Chapter 24.

Anna was dying, or so she thought. She'd never been this exhausted before; all her muscles were sore, and she was so tired she could barely stand but after two hours of kung-fu that was to be expected. It was worth it, she thought, because it was to protect Elsa, but it didn't change the fact that all she wanted to do now was collapse onto a bed and sleep until the next day.

Eugene opened the door and the redhead walked in after him. As soon as she had put one foot into the house though, she was crushed in a rather enthusiastic hug which made her sides hurt even more than they already did.

"E-Elsa." She weakly said. "Please, I'm sore."

And covered with sweat. Gosh, I must smell horrible.

"Sorry." The blonde answered, breaking the embrace, but still staying close to Anna. "I just missed you so much." She said, staring into Anna's eyes with that adoring and intense gaze that was so characteristic of her lately. The redhead smiled, touched by this.

"I know." She said. "Just let me take a shower and get some rest and then you can hug me all you want, alright?"

"But I want to hug you now." She pouted. "You look so… uh…" Elsa seemed to struggle a little, trying to remember a word. "You look… ra… ravishing!" She smiled when she finally said it. Anna blushed, where had she learned that word? And why had she used it to describe her in her current state? She was sure she looked as terrible as she felt.

"Ravishing?" She asked.

"Yeah, like… the sweat makes your shirt adhere to your body, which shows off your beautiful figure."

Anna was left speechless by this. Since when did Elsa say things like that? And the way her eyes trailed over her body… It was almost as if she were checking her out. She couldn't be doing that, right? Sweet innocent Elsa didn't know about those kind of things. Anna thought it must have been her perverted imagination; Elsa was just giving her an innocent compliment, nothing more. It still made her blush harder than ever before though.

"Ah… uh… O-Okay. Thanks." She stuttered, suddenly nervous, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear and looking at the ground.

"You're cute." Elsa said smiling warmly.

"R-right." Anna wasn't sure if she could take anymore compliments from the girl without fainting because of the sheer amount of blood that was rushing to her face. "Uhm… I'm gonna take a shower." She quickly said and ran upstairs (She suddenly wasn't so tired) trying to figure out what had just happened.

After taking a shower and dressing in clean clothes, Anna took a little nap. When she woke up, though, she wasn't expecting to find a pair of beautiful blue eyes staring at her just inches away from her face. So she did the obvious thing: Scream, jump and fall off the bed.

"Anna!" Elsa screamed with a worried voice. "Are you okay?" Anna just started rubbing her head and grimacing because of the pain. "I-I'm sorry. Here, let me help you." Elsa got down and helped Anna get up, staring at her with a concerned expression. "I'm sorry." She repeated. "I didn't know you'd get scared."

"It's okay." Anna assured her. "I just wasn't expecting someone else to be in bed with me."

"Does it hurt?" Elsa asked placing a hand on Anna's scalp, feeling guilty when the redhead hissed on pain.

"A-a little." Anna answered trying to smile but failing. "Your hands feel good though. The cold helps." She assured her when she saw that Elsa was mentally kicking herself.

"Really?" Elsa asked hopeful, happiness returning to her features. Anna nodded and Elsa pressed her hands on her head more firmly, but still being remarkably gentle. She even took a step towards Anna, to better rub the sore spot.

Anna blushed. They were so close their noses were almost touching, and Elsa's intense stare wasn't helping either. She nervously looked down and tried to think of something to distract herself and avoid kissing Elsa.

"S-so… why are you here?" She asked.

"I wanted to be with you." She simply answered.

"But I was sleeping."

"I still wanted to be close to you." She shrugged. "Besides… I like to watch you sleep."

Anna looked up at her eyes and blushed, again surprised by the sincerity in her words. This new attitude of Elsa's was confusing, also sweet and charming, of course, but it made a lot of questions appear in Anna's head. The worst part though was that it got her hopes up.

It's like she's trying to hit on me or something. I mean… why all the sudden compliments? And why was she so close to me when I woke up? Heck, why is she so close to me right now? Wait… is she leaning in? She's leaning in! What do I do? Think Anna! Think of something!

Suddenly, Elsa's hands were no longer on Anna's scalp, but on her cheeks and she was getting closer and closer to her, closing her eyes just as their lips were about to touch. Anna wanted to move back, to escape, do something… but she couldn't move a muscle… actually maybe she didn't really want to. She knew very well what'd happen if she didn't, after all, and that was what she'd been wanting ever since the first time she saw Elsa, so, when she felt the faint touch of lips over hers, she closed her eyes, accepting what they were about to do.

"Elsa! Anna!" Sounded Rapunzel's rather loud voice as the door flew opened. Both girls instantly jumped back, separating before they could truly kiss. The brunette noticed what exactly she had interrupted and her eyes widened. "Oh god! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry." She said, trying to retreat, but the damage was done.

