"I mean," she quickly added trying to hide her sudden trembling voice. "There's lots of things going on right now, like who could be responsible of the fire and if it could be related to my magic acting weird. So, as Anna would say, the best we can do is work together. As a team in this near future I mean. To solve this."
"Erm, right. Of course. Yes. Teamwork." Derek finally spoke trying to sound normal. His anger tone had also vanished. Although all he could say we're small sentences.
Why am I mumbling so much?!
"Anyway," Elsa made a pause and then continued. "At least for now we know I am a target, and …"
"Elsa," Derek spoke more articulate in his words. Interrupting her but still with more control of himself. What Elsa had just said about being a target had clearly woken his concern. "You shouldn't think like that."
"But it's true Derek. And you know it." She said as she turned to face him and opened her arms to make herself clear. She had finally admitted out loud what had been bothering her ever since all started. "Before you said you wanted to say or do something for me. Well, there is something I..."
"Elsa," he warned her by interrupting her again. "You better not say, what I think you are going to..." Derek was frowning.
"But I will. And would you stop interrupting me? I'm trying to say something." she was the one who didn't let him finish this time. She looked at him daringly. "Derek, please. Can you promise me to protect Anna and the others in case something bad happens. And take care of them in case I di …" Elsa gasped suddenly as all the air was taken away from her lungs in an instant.
She couldn't finish her sentence as once again, Derek had the audacity to interrupt her. But this time he had literally taken her the ability to speak. As the blond had been engulfed into the biggest hug she had ever experienced. And she had been hugged by Marshmallow for heavens sake. The poor Queen not only had lost the ability to speak but also to even breath, think and move.
Her arms were now trapped under his. His face was so close to hers, that his hair was tickling her cheek. And when she tried to breath she was filled with his scent of fresh parchment, a touch of cinnamon and salty water of the sea. There was also the smell of Oaken's rose petals shampoo from the other night. Which had also being impregnated in Elsa's hair. There was another smell in the mixture. A hint of chocolate. Probably from the ones Elsa and Derek had been sharing by the shore earlier. Why did he had to smell of chocolate? Why?!
Good thing he couldn't see her face. But was there any need?
The thing about having magical powers had it's perks but also had it's implications. Emotions. Elsa had to always be ready to show her true feelings. She had had to live with it all her life.
But this time, she didn't even know what she was feeling now. And the poor Snow Queen had been caught so off guard that there hadn't been any time for her to brace herself and control her powers. So obviously, in the most raw possible way, her magic had made its appearance in the shape of flying swirls coming out of her hands that bursted out like small fireworks of different colours illuminating the dark hallway and them for a brief moment. The magic seemed similar to that time they went horse riding, or that time they were alone at the forest.
"You should stop thinking that something bad will happen to you." he whispered at her ear giving her shivers down ti her spine. "It simply doesn't suit you. Not when you are you. Not when we are all here for you. Not when you dress so dashing to face any danger."
Elsa just stayed frozen. No pun intended. She felt completely out of words.
Derek must have sensed her stiffness as he released her from the hug almost immediately.
"I'm sorry." He said sounding nervous leaving some space between them as he released her arms.
"I know what I did was out of place. I was being selfish. I know how difficult it must be for you to deal with the human touch. But I simply couldn't let you say those words. Words have power Elsa and I won't let you say that. Also, father always says hugs can be healing and communicate what we want to say without words. And since I am out of words and you wouldn't listen I thought maybe," he looked down at the carpet with embarrassment. "I crossed the line this time didn't I?"
It was then that finally Elsa managed to send signals from her brain to her body. She breathed in and out. Erratically but at least she was back to functioning.
They stayed there quietly as little by little the Snow Queen managed to snap out of her trance and feel her arms and hands. Her legs were another story, as they felt like jelly. It was a miracle she was still standing.
She dared to look at him. He was still looking at the floor. Probably embarrassed and worried that he had made her feel uncomfortable.
"Anyway, I shall retire before I make more ridiculous of myself." He finally said. "Also, I might as well ask for your consideration that my actions were only of my own doing and not in representation or my kingdom. And maybe just side effects of reindeer tonic. And I should go before I say or do something more stupid. Goodbye then."
