A/N: Happy New Years, everybody! I hope you all had a great 2015 and hopefully will have another great year!

Pabbie's on the ground. He laid there, motionless. Lifeless. I called him.

"Pabbie! Pabbie!" I nudged him with my little palms. He was still, sleeping quietly.

"Pabbie! Pabbie!" I called again, looking around. Why was Pabbie sleeping here? People looked at us, surround the car. The sound of the horn was continuous. The murmurs were loud.

I looked around nervously, worriedly. "Pabbie, wake up!" I continued to nudge him. I couldn't get my seatbelt off because I didn't know how!

"Pabbie, I'm hungry! Can we get food?"

He didn't wake. The door next to me broke open and I turned. A policeman!

"Elsa, let's get out." He reached a hand towards me, grabbing my arm.

"B-But Pabbie…"

He smiled. "We'll get him out too, darling, but first let's get you out, alright?"

I turned to Pabbie. Why wasn't he waking up? My violin! I needed my violin… It was in the back! I turned to see, that the back seat was empty. "H-Huh?"

"Elsa, come. Out, now." I looked at the policeman and shivers ran down my back at the familiarity.

Wait, that voice… Anna?

I tensed, glaring at the cop. His hair changed to a bright copper, teal eyes glistening. They were glazed. "Anna…" I whispered. She gripped onto me harder.

"Your fault…" she mouthed.

Fear took over, my eyes widening in tears. Her words were poison and I was suffocating in it. Everything became black and I looked around. Pabbie was gone and so was the crowd. We were in a space of blackness that extended beyond any limit. Now there were only the two of us.

"Your fault…" Anna repeated. I turned to her, my body shaking. I gasped as she grabbed my collar, bringing me up close to her face. I took her wrist in my hand. My nails bit against her skin—cold, very cold skin.

Frigid steam came out of her nose. I was breathing heavily, looking her square in the eyes. Tears slowly streamed down my cheeks as she looked at me so coldly. She looked dead but so was my right arm.

Warm blood ran down my skin, the numbness of my shoulder down to my arm, hurting me.

"A-Anna—"

"This is all your fault," She whispered. "ALL OF IT!"

"N-No… No…" I shook my head. "It's not… Anna, it's not."

"It is… all of it."

I was frightened and shaking as if I was having a seizure.

"Please… Please, Anna, stop! STOP!"

"Elsa… Elsa… wake up… Elsa! Elsa, wake up! Elsa Snow!"

Anna?

"STOP!" I quickly sat up straight in bed, my hand reaching for nothing but the air in front of me. I gasped for air. I grabbed my chest, in hopes to keep my heart still.

"Elsa, oh my god, are you alright? Elsa, can you hear me? Elsa!"

I gasped, turning to the voice. My eyes were blurred with tears and I could barely see her. She didn't seem too worried, however. "Anna?"

She smiled gently. Her hand tenderly came up to my cheek, cradling me. "Hey, it's me… it's alright."

I gulped, feeling a droplet of sweat gliding down my cheek. "You're here…"

She nodded, turning my head toward her. I looked directly into her eyes. They weren't as dark as the ones that were in my dream. "I'm here, Elsa. I'm here…" I could feel her hesitate but slowly she extended her arms and laid me against her body.

Anna slowly laid us down to the mattress, my ear against her beating heart.

She tenderly ran her fingers through my unkempt hair. "It's still dark. Do you want to talk or go back to sleep, Elsa?"

I stayed quiet. I didn't know what else to say. God, she was calming me, as I was still hot all over from the dream. "You should sleep."

"You should too."

I tucked my head under her chin and she gave out a warm puff of air. "Soon," I replied, as her fingers forced back the tears and my fears. She filled me with light and warmth. Strength, was probably what I meant.

"Okay," she mouthed and I felt a worried, but also relieved, grin on her face. I purred at the fingers on my back, leaving light, thin scratches. It was fine… so very, very fine. "If you want, we can talk about it. It's about me after all, am I right?"

"I've never said it was you."

"By your descriptions and your hints for all these months, I'm sure it's me."

I remained stiff, fingers fiddling with the bottom of her shirt. She was getting wiser, but I couldn't figure whether it was a good thing or an immediate warning for me to run. Oh, how could I ever run from her? Perhaps, I just never realized the care she had for me.

Letting out a puff of air, I decided to refuse her persistence. "No, I don't… I don't want to talk about it."

"What do you fear?"

"I would fear that you'd cry." Holy god, she is getting wiser. Have I created a monster?

Anna nodded, lip between her teeth. I slowly crawled back to my space and let her tuck me under the blanket. I was a little disappointed, seeing how she was definitely warmer than a piece of cloth.

My hand peeked out of the silk white blanket and she grinned, turning to me. She held my fingers between hers, placing them beautifully together like a couple's accessory. We were not a couple. "I'll be here, you know?"

