We're almost home. The city grew below them, welcoming Elsa back after her brief departure. As familiar and welcoming as it felt, it was hard not to focus on the massive and unignorable change. Anna wasn't coming to visit, this wasn't just another trip, she was moving in with her, and as her new partner at that.

She turned to Anna, to find Olaf pushing his face against the window, staring out at the city beneath them. She could hardly blame him.

"We're home," Anna said, meeting her gaze and offering a warm smile.

So many meanings for that little phrase, and they were all true. "We are."

Olaf beamed up at the two of them as the plane bounced on the ground. "Can we get food?"

Elsa chuckled. "Yeah. I have a big court emergency I have to get to at three, but we can eat first." She'd been looking forward to relaxing and helping Anna move in, but the sudden change of attorney and the motion for injunctive relief wouldn't wait.

"You sure you have time?" Anna asked.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The slightly reddened cheeks and massive grin were worth risking being a little late for court.

Once they had their bags, they hurried out and were in a cab by 1:50. There were a few cafes near the courthouse, so Elsa would have time to at least take a few bites of a muffin before she'd have to run off.

By 2:15, they were seated with food. They'd made far better time than Elsa had expected. "So, what is this injunctive relief thing?" Anna asked, taking a bite of her reheated pizza slice. And I thought I ate pizza a lot.

"It's boring."

"Not when you tell it."

Could we maybe not be all lovey-dovey right next to the only place I work as often as my firm? Olaf glanced between them before returning to his sandwich.

"A few months ago, another company sued a company that I represent for infringing on their patent. The claim is patently absurd – if you'll pardon the pun – but it had enough validity that the judge refused to dismiss it. We should be getting near the actual trial, but my company was trying to move forward with their product."

"Okay?"

"Since the other company maintains that they have the patent on it, they've filed for an injunctive relief, where, if they have their way, the judge would say that my client wouldn't be allowed to release their product. I need to prove that the facts aren't enough on their side to justify the injunction, and that it would put an undue burden on my client." Anna's eyes seemed to have glazed over. "I told you it was boring."

"It isn't!" As she chewed on her pizza, she made several exaggerated expressions to show that she was considering Elsa's words. "Why would they only be filing that thing now? Shouldn't they have done it a while ago."

Elsa shrugged. "There's a new attorney, apparently. I think the old team didn't really expect anything from this and just wanted to make sure that they were visibly protecting their patent in case anyone decided to actually infringe upon it."

"And the new one thinks he has a case?"

"It would seem it. Or else they're just eager to show off their moot court credentials from school now that they can do it for real."

Anna dabbed at her face with another napkin. "I guess that makes sense. At least the parts I understood. So you're not worried at all?"

"I don't see any reason I should be."

"That's good to hear." The adorable grease and marinara stained grin sent butterflies to Elsa's belly. She'd thought that after the previous night things would be different, that she wouldn't be acting like an awkward girl with her first crush, but it seemed to have somehow made things even worse. At least she was good at faking it.

"Yeah." She checked her watch. She still had time, but she had to go through security and find the courtroom. "I should probably head over. You two have a great night. Enjoy your Spider-Man, Olaf."

"I will!" he cheered, as he opened his brownie.

Anna approached her, but stopped halfway there. They both wanted to kiss goodbye, but they also both knew that it was a bad idea. It didn't matter that people here didn't know they were sisters, word traveled, especially in the legal community. "I love you," Elsa said, and gave her hand a quick squeeze.

"I'll see you at home." Anna's smile pulled at her cheeks. They were really living together. Elsa found herself grinning too.

"We can order Chinese?" Elsa suggested.

"Sounds great."

"Well –" she gestured toward the door. "See you then." Resisting the renewed urge to kiss her partner, Elsa turned to leave. She was glad that the moving truck wouldn't arrive for a few more days, as she'd have felt terrible missing it. She'd still have the rest of the week off to help Anna and Olaf move in, and she'd already hired movers to take care of everything, but it still would've made her feel guilty.

She made it to the courtroom with time to spare and milled about outside, finishing her coffee. The opposing counsel still hadn't shown up, and there was already a trial wrapping up in there, so she took a seat by the door while she waited. Anna had sent her a text message. Maybe I'm not the only person acting like a giddy schoolgirl after last night.