The moment he started to turn around, Elsa snapped out and forced her frozen body to respond. And then, moved by a misterious force, she stretched her arm to reach his arm.
"Wait!" she called to him forgetting they were in the Royal hallway where not very far Anna must have been sleeping.
She had managed to grab the soft fabric of his blue pijamas.
He stopped and turned around to look at her. He seemed puzzled by her actions. What he didn't know was that she felt as puzzled as him. Elsa let go of him as he addressed her.
"Before we embarrass ourselves any further. Can I suggest something?" she said taking care this time to speak in a lower tone.
The Prince turned his body completely to look at her.
"What is it?"
"From now on, let's stop apologizing to each other." She asked. "It's getting almost too ridiculous as Oken's decor. Please?"
He couldn't hide the small half smile at her silly plead.
"That I can do." He said looking at her with consent.
"Also ..." Elsa hesitated. "This might sound stupid after my recent reaction or better say my lack of it. But, can I ask you something?"
"As long as it's not related with what you almost said earlier." He said concerned.
"It's not." She responded. "This is another kind of request."
"Then I'll listen." He nodded.
Elsa bit her lip hesitant. Then she spoke.
"I am also out of words right now… and," Elsa looked down. "Maybe I should listen more to Olaf and now also to your father's advise. So, will you… ehem…" she took a deep breath as she raised her eyes to meet his. "Will you also allow me to be selfish? Just this time?"
Derek's face went from confused to surprised, to flustered to happy as her words were processed in his tired mind. His eyes opened in signal he had gotten her subtle message.
"We can be selfish together if you'd like?" he offered with a slight teasing tone. "You know, together for survival purposes?"
Derek opened slightly his arms in a welcoming guessture.
Elsa couldn't help but smile at that silly invitation.
Then she nodded. "That sounds nice."
Derek nodded at her in a silent message. This time he would let her take the first step. Whenever she felt ready he'd be there. And in truth she didn't. But still she had to try. For survival purposes of course.
And just like that, Elsa felt herself moving one, then two steps forward towards him.
As soon as she reached the third step closing any distance between them, Derek slowly and gently closed his arms on her back.
This time, Elsa didn't stayed frozen, again no pun intended, and responded by grabbing her arms around his back. While he, being a bit taller than her rounded her completely from waist to back. A sense of dejà vu moment made Elsa remember their first dancing lesson.
Yet, this time they weren't in front of a snowman teacher to guide them. They were on their own. Not that she minded.
Allowing herself to be more comfortable into the hug, Elsa let her muscles finally relax a bit as he tightened his grip.
Derek's hug could be compared to a junior version of the famous bear hugs that his father loved to give. She came to realize. Who would have thought that about the Rebel Prince? His hugs could be strong and yet so tender. A wild mixture of raw emotions enough to take someone's breath away. Yet, in this case, Elsa couldn't care the least if she lost all her air right at this moment.
A few moments later, Derek seemed to have noticed his strength on the embrace and let lose of it a bit probably worrying for Elsa's bruises in her rib. But the moment he started to release the grip, Elsa, almost instinctively, pressed herself more into him. Probably surprising both.
Not sure why she did it, or where did she found the courage to do it. But after all that she's been through, she wasn't ready to let go of him yet and face the real world.
For this moment, she wouldn't pay attention to the constant worries. For this moment she would take a break from possible nightmares, erratic magic powers, responsibilities of the Crown and dark cloaked figures that were after her.
He seemed to have gotten her silent message or plead and complied to her request by pulling her once again.
This time, with a new found confidence and gentlier than before, their hands found new places to rest and express what in words they couldn't. One of Derek's hand raised to hold her head into him while his other arm held her back and waist to lift her and almost carry her weight. Leaving the Queen almost standing in her bare tiptoes.
Feeling herself light and trapped almost -not that it bothered her that much- it didn't passed unnoticed to the Queen he had balanced his weight to his good leg; reminding her, he was still not fully recovered. So she needed to find a better position and let him know he could rest his weight on her as well.