I nodded. "I know." I tried to smile but it failed immediately, with a single tear falling. I didn't even notice until her smile turned upside down and a brush of her finger sliding across my cheek.

"Oh Elsa…" She quickly brought me into a hug and I embraced her tightly. I hadn't cried like this in someone's arms for so long. I was open and never had I been shaking so badly and weeping so loudly against someone. No, I had… I was never the one to admit this weakness.

I shuddered, shoulders shaking as I pressed my face against her chest. My fists on her shirt grew tight, as if it'd rip apart if I pulled.

My cries drowned against her and my ears drowned in pleasure with her voice of comfort.

"It's okay… It's okay, I'm here and I won't hurt you, you know? I'd never." As opposed to our pain for the past… months?

Her hands began drawing soft rounds around my back. I felt safe. And I found my comfort.

Although I did say I feared she'd cry—No, I did mind, of course—I feared even more that I had to show such weakness to her. And here I was, weeping in her arms.

But she didn't seem to mind that either.

I felt her finger, on my cheek, wiping my tears. I looked up to see her sunshine grin. "Hey."

Anna giggled when she heard me hiccup continuously. "You're alright, Elsa…"

I didn't want to believe it, but I looked at her curiously. "You'll be fine. I know you will. You've endured for 15 years, you're strong. A beautiful, strong girl." She let out another sweet giggle as she pinched my cheek lightly.

Cute, I'd admit.

But she said those words so easily. I knew I'd always been weak and those words were never so easily spoken out. I struggled to get to this point. Maybe… struggling for no reason at all. Struggling for the wrong reason. Worrying for no reason, either.

Nodding, I hugged her again, my head below her chin like I claimed it.

I felt that this wasn't the right time to talk. I needed the peace and the warmth from her presence.

"You can cry all you want… I won't judge."

I shook my head.

"You can talk to me, I know you want to."

No, I didn't. I'd rather enjoy this peace, and I was. Together. Alone. Like we were in love.

Shaking my head, I grasped her tighter. She tensed, but slowly relaxed when I whispered a sorry to her.

"I can't," I replied, ever so softly. Apologetically, maybe.

But I didn't know what I 'couldn't' do. I couldn't love? I couldn't talk to her? I was supposed to open up to her. Opening up to someone was unnerving and I was terrified. So terrified that it was almost hilarious. Just a few words wouldn't harm anyone, but if I wasn't careful, Anna would be gone.

She ran her fingers through my hair, nails tenderly massaging my scalp. It was an amazing feeling, but I was just too bothered.

"I saw you didn't take your meds," she started. I almost scowled at her, but she was only concerned for me.

Releasing her, I placed my palms on her waist and tilted my chin up. She smelled amazingly, eyes glistening so beautifully as the dawn broke through the dark cloudless sky. It was mesmerizing, but so haunting.

I looked away. Anna was just too bright for my own good. "I've… never needed those for months. They don't work."

"I'd like to think they do." Slowly, I distanced myself away from her, but she still brushed her fingers through my fringes. Her gazes were calming, looking at me as if she didn't see me as a monster that I was.

"You seem exhausted." Have I never been?

I smiled, but it didn't reach my eyes. "I'm sorry, I… woke you up."

Anna shook her head, finding my hand. She put them between us and I stared intently at the laced fingers. "You should never be sorry for what you can't help doing."

Oh, then should I be sorry that I couldn't help cheating?

My expression grimaced, but she didn't seem to notice. Was she back to that naïve, oblivious woman again? Perhaps, she was only faking it.

"Sleep, alright? We have a couple of hours."

I chuckled, helplessly and I looked at her with loving eyes. "I've always been the one telling you what to do."

Anna shrugged. "Well, now our roles are switched. We sleep, okay?"

This was the least I could do for her. Listen to her, and let her guide me to where ever she needed me to go. This was my redemption.

Sighing, I nuzzle back into her and she instinctively, tucked her chin on top of my head. This was a comforting feeling. I never want this to end.

Closing my eyes, I purred with delight from her working fingers. Her breathing was slow, brushing through my hair. It tickled, but the feeling was pleasant. She was whispering, possibly singing, soft sweet things in my ear. I couldn't hear it.

Soon enough I fell asleep, my fingers held tight between hers, her thumb caressing the back of my hand warmly. My body relaxed and I was safe in her arms.

"Sweet dreams, beautiful," she whispered.

Too noisy. I opened my eyes slowly at the sound of the seagulls squawking through the air. "Mm…" I groaned, flipping to my side.

Elsa?

Patting my palm on the empty bedside, I opened my eyes. She was gone, but the blanket was neatly covering her empty side. Her side was warm. She must have just woken up, but I doubt she would do something so active in the morning.

9:00… Maybe I should go back to sleep for a few.

The clock ticked and minutes passed, and I have yet to fall back into my slumber. It must've been Elsa's nightmare that'd been keeping me from sleeping. I scowled. Seeing her like that, had always made my heart ache as if it weighed a thousand pounds and it was sinking.