'Already miss you. We're just heading home now. Still can't believe I can say that about your place. It's so amazing. I love you so much, Elsa. You're perfect.'

Her cheeks reddened, and Elsa glanced around before composing a reply. She never got the chance to send that message. Her opposing counsel was there. "Anya."

"That's Ms. Romanov to you," she snarled back, green eyes blazing in righteous fury.

Yeah, she's the one with a reason to be pissed, like I'm supposed to believe she didn't jump on this case just to fuck with me. "It's been a while, Anya."

Her eyes narrowed, her teeth bared as she met Elsa's gaze. "I said it's Ms. Romanov."

"I've known you far too long for that."

"Elsa –"

"So it's not Ms. Agnarrsen?"

Her hand tensed into a fist at her side. "You're violating my client's patent. They were willing to be nice before, but now that you're going forward with bringing it to market, I had no choice but to step in." She pulled a pen and paper from her briefcase and quickly scribbled something before handing the paper over to Elsa. "Because my client is just so very generous, we're willing to pay to take the product off of your hands. If we go into this courtroom, then you won't be able to make a cent, this way, they don't have to close their business, they just have to find a new product."

"Assuming you win," Elsa added. It was a large assumption, the similarities between the two programs were nowhere near conclusive.

"I will. You forget, Elsa, all I have to do is discredit you."

Her eyes widened, and it took a fraction of a second for Elsa to find her words again, but it was more than enough to give away her hand. "This isn't a jury trial, a judge won't –"

"A judge may care about you violating the morality clause of the bar. And of course if you're willing to do that, then who's to say what you'd do for your client."

"That's bullshit."

She wanted to punch the smirk off of Anya's smug face. "You're welcome to find out. Then we can see how the bar hearing goes. I do wonder what your partners would say if they found out. You think they'd want someone like you representing their firm?"

"Anya –"

"Ms. Romanov." People swarmed out of the open courtroom, interrupting their conversation. "It looks like it's time," she said, when they were alone again. "Take my settlement offer to your client."

The second Anya disappeared into the courtroom, Elsa deflated, sinking back onto the bench. She should've expected this, she should've had a plan, or at least the beginnings of one, but it hadn't even occurred to her. Her best friend was blackmailing her. Of course she is. How am I surprised?

She didn't have many options. She grabbed her phone. This was going to be complicated.

"Welcome back," Albert greeted her.

"Huh? Oh. Right. Thanks."

"Something the matter?"

"Yeah, you could say that." She caught him up on the problem, sparing any details that she wasn't willing to repeat in the courthouse. He was a big boy, he could infer the rest.

"Well fuck, Elsie." Am I going to let him call me that? Yeah, fine, I have more important stuff on my plate right now. "I'll be right over there. I'll take over. You don't need to worry, it shouldn't even be an issue."

"In what way will that help?" Elsa groaned, wishing she could punch something, but only clenching her first on the side of her dress. "You're the only person she possibly hates more than me."

"I'm glad I fired her."

"You didn't. She quit because you were a terrible person."

"Oh. Right. Ironic."

A dry chuckle tumbled unheeded from Elsa's lips. Tough to believe that the very woman blackmailing her had always been lecturing her on morality. "She always was a hypocrite."

"So what are we going to do? We can't just give into her demands. I know they're your client, but I can't imagine that they'd handle that too well."

"No. It would cost them everything." Grinding her teeth, Elsa stared at the door to the courtroom. She didn't have long. "Tell Ms. Thermopolis to drop everything and get down here. She's the only person I can trust with this case."

"Does she know?"

That would sure make things easier. "No, but she trusts me enough that she won't buy into Anya's bullshit, and worst case scenario, I'll just have to talk to her." She pinched the bridge of her nose. It was the best of all of her terrible options. "I'm due in court any minute, hurry."

Before she had the chance to go talk to the judge – not that talking to her ex parte was a great idea – Anastasia left the courtroom, her eyes trained on Elsa's. "Have you talked to your client yet? The offer won't last long, I'd far prefer just ruining you in public anyway."