Shyly but determined to not let him be injured even more, Elsa's hands had to find a better way to hold him. So before she changed her mind, she took the opportunity to circle his neck completely pulling him down a bit to let him know he could rest his head on her shoulder. And getting her message he obliged to her request by letting her do the same; so she could rest her head next to his as well.
Once again, Elsa was reminded of that time they they finally got the dancing posture right. It had took them time almost the whole class and had been almost a torture for both of them. This time however, time seemed irrelevant. And theybseeme stone enjoykng this kind of torture as they learnt to fit together.
And when they finally rested on each other they finally found common ground. They would stop arguing silently that the other might get hurt and they would let themselves melt into the embrace.
Elsa felt herself smiling at the irony of everything. He was right. Only them, would compete and argue about the better way to hug and avoid hurting the other.
Derek's muscles felt less rigid as he must have came to the same conclusion as her. He released his tension with a soft breath that Elsa felt on her neck, realizing for the first time how close they were now given their new hug arrangement to avoid hurting each other.
He breathed again into her neck and the hot air gave her goose bumps to all her body almost immediately. In response, a new wave of small colourful swirls illuminated the hallway in a fraction of a second.
That was the thing that made Elsa realize that they were still standing in a hallway where anyone could pass and see them. if they didn't stop soon someone might pass and see them, well hugging.
Nothing wrong about two friends hugging. But this moment, was their selfish moment. And she didn't felt like sharing it with anyone else. Ever.
It was a hug. Nothing more. Nothing less. But Elsa was no fool. She knew better. And she knew that he knew. It was more than a hug. It was a silent apology. A silent bond. A silent cure for that fight they had. And definitely the side effects were better than those of the reindeer tonic. And it was also a silent promise. For survival purposes of course. But still.
He wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. And no matter how cliché it might sound, she couldn't avoid feeling flattered by it. A true Prince in Shinning Armor with a weird taste for armors. Such as torn shirts, no pants, cow costumes, red pijamas onsies, and now unmatching socks.
So imperfectly perfect, her inner self added. And deep down Elsa wouldn't argue with that.
And of course there was the rational side of Elsa. Also in the back of her mind. Although with less strength this time.
It might be just a simple hug. Of two friends. Nothing wrong in that. Right? But these were the Queen of Arendelle and a Prince of Rosendelle. The infamous Snow Queen and the called Rebel Prince. The infamous outlaws of royalty. The implications of getting caught without a chaperone at such a compromising stituation, well, could bring scandal to the Crown and gossip among the staff.
And yet …
And yet, Elsa could care less at this moment if she got caught by the Queen of Drama herself. This was their moment. Ever since their fight that night of the ball, there had been a fracture between them. A damaged bridge that was only put aside due to a fire and then a visit to the trolls. All those times they had being postponing whatever this was.
But now that she was holding him and being held by him she felt that finally the fracture of that fight was being repaired. As if the hug worked like an invisible magical glue that stick them together. Metaphorically and literally speaking. As they were mostly stuck to each other at the moment.
Still, she couldn't shut down her reasonable side. And she knew sooner or later they would need to lose that embrace and go back to reality. Where danger waited ahead and responsibilities did as well.
Elsa, decided at that moment it was time to let go. So, trying to ignore the addictive intoxication of his scent and warmth, slowly she started to move her head back and chest to face him.
Derek must have read her intentions or maybe though the same as her, cause their faces met at the middle at the same time.
He smiled innocently at her and spoke first.
"Can I just say, for someone who has struggled with human touch; and who is literally wearing an ice gown. You are by far the second best to give warm hugs?" he added.
Elsa smiled. "Let me guess. Olaf is the number one isn't he?"
He nodded returning the smile. "What made you guess?"
"I made him for that purpose." She simply added with a soft smile. "He's the expert."
They both shared a silent laugh.
As they laughed the dark hallway was illuminated again. The glow of her magic making Derek's crystal shine as well in response. Around them, it seemed as if all colors of the rainbow had come alive in the form of tiny bits of ice. Small flakes of her magic, dancing around them slowly like satelites.
The young Queen just stared at his face. Derek's face would turn from blue to green to pink and many many colours. As the different lights reflected on both of them.
She knew she had to let go of him. And she knew he must have been thinking the same.