Sitting up, I ran my fingers through my hair, and sighed. This sucks.

Her bedside was empty, but I continued to gaze, unfocused, pretending that she was here. I ran my hand on her pillow and I imagined that I had my fingers in her hair and she was sleeping soundlessly. I was comforting her from her wavering mumbles.

Elsa had always seem to cold and strong, but seeing her vulnerability was… It felt awful to the heart.

But I'm here, she'll be okay. I hope.

Getting up and making myself look presentable, I walked down the spiral flight of stairs. The metal was cold on my feet, but I tried my hardest not to squeak.

I saw her looking out the glass wall. She was in her shirt and shorts, but her posture was awful. Elsa seemed tired, but most importantly, weak. As if she put a spell on me, I could not stop my gazes, only my footsteps.

She had a cup of coffee in her hand and she leaned against the dining table. My heart skipped so suddenly that I thought it'd stopped the moment she whispered something—a word or two to herself—and ran her fingers through her fringes.

But I couldn't stay like this for long. I could stare at her all day, but not like this!

I coughed. "Morning, Elsa." I smiled as widely as I could, taking the last few steps down and came up to her.

Elsa turned, grinning slightly. "Good morning. I see you've woken up quite early today. Coffee?" She raised hers and I nodded.

"The seagulls are just too noisy," I groaned, setting myself on the side of the dining table. She chuckled, fetching me a cup of a deliciously brewed coffee. God that smelled good and I needed that from the jetlag. "Or maybe it's jetlag."

She grinned, grabbing four packs of sugar and raised them to me. I mouthed to her 'six' and she raised her eyebrows. "What? I like sweet things!"

Elsa didn't bother to retort and poured them. "Did you have a nice sleep?" she asked. God, it was obvious what she was trying to avoid saying, but I saw through her.

I leaned forward and she handed me the saucer.

"Coffee."

"Thanks," I took a sip and immediately let out a shiver. The flavor was just perfect.

The wonderful blonde sat across from me, blue eyes, beautifully colored and shiny, looking at me.

"It was alright," I told her, slowly setting my cup down. "I mean, it was amazing before… your dream—"

"I'd rather not talk about that," she murmured between her teeth, quickly getting up and stared into the open sea, crashing into the shore.

"You can't get away with everything, Elsa." I got up, standing behind her as she huffed a breath. Had she looked that slender from the back? No, that didn't matter now.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "No, I can't."

Elsa stood straight and I could feel her tense as I walked up behind her. I pressed a hand on her back, fingers trembling down her back and she shuddered.

"So… why can't you tell me?" I continued. "I… I'll only be here for a week—"

She turned around, grabbing my wrist. Her grip tightened and I refrained from tugging my hand away. It pained me to see her glaring, but it looked too familiar… like meeting an old friend. I brought my fingers into a fist, lips tightening at the intensifying stare. My body was used to this—seeing piping, red fumes of anger through her coldness of eyes.

Oh we can play this game, if this is what she wants.

Her expression was as dark as the grey sky, eyebrows crossed so irritatingly.

I glanced at her hand on my wrist. It was giving my red imprints, but I couldn't care less.

"It's none of your business, Anna," she muttered between her minty breaths.

Staying silent, I closed, eyes up on hers. She looked like a wild animal and I was going to tame her. Order her. Elsa did not loosen her rough touches, and to say I was used to it… Ha! Oh, I was… and I had not forgotten the feeling of her skin against mine.

"It is," I breathed, running my palm on her cheek.

She flinched, eyes averted to my hand. She knew my intention… what I wanted to see… to understand. I wanted to understand her and I was testing her good faith. Perhaps, it'd be good both for me and Belle.

Her lips quivered and I bit mine. She was hesitant, but I knew she was so desperate for the warmth of my hands… anything that she could hold onto and never let go.

Aren't we all?

Elsa let go of me. She almost whimpered like a child in need of love. Elsa could have all the things she wanted and that, included the love she needed.

"We can't do this," she whispered, words trembling out. Her words troubled me.

"I only ask if we can… talk about this." I prompted.

"We can talk." She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. This was strange, seeing how easily convinced she was. Was this the change that she wanted to go through? I doubt it, but a part of me believed that this was it.

I'm not surprised.

"We can talk, but first, I'll make you some breakfast, will that be alright?" Elsa beamed weakly and only a faint light glowed from her eyes. I was almost mortified with the lack of… well, joy, was it?

Looking at her, I stepped back. "Yeah, thanks… I'm hungry, anyway."

"Then, I'll quickly get us…" She thought for a while, heading to the fridge. Thoroughly, she looked through it and I could only grin tightly. Elsa seemed relaxed now, but my heart ached. "Would omelet be alright? I don't have many ingredients in here."

"I can cook—"

"No, you stay put." She turned, looking at me intimidatingly. I was forced to take a seat, her eyes hypnotizing me yet again. How could I be in her control… so easily, so fast? I was just controlling her a second ago!