Elsa blinked. Wow, I really am off my game today. She got to me so badly I didn't even bother to run the offer by my client. Granted, I know for a fact that she won't be interested, but it's not like me to forget. "Just waiting to hear back from here." Even Elsa was surprised by just how calm she sounded. She was still in control, not even Anya could take that from her.

"Well don't take too long. You're due in court in –" she glanced at her Rolex, doubtless just for emphasis, "Two minutes."

Finally, an opening. I'm not letting her destroy me without a fight. "I'm surprised you can still bring yourself to wear that."

Anya's eyes narrowed, but she didn't reply.

"I still remember when I bought it for you. It was our second – no, third anniversary."

The glare intensified.

"I thought my taint would have spread to it by now, but maybe you just like playing it up to get under my skin." Don't let her reply, you just have to break on through, this is the weakest part of your argument – the downside of not having had the chance to plan. "Maybe the real issue isn't my depravity, but that you're scared it means I never really loved you. And if I didn't, then why should Belle? Why should anyone?"

Her mouth opened and promptly slammed shut. So I hit a nerve.

"You don't need to worry. I can offer you without a shadow of a doubt –" she paused for just the barest second to let Anya believe she was about to apologize and bury the hatchet. But she hurt Anna and scared Olaf. There was no forgiving that. "You're right. You're unloveable."

Without a word, Anya spun on her heel and marched back into the courtroom. Chances were good that that would cost her more in the long run, but it was oh so worth it.

"Ms. Agnarrsen?" a voice behind her asked.

That was quick. Even speeding the whole way, it should've taken at least ten minutes for her to make it here. "Mia." Elsa turned around, letting the relief at seeing her friend wash away all the pain.

"I just finished up in Courtroom 2C. Mr. Gaston said you needed me."

"I do." What on earth can I tell her? "I have a complicated history with the new opposing counsel, and I don't think I could do my best work. As loathe as I am to pass off Ms. Porter's case, I need someone else to do it."

"But I don't know any of the facts of the case. I'm pretty sure you'd still be a lot better than me."

If only that was true. "Right now, they're just trying to file for injuctive relief. If they had a good case for it, they'd have probably been able to get a TRO and we wouldn't even be here, so you shouldn't have too much issue."

"Then why can't you do it?"

"I just can't." Needing to convey the desperation of the situation, and already out of time, Elsa squeezed Mia's hand. "Please. Just take it. Our client, Ms. Porter, her company has a program that figures out investments based on the criteria you give it. It's not the first of its kind, but from what I can understand, it seems to be unique. It wasn't even an issue when we got the patent on it, but now that it's gone up in scale, Anya – the plaintiff is convinced that in its current iteration, the program violates their patent on a similar program."

"It doesn't seem like their claim would hold water unless they have a very good explanation – especially since we already have our own patent."

"Exactly. So this shouldn't be a problem." Elsa managed a weak grin. "Just take care of it for me, please."

"All right. Whatever you need."

Mia marched into the courtroom, just as an increasingly irate Judge Woodlore stared out at them. "Amelia Thermopolis for the defense, your honor."

"About time."

Anya stood, ready to protest, her wrist free of the glimmering gold. Unfortunately for her, insisting that the new lawyer wouldn't be adequate counsel for the person you're suing isn't the most compelling argument. She kept her mouth shut, and Elsa was able to leave her client in Mia's capable hands. She just needed to come up with a way to prevent that from happening again. If she ran away from every case against Anya, it wouldn't be long until no one would want to hire her in the first place. That couldn't be allowed to happen. She'd find a solution.

I'm pretty sure I recall Anna saying that Olaf likes KFC. I have no idea if I like it, I haven't been allowed to have chain fried chicken in years – it would've been a national scandal if the partner of the queen of soul food was caught eating there – but it sounds perfect right now. I could use a bunch of empty carbs and fat on top of meat that's theoretically not just hardened salt.

There were half a dozen just on the way home, so she stopped at one in Queens, and picked up a massive bucket of inflated chicken along with some biscuits, potato wedges, and mac 'n cheese. Hopefully Olaf likes most of this. I just don't want to message Anna and risk having to explain why I'm already heading home, or how court went.