"What did you want, Punz?" Anna asked, sighing.

"Uhm…" The girl glanced briefly at Elsa, who was glaring at her with a killer stare and deviated her eyes to Anna again. "I was just going to say that breakfast is ready." She gave an apologetic smile towards the girls, who nodded in resignation.

"B-breakfast?" Anna asked, confused.

"You slept through the whole afternoon and night." The brunette explained.

"Oh." Anna was surprised, after all, she was tired when she went to sleep, but she never thought she would wake up until the next morning. But then she remembered something. "Were you here all that time?" She asked Elsa, who smiled sheepishly.

"Most of it. I only went downstairs to have dinner." She answered.

Anna looked at Elsa with a stare full of affection and gratitude for her sweet actions and the blonde stared back, smiling at her.

"Awww. Aren't you two sweet?" Rapunzel said. "Are you sure you're not a couple?" She teased.

"No Punz, we're not a couple.2 Anna sighed, exasperated.

"Deny it all you want but I know what I saw." She winked and both girls blushed. "Now, come have breakfast, you'll have plenty of time to kiss latter." She turned around and exited the room.

"Okay, we're coming." Anna answered. "And we're not kissing afterwards."

"But I like kisses." Elsa said placing a small peck on Anna's cheek, which made her face turn the color of her hair as butterflies appeared in her stomach.

Okay... She's definitely trying to flirt with me or I am reading too much into her innocent actions. Probably the latter... Or maybe not. She did tried to kiss me earlier... Right? Ugh I really need some answers!

In that moment, Anna's stomach growled rather loudly, reminding her she hadn't eaten anything in more than 24 hours.

Okay. Eat first, ask Elsa some questions latter.

"Come on." She told Elsa before taking her hand and heading downstairs.

Rapunzel had made pancakes for breakfast, something all of them truly enjoyed, but, since Anna was literally starving, she stuffed her mouth with them and left only a few for the others.

"Whoa, slow down!" Eugene exclaimed. "Leave some for us, will you?"

"Ishm huhmchy." Anna answered, her mouth full of pancakes.

"Translation please?"

"I'm hungry." Anna said after having swallowed her food. "I didn't eat anything yesterday and I practiced kung-fu for two hours! My body needs nourishment, you know?"

"Why are you practicing kung-fu anyways?" Rapunzel asked. "You never showed an interest in martial arts before."

"In case you forgot, a psychopath is trying to kidnap Elsa and torture her." Elsa tensed a little at Anna's words, and the redhead casted her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, it's the truth. But I won't let him; I'll be prepared."

"Oh, okay."

"Why don't you just hire some bodyguards though?" Eugene asked. "Don't you have like way too much money?"

"True, but Elsa's still nervous around strangers. Besides, they'd attract too much attention, and we want to travel unnoticed… and there's also the secret." She whispered the last part.

"Sorry, what was that?" Rapunzel asked.

"Nothing." Anna soon answered and, before they could keep asking her, she changed the topic. "By the way, didn't I tell you about my kung-fu instructor? She's amazing!"

"She?" Eugene said, confused. "I thought you were taking classes with Li Shang."

"Not really, the one who's teaching me is his wife, Mulan. And she's brilliant! She knows a special style of kung-fu that was created by a woman in the ancient China; tradition says this woman didn't want to marry to certain man, so she challenged him to a fight saying that, if he won, she'd marry him. And she invented an entire new style of kung-fu! Based on quick movements and not-so-strong, but precise, hits. It's like perfect for women, especially if used in self-defense. "

"Wow, that sounds perfect." Rapunzel commented.

"Yeah, and Mulan is a very good teacher! She's patient, but strict, and she's kind, and beautiful and strong and… if she wasn't married and straight I'd totally go for her!" She exclaimed rather enthusiastically, making Rapunzel giggle.

"Really?" Elsa's voice sounded cold, colder than Anna had ever heard before. Instantly, Rapunzel's giggles died. "Well, then why don't you go with her?! I bet she's just the one for you!" She spat as she got up and walked away.

"Wait, Elsa!" Anna called her, wondering why had she gotten mad, but the girl was already out of the dining room. The redhead sighed.

What did I do wrong this time?

Anna buried her face in her hands and groaned in frustration.

"Sometimes I don't understand her."

"What don't you understand? I think it's quite obvious what happening here." Rapunzel said.

"Care to explain?" Eugene said, just as confused as Anna.

"Ugh really?!" Rapunzel exclaimed, not believing those two. "She's jealous!"

"Oh." Eugene nodded in understanding. "But you said you are not a couple." He told Anna.