Inwardly, I chuckled in amusement. My cheeks flared red, eyes square on hers like two animals fighting equally against each other.

"Let me be nice…"

"You don't have to, you've always been nice."

"Let me be your friend. For a second, let's forget everything. Can we agree on that?" Her eyes challenged me.

"Ironic, because 'forgetting' is what started all of this, Elsa Snow."

She sighed, eyes closed. She shook her head low. I could sense her, refraining from swearing.

"I'll make us some breakfast," she muttered, straightening herself up. I watched her oil the pan, eggs cracking against it, and she whisked everything until it turned into a wonderful creamy color of yellow.

The silence was deafening, but I enjoyed watching her cook. The smell whisked through the air and I hummed. My chin was on the table, arms stretched out across.

My stomach growled and I swore she could hear it. I blushed. "I'm hungry," I blurted.

"It'll be ready soon."

"I think I should shower."

She paused, in silence. "I was hoping you wouldn't go."

My head tilted in curiosity, unintentionally laying on my arm. Ah, comfortable.

Maybe I should take a little snoozy.

"Why… why not?" I yawned, glancing out to the empty beach. Was it still snowing, like last night?

"I thought maybe we should… have a little fun, in my Jacuzzi." My ears perked up and I turned to her. She was already putting the food on the plates. "Milk, or juice?"

"OJ please. A Jacuzzi? I didn't know you have one."

She opened the fridge, carefully pouring the juice in the cup. I wondered if her right arm could handle heavy weights. "I do have one." She nodded to the left and my eyes instinctively rolled to where she was nodding at.

Ooh, there it is!

The hexagon shaped tub was huge and white, surrounded by marbles. The area was built under a glass roof and glass walls all over. Ah, Elsa's Snow's taste is as excellent as always.

"I take that silence as a yes. Ketchup?"

I nodded, continuing to stare at the wonderful place. "How… are we even going to… you know." Because we didn't want to get naked in front of each other—it seemed wildly inappropriate when we were ex's and… we were nothing but friends.

"Bathing suits. I saw one in your luggage." Thank god I brought it.

She sat across from me. I looked down to my food and almost giggled when she drew my name in a heart, with ketchup. "Seriously?" I didn't grimace in embarrassment. In fact, it was cute.

The blonde shrugged. "I've always wanted to try doing that."

"You don't have it on yours!" I took the bottle of ketchup from her and grabbed her plate.

'Elsa Snow AKA idiot' I wrote, smirking at her proudly.

"How's that? Nice work, don't you think?"

She almost groaned, but that wide grin and giggled covered it. "You ruined my breakfast. Let alone my appetite."

"You love me."

Oh no.

She paused and both of our long-lasting grins faded. "I do."

Oh fuck no.

This silence was agonizing and I was in shocked. My heart stopped. She'd never looked at me so desolated and so needing—and she was waiting to be needed. Maybe, she only said out of fear. A part of me wanted me to realize, she only said it out of solace.

But we were both collected and calm.

Looking down at my food, I drew my fingers in a fist. "I—"

"Slip of tongue," she started. Bullshit! "I'm sorry, Anna. I didn't mean to say that. The food's going to get cold."

I felt myself boiling on the inside, and I was bursting into flames out of anger. For a moment, I was silent. I waited. I wanted to see what she'd do to me… say to me if I kept quiet.

Elsa began to grin, but it was as if she was smiling like a new born. So weak, but so pure. I almost laughed at myself—she'd never been pure, and she tainted me. I couldn't blame her, because I was attracted to her before we could even say a word to each other.

The idea of her was just so riveting.

"Please eat, Anna," she pressed. She took a bite and I raised my eyebrows and fork.

This silent treatment was odd, but it was not worst. "You still haven't told me about your dream." I took a sip of my water, shaking me awake with its coldness on my tongue.

Her eyebrows quirked up, blue eyes drilling through my soul. Oh that stare!

Slowly, she put her fork down and grabbed a napkin, dabbing it across her lips. "I should… tell you, right?"

Deep breaths. Be patient, Anna. "You said you wanted to start anew, we can start with you being honest with me."

She frowned, twitching like a seizure, she might just have if we continued this stubbornness.

"I've been very honest with you, Anna."

Holy shit!

My brain almost forced me to let out a scoff, but I stomached the irritation. Patience. Patience. Patience!

Elsa leaned in, hands crossed together on the glass table. Our eyes were squared onto each other, but she was desolated. I leaned back onto my chair. Something inside of me must've snapped, because I had no words.

"Honesty is what I need. And…" I wanted to laugh, so badly. "… It's ironic that you're saying that," I jeered. "So tell me—don't lie to me—what made you freak out before… Well, recently, I guess I should say."

The girl in front of me pulled a face, scowling. Oh, Elsa Snow, just give me this one thing, and everything will be good as new.

Staring at her seemed quite difficult. I wanted out. But she was the love of my life, and I'd deal with of any of the challenges thrown at me. Anything. God, I sound so desperate.