The smell of the battered poultry lured Olaf downstairs before Anna could say so much as a word, much to both Elsa and Anna's chagrin. Hard to have a 'how was work, honey?' when they can't admit they're a couple.

"Make sure you wash your hands," Anna chided him, as Olaf reached for a chicken leg. When he turned to the kitchen sink, she took the chance to steal a kiss from Elsa. Their fingers grazed, both barely clutching at the other as she pulled away, just in time for Olaf to begin ripping the 'crispy' from his chicken. "You have to eat any chicken you take the skin from."

"But Mama!"

"No, you're not just eating chicken skin for your meal."

"I was gonna have mac n cheese too."

She rolled her eyes. "Eat your chicken." Her smile softened as she turned back to Elsa, as they each took their seats. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," Elsa replied. I've missed being able to eat junk food. I wonder when it will lose its novelty.

"I thought we were having Chinese?"

Right. That is a thing that I would've been reminded of, had I messaged her before grabbing food. "This was on the way," she said, waving off the question.

Anna shrugged. "So how was court?"

And there we go. I don't want to just lie to her or pretend that nothing happened, but I can't worry Olaf. She stuffed some chicken in her face to buy more time to consider an answer. Being in a healthy relationship always made things so complicated. "I had Mia take care of it," she admitted. Please just understand that we can't talk about this in front of Olaf.

Their eyes met, Elsa willing the message across. "What happened? Is that why you're home so early? You'd said not to expect you until six at the earliest."

"It's nothing to worry about."

"Elsa?"

She felt Anna's hand grab hers under the table and squeezed it as reassuringly as she could manage. She hadn't considered just how much having to keep things secret from Olaf would affect. Just inviting Anna to the other room to talk it over wasn't even an option if they wanted to ensure that they didn't worry him. Offering the warmest smile she could manage, Elsa said "It's fine. I just wanted to come home to my family."

That seemed to finally have the desired result. Anna's cheeks colored and she turned her attention to their food. She'd tell her everything once Olaf had gone to bed, but until then, Anna didn't have to worry, no matter how much reason there was to do so.

Olaf began digging through the bag, heaping noodles and cheese sauce into a bowl – he didn't like it touching his chicken. "Did you finish your other food?" Anna asked.

He glanced at the two legs, still all but covered in meat, then looked away. "Yes?"

"Olaf."

"I'm still eating," he insisted.

Anna narrowed her eyes, her hand resting on her hip. She looks almost like our mom when she does that. I'm going to bury that thought as far as it can go and never let it pop up again. Elsa shuddered. "All right, but if you don't finish all of it then you can't have dessert."

"But –" he looked between the two of them, desperate for rescue.

"You heard your mother," Elsa said.

"Yes, Sensei," he grumbled, picking up the chicken and nibbling at it reluctantly.

Anna sighed. "I swear, he actually does like chicken."

He grumbled against his food.

Elsa shrugged. "You were the same as a kid." Well, almost. I think he's a bit more difficult, and you didn't freak out about your food touching.

"I was not!"

Chuckling, Elsa shrugged. "Of course not. Our mother never had to force you to finish your meal." Okay, it was usually me making her do it, but I do remember her doing it once. Anna might be right. They were around way less than I thought they were.

Eating her food to emphasize just how wrong Elsa was, she shot her the occasional mirthful glare, breaking into an outright giggle when Elsa smirked back.

When he'd finally cleaned his plate, after once trying to hide that he hadn't finished it, Olaf was given his chocolate chip cookie. It lasted about five seconds. "May I be excused to go watch my show?"

"Yeah, have fun." Anna ruffled his hair. At least his manners seem to be better.

"You're not gonna watch with me?!" His eyes widened.

She bit her lip, turning to Elsa, searching for an excuse. It could wait. Although it didn't look like a serious discussion was quite what Anna was hoping for. "Go watch it," Elsa said, before Anna could reply. "You've said repeatedly how much you actually like it. I have some paperwork to do. We can talk when it's over."

Apparently, she didn't need to tell Anna twice. I have no idea how she can stand that shit. Elsa took the opportunity to call Mia and find out what happened, as well as just what Anya may have told her.