"We're not." She rolled her eyes. "And Elsa isn't jealous. She's probably just worried that I would not spend as much time with her if I get close with some else like Mulan."

"Jealous." Rapunzel insisted. Anna sighed and got up.

"I'll go talk to her. I'd hate to leave knowing she's upset." She ran in the direction Elsa had gone.

Anna found Elsa sitting on the couch, looking at some paper sheet with a gaze full of yearning and… sadness? But why was Elsa sad? Anna thought she was upset and worried, but not sad, and what was in that paper sheet?

"Elsa?" She said approaching to her, making her look up. She had a blank expression now and Anna didn't know how to react to it. "Uhm… What is that?" She asked pointing to the paper sheet because it was the first thing that came to her mind.

"Just… a drawing." She said softly handing Anna the paper.

Anna looked at it carefully. It was a sketch representing her, and it was really accurate. She didn't remember any of Elsa's other sketches that were as detailed as this one.

"Wow! This is amazing! Did you do it?" Elsa only nodded and looked down. She again had that somewhat sad expression. "Hey." Anna placed a hand on her shoulder as she kneeled down in front of her. "Are you okay? You were very upset when you left the dining room."

"I'm fine, I-I just…" Elsa sighed and closed her eyes. "It's… the way you talked about Mulan. It made me… angry." She confessed, looking again at Anna.

"That's because you're overly possessive." Anna said. "We've talked about this Elsa; I'm my own person and I have the right to interact with others aside from you."

"That's not… I'm not bothered because you interact with others." Elsa looked to the side, avoiding Anna's gaze. "It's just that you said you'd marry Mulan if she wasn't married already… And I think I got jealous." She muttered the last part, hanging her head.

"Jealous?"

Great, now Punz knows her more than I? She's only known her for one day!

Elsa nodded and pouted as her eyes became a little teary. She sure looked adorable. Anna suddenly felt the urge to hold her tightly and never let go.

"Y-you didn't want to marry me when I asked you and now you said that…" Elsa swallowed, trying to get rid of the knot on her throat. "That you'd marry this girl, and I…" Anna pressed a finger on Elsa's lips, silencing her.

"That was just an expression. What I meant was that Mulan is amazing. As an instructor." Anna clarified, taking her finger off Elsa's soft and tempting lips.

And I never said I didn't want to marry you.

"So… you don't want to marry her?" Elsa asked with a hopeful expression.

"No."

"And you don't want her to be your girlfriend either." Elsa stated, just for assurance.

"No, I don't. I just think she's a nice person. That's all."

"Okay." Elsa smiled, relieved and happy.

"I have to go now; I'll be going to practice kung-fu every day, but I'll be back in three hours."

"That's fine. I can stay here with Rapunzel; she's really nice."

"I'm glad you two are getting along." Anna smiled as she gave a little squeeze to Elsa's arm and made a motion to get up, but Elsa stopped her.

"Wait. Hug me?" She asked with such an adorable expression that Anna couldn't have said no even if she wanted to, so she hugged her and Elsa pulled her even closer, her head resting on the crook of her neck. The blonde's breath was tickling her, making goosebumps appear all over her body. It was almost as if she were kissing her neck. She could feel Elsa's lips on her skin and she found herself wishing for more. Why couldn't she have more?

In that moment she heard coughing behind her and, reluctantly, let go of Elsa to face whoever had interrupt them this time.

Universe hates me.

"Uhm, sorry to interrupt." Eugene said. "But, aren't you going to go to your class?"

"Yes, I'll be on my way now." Anna sighed getting up. "Here." She gave Elsa the drawing. "It's really nice. You should draw some more." And, saying this, Anna rushed upstairs.

Elsa glared at Eugene, got up and walked out of the living room.

"What?" Eugene asked, confused by the blonde's reaction.

Anna had changed into sport clothes and left to her class. Meanwhile, Elsa had gone to talk with Rapunzel.

"I've been trying to show my feelings to Anna at every opportunity, just as you told me, but it's not showing any results." Elsa said as she paced around Rapunzel's study.

"It is, just be patient." The brunette answered.

"But what if she falls in love with someone else?"

"She won't. She loves you." Rapunzel rolled her eyes. The blonde was overreacting, though she had to admit she had thought they'd be together by now. "But I do believe she needs a bigger push than I originally thought. Maybe a surprise? That would please her and maybe set the mood for when you confess your feelings to her." She nodded to herself. "Come on, Elsa. We have a lot to do in the next few hours."

Anna arrived to Rapunzel's home almost as tired as the previous day. Why almost? Because she had tripped and fell towards the end of the class, and Mulan had decided it was enough for the day as Anna had hurt her knee. It was a good thing, since maybe she'd be able to stay awake a little more and talk to Elsa.