"You can't tell me?"

"I don't have the courage to," she answered, leaning back to her seat.

"You don't have to be courageous, you can tell me."

"I'll scare you."

"Maybe you're just scared of yourself." That was bold. But I needed bluntness to face her. Her lips pressed tight, looking at anything but me. If I had to rip and burn every pride that she had just so we could truly be friends, so be it.

Elsa nodded. "I'll tell you."

My lips tipped up to an encouraging grin and I was guiding her to the light she always wanted to go to.

"But promise me, you'll… you'll be understanding. You won't blame yourself… and please, don't cry."

I laughed inwardly. "I make no promises and I sure as hell know you don't."

She looked hurt, eyebrows scrunched together. In pain, right? Exactly how I feel.

Yes, I had to rip her apart. However I needed to—desired to. It'd be good for the both of us.

The blonde's fingers ran through her hair. I remembered how soft those platinum strands were and my fingers ached for one smooth course through her thin strands of fringes. I blinked away the pleasant thought.

This was not a situation for any… well, it just wasn't suitable.

"But fine, I'll try my best."

"You've changed."

"No," I shook my head. "I just… I'm stronger now."

Elsa smiled, huffing out a breath. She looked down to her lap. "Or maybe I'm just weak."

"Maybe."

She nodded and got up, holding her hand out to me. "Come. We can talk in the bedroom… I'll need it."

Taking my hand, she held it tightly. Ah, she was as cold as always, but her skin was so smooth, I craved for more.

Once we got ourselves comfortable, sitting cozily in bed, Elsa started talking. I laid my arms around her waists, her hands on top of mine. She sent shivers down my back, as long, pale fingers run up and down my arms. It tickled but I was too sensitive, perhaps.

I listened to everything she had to say, and while I wanted to ask questions, I didn't. With each word, she grew quieter and my heart grew heavier. Maybe this was my fault. She was hurt, antagonized… but I knew, she meant none of this to happen.

My eyes shifted down to her shaking hands, fingers tightened together.

A part of me wondered why she was only taking all the blame for me? To protect me?

Unwelcomed tears pooled her eyes, but she hadn't noticed when she finished. What was she thinking? Laying her head against the headboard, blurry blue eyes looked up to the ceiling.

But the silence was definitely something I'd welcome in anytime.

Her arms held mine tightly, holding on for dear life. Possibly so that I wouldn't run again. Okay, that was what she wanted. I held her tightly, but let go one arm from her to wipe her tears. She flinched, turning to me slowly.

"What?" she mouthed.

"Crying," I whispered back. "You're crying."

Elsa couldn't have been that damaged that she didn't even realize she was crying.

"Shouldn't you be crying?" she questioned, voice hoarse and cracking terribly. I smiled sadly and immediately, she dove into me for a tight hug. I accepted, pressed my face against the crook of her neck. Ah… smells like mint, pine, and winter.

"It's okay to cry… it's okay. You're a strong girl, my best friend, you can cry all you want," I whispered, lips pressed lightly to her ear.

She wept softly, arms wrapped tightly around me and I patted her back. I was proud of her and although I couldn't show it, I ached for her. This was what I could do… share the pain. We didn't have to lash out on each other like animals in hunger.

Elsa was vulnerable, even if she claimed that she was anything but. My eyes brimmed with concern, but I knew I needed to be proud of her. She'd gotten this far, and I'd pushed her. God, it was incredible to see her change.

Is she alright?

For a while now, she was silent. Her fingers timidly played with the hem of my shirt. I tilted my head to look at her. She's pouting!

My cheeks flared pink. "E-Elsa? Hey, you okay?"

She nodded, rubbing her nose on my shirt. Cute. Too cute. God this was a rare sight!

I cleared my throat, slowly pushing myself away from her. Her cheeks were red, tears staining every inch of her face. Oh what a mess.

"You're my friend, no matter what, okay?"

Elsa picked her eyes up. "You… won't blame yourself?"

My lips pursed together, eyebrows crossed frustratingly. "Well, I… Part of me wants to. But it's all in the past, Elsa. Let it go okay?"

"Have you?"

I swallowed, contemplating. But she was right, have I truly let this go too? No, maybe I was still bitter about Belle. Was that it? "I don't know, but you need to."

"I try."

I grinned, lifting a hand to cup her cheek. She leaned into me and I brushed my thumb below her eye, wiping off the remnant of tears. "I'm proud that you're trying, but you can't give up. You look so… drained, but I'm here, Elsa."

"You're too good to me," she breathed. I swallowed the lump of stings down my throat.

"I learned from my mistakes. Let's be happy. Just for today, Elsa."I smiled. "You said we could stay in a Jacuzzi? Let's do that, first… I kinda want to get cleaned up."