And yet, no one seemed in a hurry to give the first step. The real question was. What first step was she actually thinking of?
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Meanwhile inside of Derek's mind something very similar to Elsa's was also happening.
The Prince could feel that same buzzing in the back of his mind. Tha familiar impulse he had felt that time at the bridge under the stars.
Do it! He could hear his mind from afar. Just do it!
He ignored his mind.
What are you waiting for?!!
Elsa's face reflected every colour of the rainbow as her magic rounded them for that moment. And he just couldn't stop staring. She looked like a live piece of art.
Just do it!!
He looked at her. This time trying to find her eyes and then couldn't avoid seeing a wild hair strand over her forehead.
Almost immediately his hand left the back of her head and reached her hair strand. His thumb moved the hair to the back of her ear slowly, letting himself be selfish as he dared to caress one of Elsa's cheek where she had an almost invisible scratch from result of her fall of the hospital window. A small reminder of that danger.
He hated to admit it. But she did had a point. Elsa seemed to be the target.
Elsa jumped a bit by his movement but probably after their sudden exchange she didn't flinch as much and welcomed the guessture by closing her eyes slightly.
And she looked tired, he noticed. So tired and her braid was almost getting lose. And yet she hadn't looked ever so perfect.
And here they were. Standing in the now semi dark hallway. The carpet wet for the melted snow. Their bodies tired for almost not sleeping two days in a row and the clock bells ringing marking the beginning of a new day.
"It's Christmas Eve." Elsa finally spoke as her hand reached the hand he was using to check on her injury. She took his hand gently and lowered it so that they remained holding hands.
Her soft tone and the feeling of her hand holding his finally woke him from his distracted mind over her…Ehem, her…her injury.
"Derek," she started. "as much as I wouldn't mind you arranging my messy hair. Today we actually have work to do remember?"
There was a slight teasing tone in her voice. A silent thank you from her. And he knew it was time to go back to reality.
He remembered now. Given the fire, the Winter fair had to be cancelled but Anna and the members of the Council had come with a plan to show Arendelle's capacity to recover so soon to the eyes of the other nations. They had prepared a small gather at the plaza to raise funds to build the hospital and bring joy of Christmas for the town's people. He had even volunteer to help. And of course Elsa as the Queen would be there as well.
The Prince got her message. It was time to let go. And he nodded in agreement. They released their embrace and finally they let go of their holding hands.
Now matter what, Elsa would always put everyone's happiness above hers and maybe that's why he had learnt to admire her. Even if that meant he had to trust her to act on her own even if he didn't agree.
She was right. He had stayed in Arendelle to help. They had lots of work to do. For the sake of the people. And for the sake of Arendelle's reputation. The kingdom was probably the favourite topic among other dignitaries and it was up to them to restore the land and prove how capable the Royal Family and Arendelle's people were.
And they had just a few hours to prove it.
Yes. There was no time to lose.
"Coffee?" Derek suddenly suggested with an inviting smile.
"Oh my God. Yes please." Elsa said returning the smile. "As always you always know what to say."
"Do you mind if I change my clothes first?" he asked. "And maybe take a shower."
"I was thinking the same actually." Elsa said as she looked at the mirror that was on the corner of the hallway. "We still have that stench of Oaken's flower shampoo. Not to mention my hair is all messy. I look like a scarecrow."
Derek almost snorted as he tried to hide his laughter for her comment.
"You kind of do actually." He declared. "A pretty one, but still."
Elsa turned around quickly. It could have been his imagination but he would have sworn she had felt embarrassed by his innocent comment.
"Uhm," she cleared her voice. "My office in one hour?"
"Sure." He added. "How about, we make it interesting. Last one to finish all the paperwork, has to convince Kai to dress as Santa Claus for the evening event."
"Interesting." She said with a playful simle. "I think you got your self a bet, Captain."
"Get ready to lose Your Majesty."
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And that's all for now . What do you think?
You have no idea how difficult it was to write this. There were at least 10 versions of this outcome. I still wonder of the what ifs? But this is not marvel hahaha so it is what it is. Merry Christmas. You deserved a bit of content after I was away so long correcting this story.