As she pushed the door opened, however, she didn't expect to find giant colorful letters painted on paper sheets reading "Welcome" nor the many balloons or the cake at the center of the living room.

"Surprise!" Rapunzel screamed when she saw her enter and got up from the couch to hug her.

"Uhm… what is this for?" Anna asked as her friend let go of her.

"I just figured I should give you a proper welcome to our house." She shrugged.

"You didn't have to. You're already doing a lot for us as it is."

"Oh, it doesn't bother me. Besides, it was mostly Elsa's work."

"Really?" Anna searched with her eyes around the room and found Elsa, nervously standing a few feet away from them.

"Yes, she was rather enthusiastic about it. But now I'll leave you alone." Rapunzel turned to give Elsa a meaningful look and then walked to the exit.

"So, you helped her?" Anna asked Elsa once they were alone.

"Y-yes." She stuttered, fidgeting with her hands. "I-I thought you'd like it."

"I do." Anna answered approaching her so they were about a foot apart. "It's a nice gesture." She smiled, but Elsa didn't see it since she was avoiding her gaze. "But you didn't have to do it. It must've been a lot of work."

"I-it was nothing. I just w-wanted to show you how m-much I l-love you." She said giving Anna a sweet but nervous smile, finally looking into her eyes. Anna could see she wanted her approval badly. It was rather adorable.

"Awww, thanks." She said smiling as she hugged her. "You're so sweet."

Elsa soon hugged her back and sighed happily into her shoulder, pressing their bodies together until she had to take a step back, which caused her to accidentally step over a balloon, lose her balance and fall onto her back, along with Anna.

"Ouch." Elsa said trying to get up but stopping when she realized she almost hit Anna's head with hers.

"Are you okay?" Anna asked taking her face with her hands.

"Just a little sore. It's nothing." Elsa answered faking a smile, though in reality she was sure she'd be having a huge bruise on her hips and back.

"Are you sure? I could ask Punz if she has anything for concussions." She made a motion to get up (Suddenly very conscious about their rather inappropriate position), but Elsa's hands around her waist stopped her.

"I'm fine, really." She assured her. "But a kiss could help."

A-a kiss?! Like on the lips? Wait, no, of course not. On the cheek. Get a grip on yourself, you pervert!

Anna leaned down and placed a soft peck on Elsa's cheek (Though she lingered a little more than it was necessary).

"Better?" She asked smiling. Elsa nodded.

"It's better, but it still hurts. Another?" She asked blushing.

Gosh she's so cute! How could I ever deny her anything?

Anna leaned in and placed another kiss on her nose this time, and then another on her temple.

"And now?"

"Maybe… another?" She smiled sheepishly, blushing even more.

Seriously, is it legal to be this adorable?

Anna eagerly complained, kissing her not only one time, but placing little pecks all over her face as she'd been wanting to do for a while. She just couldn't resist her cuteness and how Elsa giggled and blushed whenever she kissed her! It was like heaven.

She was so caught up attacking Elsa with a rain of kisses that she almost didn't noticed when her lips almost landed on the blonde's mouth. She stopped just in time though. Confused as to why she had stopped, Elsa stared at Anna, who still was almost kissing her, and the redhead quickly released her face as she made a motion to get up. In that moment, Elsa's arms surrounded her neck and pulled her down, making their mouths connect. Painfully.

"Ouch!" Both girls exclaimed when their teeth clashed, separating themselves just a few inches. Then Anna looked down at Elsa, not believing what she had just done.

"I'm sorry." The blonde said. "I didn't measure my strength."

Anna stared at her for a few more seconds before her brain was finally able to work again.

"Y-y-you kissed me!" She exclaimed.

"I tried." Elsa corrected.

"Why?"

"I'm in love with you." She smiled warmly, which, together with her words, gave Anna an amazingly pleasant sensation, like happiness, but stronger and deeper. Anna just couldn't help it when she pressed her face onto Elsa's shoulder and pulled her close. She almost couldn't believe what she had heard; it was too good to be real, it was what she had wanted most in the world… it was a dream come true. "Anna?" Elsa asked, a little worried that she hadn't said anything.

"I love you too." She whispered, full of emotion. Elsa's heart fluttered with happiness at her words, and she thought she must be the luckiest girl in the world.

After a few moments in which the two of them just enjoyed each other's closeness while they tried to digest what they'd both confessed, Anna pulled back and stared at Elsa's loving eyes. There was no doubt in that gaze; she loved her. It was real.

"Could I have another kiss?" Elsa shyly asked.

Anna grinned, leaned down and carefully connected their lips. It was wonderful. It was impossible to describe. Neither of them were able to think of anything that wasn't the other's delicate lips dancing against their own. It was short, but it was sweet and beautiful. It was perfect.