Elsa's eyes were bright, but still lingering with tears and it killed me inside. I caressed her wet cheek, fingers brushing through the blondness of her hair. "We broke up." My heart sunk low, deep down to my stomach with hurt and throbbed as if it wanted out.

"But that's okay," I continued. "We still have each other, right?" What kind of half-assed lie was that? Seeing her like this, it wasn't clear whether I wanted back or out.

She's trying to be good.

What more did I want? Ah, I remembered. Commitment and faith.

"I know." Elsa mouthed and she took a deep reassuring breath. She was alright… I think. "You should get cleaned up, I'll be downstairs."

"You'll be alright."

"With you, yes I will be." What was that supposed to mean?

I was deciding which bathing suit I should be wearing—a green two-piece, or something purple—after taking a silent, and quite welcomed, shower. The choice was obvious, but I wasn't sure if Elsa would like to see me… well, with so much skin.

My face flushed red, feeling hotter than the surface of the sun. I stared at myself in the mirror. What part of me looked so appealing to Elsa Snow?

All these freckles, darkish skin, sunburns, and… child-like hips? God, I was a walking disaster. But a disaster that Elsa adored.

I had a towel wrapped around my body when I got down. "Elsa?"

My body froze when I noticed her… back bare from anything but a white two piece, black ink drawn over her shoulder and down her back. Water ran down her straightened pale skin of her back and I flushed immensely. Perhaps it was just the sun, shining down her, but she rendered me speechless. Her thin fingers ran through her fringes that stuck to her face.

A free hand glided down to the band that kept her braid in place. She quickly pulled it off, shaking her hair out. I stood there, looking stupid and too shock for any words.

"Anna?"

I tightened my grip on my towel. Gosh, I looked foolish under this as opposed to the beauty that radiated through her… god, everything!

She turned her whole body to face me. My cheeks blushed even harder, jaw falling down the floor. She's gorgeous…

And the fact that I wasn't even staring at her eyes but those two… things, made me feel a certain way.

Her grin haunted me and the display of her body was imprinted in my mind. What was this feeling? My heart pounding, aching in a very… god, pleasant way.

"Anna, don't just stand there. Come in."

"I-I…" I trailed off, slowly walking towards her.

She squinted. "Are you alright?"

Eyes! Look at her eyes! Look… at… never mind.

Elsa looked down to herself. I coughed, finally looking elsewhere.

I swore, she smirked. "I can't be the only one dressed like this right?" she asked, eyes up on me. She wanted to play? I'll play.

"You… make me feel so… what's that word?"

"Insecure?"

I tilted my head, in agreement. "Yeah, that."

Elsa chuckled, arms crossed together. It boosted her… fuck, things, up a little. I almost choked.

"You look beautiful."

"Easy for you to say." Slowly, I let go of the towel, letting it slowly slip off me. Elsa licked her lip, arms loosening and her eyes touching me in places that I couldn't—no, I definitely could—imagine.

She backed away, while I took a step forward. "Too hot?"

Elsa tilted her head questionably, eyes back to me.

"The water, is it too hot? I can't handle hot."

She laughed. "I can't either. No, it's not too hot." Elsa offered a hand up and I took it, shivering lightly as I dipped myself in the water.

"That feels goodddd…" I moaned, chin deep into the warm water. God, it was cozy.

She grinned, leaning back, and legs stretched forward.

I looked past her, seeing a wonderfully cold bucket of beers and champagne.

Elsa noticed, grabbing a bottle of cold beer and popped it open. "Here."

"Thanks." I took a larger gulp than I wanted to. I was thirsty!

"Is… Hans picking you up, later?"

I shrugged. "I'm… not sure. I'll have to call him."

She frowned, concerned and firm. "You don't know?"

"No," I answered, guiltily.

Elsa sighed, tilting her head down disappointed. "But… he is taking good care of you, yes?"

"Yes."

She growled. "I swear with my whole life, if he does—"

"Elsa… you're acting really…" I couldn't find the right word.

"Protective. Yes, I am." Elsa put her left hand on her right shoulder. She rolled it, and I almost winced at the noises that it made. Almost.

"Why?"

She paused, eyes cold and bitter, ripping through any love that I had for her. My breath swept away as she crawled towards me, slowly and cat-like. Water waved through her beautiful hair that descended down her back.

We were so close, my body pressed between her arms. She put a hand on my thigh, mine pressed firmly on the ground.

"Why, you ask…?" she breathed ghostly. I almost whimpered, melting below her fingers that caressed my skin. "Because I care about you. And—"

"Loved…"

"Love." Her blue, hypnotizing eyes stroked my lip between my teeth. "I love you."

Wait for it.

"Except… we can't have this. No," She shook her head. "Not until… we learn how to love—and we are."

I looked down, bitterness filling reflection of us in the water, filled me with disgust. This exactly how she'd look at me… longing, wanting—consumed with thirst., but I wanted more.

My arms wrapped around her neck, twiddling with her hair. "I miss you… I miss what we had, Elsa Snow."