"Ms. Agnarrsen," she greeted her. "Sorry, I'm just getting back to the office. One second." So it's already over. That's a good sign. The familiar sound of the elevator door, and the static from the terrible signal in it filled the phone. A minute later, Mia said, "Sorry, I'm back, Ms. Agnarrsen."

"I've told you you can call me Elsa."

"Sorry, Elsa."

She leaned back, resting against the headboard, her laptop and a few files to her side. "So, how'd it go?"

She chuckled. "You were right. They didn't have much grounds. They're going to drag the case out as long as they can, but the judge didn't grant them an injunction. You can tell the client if you want – I know you have a strong relationship with her."

"No. You can talk to her. You're gonna have to be her lawyer on this case. Jane will understand, just tell her I picked you personally."

There was only silence for a few long moments. Mia took a sharp breath. "I know it's none of my business, but what happened? I've never known you to avoid a fight, and you've gone against her before. Mr. Gaston said she was your ex? Did something more happen?"

Fuck. How have I still not figured out what to tell her? I've had this whole time. "It's personal. She has it out for me after Tiana and I split up."

"You broke up with Tiana?! But she's – What?"

Elsa snickered. She'd assumed it had been in all of the tabloids by now, and probably a few news shows. "We did. Anya's still her friend, and she has a pretty bad grudge. I didn't want to let that affect our client." That's actually all true. More or less. I'm so good at lying.

"Well, I'm so sorry. This really is none of my business, is it?"

"It's fine. Thank you for covering for me."

"Any time, Ms. Agnarrsen. It's my pleasure."

"Elsa. Please."

"Right. Sorry, Elsa."

With a heavy sigh, Elsa dragged her laptop over to her. "I don't want to keep you. I'm sure you have work you were already supposed to be doing. Thanks again. I'll see you soon."

"All right. Have a good night Ms – Elsa."

"You too, Mia."

They hung up, and she turned to her work. Maybe I should've called Jane for her, but I already said she could do it. She lost herself in her work, readying for an upcoming trial, a settlement conference, and a couple depositions. The knock on the door startled her.

Red hair and a bottle of red wine peaked in, before the rest of her girlfriend followed. "Thirsty?" she asked, holding out a pair wine glasses.

After today? I could drain a few bottles. "You read my mind."

White teeth flashed in a jovial grin as Anna flopped onto the bed. She popped the cork and poured them each a healthy glass. "Is everything okay?"

Elsa shook her head and drained her drink before answering. "Anya was the new lawyer. She's –" she blew out a breath, "She's still pissed. She threatened to tell the whole courtroom about us to discredit me."

"She what?!" Anna startled, almost spilling her drink.

"Mia took care of it. It's fine." For now.

"But how could she – Why would she? She's supposed to be your best friend. I thought after she'd had a few weeks to cool off – I'm so sorry, Elsa. This is all my fault. If I hadn't –"

Cupping her chin between her thumb and forefinger, Elsa silenced her with a kiss. Anna melted against her, barely righting the wine at the last second, as they pulled apart.

"What are we going to do?"

"We'll figure it out," Elsa lied.

Anna sipped at her drink, staring into the burgundy liquid. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I want this too, I chose this. I love you, Anna." How things change. She laced her fingers between her partner's. "You're worth it."

"But –"

"Whatever it takes, we'll manage."

She nodded. "Okay. You're right."

Elsa filled their glasses again and pulled Anna to her, running her fingers through her girlfriend's coppery hair. "I've got you. It'll be fine."

"I should be the one consoling you."

"I'm fine."

Anna turned back to her, teal eyes locking on hers. "I'm going to fix this."

Easier said than done. Rather than give her doubts voice, Elsa began kissing down Anna's neck, forming a wet line to her clavicle, which she greeted with a gentle nibble.

"Elsa –"

"I don't want to think about it right now. There's things I would far rather do." Under her hands, Anna's shirt fell away, her bra following it. With Anna's help, she had a lot of stress to work off. She pulled away only long enough to lock the door, and then they took their sweet time, savoring each other's presence and taste. It did a wonder for Elsa's mood. If only it could actually solve their problems, then they'd never have to worry again.