"Miss Smith, I do too, as much as you do. But I have to admit," She unwrapped my arms and sat back. "What we had, was dangerous."

"So you think this is healthy? Having to… see you, feel a certain way, and proceed to hide it. This is healthy?"

"It's better than what we had, is what I'd go for."

I nodded, but I wished I could scoff and waved her off. I was just too scared of ruining what we had. Ha! Now, I knew how Elsa felt—we were not so different.

"Okay." I'd given up. "But… you don't have to worry about Hans."

"I trust you."

"I take that I don't have to worry about Belle either?"

Elsa's stillness offered a quite obvious answer.

This time I did scoff. "Elsa, you can't be serious. All this time you and Belle—"

"We're good, Anna."

"You're lying again!" I laughed, squeezing the bridge of my nose tightly. Unbelievable! I left her for months and this was happening again! I almost felt bad for Belle, but a part of me knew Elsa meant no harm. She was… misunderstood. No, perhaps, this was her doing. Purposely.

The blonde liar shut her eyes. "Anna, trust me. We're good."

I didn't know what to believe!

Staring at her in silence, I made sure that she wasn't looking elsewhere or being too obvious about whatever her answer was. 'We're good?' Oh, shut up.

"Okay… Fine." I nodded. "I trust you and Belle. She's a good girl."

"I know."

"I won't worry."

"Thank you."

Getting dressed was harder than I thought it'd be when Elsa was in the bathroom and I was just a few feet away from her closed door. Her shufflings were silent, but a part of me wondered what was taking her so long.

Hans would be here in a few minutes, but I couldn't bear to look at him in the eyes ever again. Elsa and I had fun, but I certainly felt different.

I knocked on her door. "Elsa, are you done?"

"Give me a minute, I can't…" Mumbles. Groans. Curses. I frowned.

"Are you okay? Do you need help?"

"Don't open the door, I'll be fine."

I didn't, waiting for whatever she was doing to finish up.

"If you need help, I can."

"No, I'm done." She shuffled a bit, opening the door. She wore a white t-shirt and denim jeans. Beautiful. "I should've… put my arms in the sleeves first."

I crossed my arms. "Is it that hard to get it over your head and then—"

"Yes, it hurts." Coming out, she reached for my luggage and carried it out the room. I wondered if her left hand was stronger than her right—Oh what a dumb question, Elsa was left handed!

I watched her from the back, hips swaying and god, she looked perfect with those jeans wrapped around her legs so tightly. She turned back. "Anna, come. I hear the car."

"Oh… right." Why did I sound so disappointed?

Elsa seemed to notice, a grin embracing her cheeks. "We have a week. A week to make up for everything, don't make that look."

I quickly caught up to her as we walked down the spiral stairs. "I thought you liked it when I pout."

"But for the cutest reason, not this." She opened the door, letting me come out first. Hans was out of his car, back leaned against the side. I smiled as he waved to me.

"He's grown." Elsa's voice ringed through my ears, and that grin before drooped sadly. "He's handsome, Anna. He's lucky to have you."

I smiled sadly when our fingers brushed. Neither of us had the courage to hold our touch. Hans opened the door for me, but I did not dare to go back to him yet.

Turning my back to him, I faced Elsa. She seemed like a kid—the one that I knew. Or, should I say, the other Anna knew.

Our fingers jerked with every little contact, and we were so adjacent to one another that we could feel our breath grazing against the microscopic hair on our cheeks.

My pinky hooked with hers. She grinned tightly. "I'll catch you later, Anna."

Memories.

I leaned in quickly, lips pressed delicately on her cheek. She was warm and I lingered for more. And I'd want more if it was her lips that I was kissing. It would be a dream to live for.

Pulling away, she looked lost in whatever paradise she was experiencing.

"I'll see you again… whenever you like, Elsa."

"Of course…"

I let go of her pinky and she'd woken up. Her hands climbed to her butt pockets as I grabbed my suitcase.

Elsa was still staring as Hans, hugged me to his fullest. I'd always been fond with his arms around me, but it'd gotten quite... confining with her eyes gleaming down on me like a hawk. Ah, this was the Elsa Snow I knew. Protective... Oh, and of course, jealous.

"Hey, babe, I missed you."

I gave him the most genuine grin and a tightened grip. I wasn't sure what I wanted to accomplished here.

"Me too, Hans."

"Had fun?"

"Lots."

"Well, I'm jealous. Give me a kiss to make it up."

I giggled, eagerly meeting his lips with mine, his arms wrapped around my waist. Elsa only stared so heart brokenly, turning away when it was all she could take.

No doubt, I wouldn't blame her.

"Go on, get in the car, okay? I need to…" He turned to Elsa. "Please?"

"Yeah," I grinned. "Don't take long."

"Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I do."

They kissed, when I least expected. My heart sunk, feeling like a punching bag and they were boxing gloves, crushing me to my limit. My body was filled with anger and heat, but I couldn't bear to let it out.

Scratching the back of my neck, I turned away. This was painfully awkward. No, it was just pain.

When Anna got into the car, Hans faced me. A talk was what we both needed.

"Hey, Elsa."

"Hans." I nodded.

He cleared his throat, scratching his head. Anna had her eyes on us, and she worried. I didn't care and the one thing that we both needed, was some closure. Some reassurance perhaps.

The redhead in front of me looked unsure.

"Has she been good to you?" I asked. God, I sound like my mother. Horrific, it really was.

He nodded. "Yeah… yeah, she's been so good."

"Have you?"

Hans chuckled. "It really depends on what she told you. Look, when we were kids—"

My hand raised to stop him. "The past is in the past, what you did was awful, but I did slap you so…" I had to grin at the memory of the back of my hand, knocking him off his feet. Ah, it was wonderful. "… You have nothing to be worried about."

"I've never wanted to bully you, Elsa," he started.

"I know that."

"My brothers! God, they were… they were awful, I-I didn't want to bully you—"

"No, but you were jealous of me."

"I was. I've liked her since and… to see her getting all fondly over you, was… I was jealous, that's all I could say—" He looked down to see my hand offered for him to shake.

"We're good," I said. "Just… be good to Anna too."

Hans was hesitant, but slowly took it firmly. Quickly he pulled me into a hug. I was in shock for a moment—I was never much of a hugger and to see Anna's mouth wide open to see me hugging her boyfriend, well, I found it quite funny. I patted his back. He smelled like chocolate.

"Yeah… I will."

I looked at the suitcase left beside my piano. "What the hell…" I whispered to myself. Coming home to see this… Unbelievable. "Belle?"

She was in my room, sitting in my seat.

"Belle, what is—" My eyes glanced to her hand, as she turned her seat to face me. She was emotionless and I tensed out of fear, blueness glued to the opened box with two diamond rings sitting cozily in their seat.

"What is this, you say?" she chuckled, taking a ring in her hand and placed it around her ring finger. It didn't fit. "Yeah, what is this, Elsa?"

"Belle—"

"I thought… if I came back," She put her hand out, the clear stone glistening with light around her finger. "You'd come back to me. You said you would marry me… but this box isn't for us right?"

I had nothing to say, other than letting her beat me up. I was wordless and helpless.

Belle got up, walking towards me. I stayed in my spot.

"It's not what you think," I breathed.

She held my hand, each fingers intertwining one another one by one. She held tightly, but I was limp and numb to any touches.

"No, it's exactly what I thought it'd be. You're not over her, and the things you've said to me two years ago… it was meant for her, right? I'm just… what, your plaything."

"I'm... just a whore you'd fuck until you're tired and would toss me out? I'm just another one of those women to you, right?"

I shut my eyes. "Don't say that, Belle."

"I love you."

Quiet. It was dreadful to keep my mouth shut.

She smiled, wistfully. "Okay, you can't say it. You love her too much, don't you?" I flinched when her warm hand brushed through my hair and coming down to caress my cheek. It was soothing. I caught myself relaxing into her touch.

"Don't you, Elsa?"

"I do."

"Okay… then take good care of her. Don't hurt her again, okay?"

I blinked. "What—" She took my hand, placing the box on my palm.

"Be good to her while I'm gone."

"You're leaving me?"

She shook her head. "You've already left me the day we broke up two years ago." I stood frozen as she leaned in, her lips pressed to mine. Ah, tender, as always but… a hint of bittersweet swiped onto me swiftly like wind and so did the kiss.

I stared warmly, squeezing her hand. "I didn't—"

"I know you never meant to mean any harm, Elsa. Nobody will blame you for what happened. Nobody…" I blinked as she wiped an unnoticed tear off my cheek. "Nobody will blame you if you want to cry. I'll always be in here, you know?"

Belle pressed a hand to my chest. "We'll always be friends, and we can… skype each other, if you ever feel a certain way or… if you need to talk about Anna with me. Anything, I'll give it to you, because I love you."

Anything right? Anything but love, of course.

I pulled her into a tight hug, closing my eyes, resting my head on her shoulder. I sobbed silently. Out of relief… or because I was no longer in chains. I was no longer a prisoner of my own choice. I wouldn't know.

She comforted me, sweet soft words mending my too broken heart. And I was a too broken person.

"I'm sorry…" I mouthed.

"I know you are… and it's okay. You're forgiven," she whispered, a hand rubbing my back. "But I have to go… my taxi is here." I didn't let go. In fact, I tightened my grip around her.

"Elsa—"

I didn't say anything. I needed this hug and I wanted nothing more than to remember how she smelled… how she felt… her voice… everything.

Soon, I let her go and she gave me one last kiss that lingered longer than we'd have thought.

"I love you, Elsa."

I smiled sadly. "Goodbye, Belle."

This was our goodbye.

If anyone caught that, congrats to you and I am so sorry. See you next chapter :D *waves and runs away from the angry crowd*