Chapter Title: Dance

Rated: T

Notes: Life. Sucks. That's pretty much all I can say about why this took so damn long to pump out. I apologize for the ridiculous wait guys, I really do. On top of my life being stupid, most of my writing energy has been going into "Bind Us Together, Lord"; which I highly recommend you guys check out since my Co-writer is the forever fabulous Jessica-X (who was also my beta for this chapter!) and she definitely worth of all the love!

xxxxx

Prom is considered by many to be the highlight of one's high school experience. A night where students get together with friends, dance and have the time of their lives as they celebrate their upcoming graduation and reflect on the years that passed. Lots of time, effort and money is spent by the students to make the night one to remember, and almost the entire student body is abuzz in excitement to go.

Elsa isn't one of them. She's perfectly content just staying home and reading a novel while the rest of her year mates dances the night away. She had bought a dress and had some modest jewellery picked out in the off-chance she decides to go; but as the time draws closer, Elsa grows more certain that she doesn't want to. Especially since she has no one to go with.

Not that she didn't get asked. Since the start of the year, boys have been flocking to her in the hopes of getting the elusive "Snow Queen" as their prom date and they've been sorely disappointed by her rejection. Elsa has no desire of going with anyone only interested in her 'title'.

And Anna, the only person she actually wants to go with, is already going with someone else.

Elsa doesn't like to admit that she's disappointed... and maybe just a little jealous of Kristoff, the gruff yet charmingly awkward friend of Anna's who managed to ask her to Prom before Elsa could. Still, she's happy to see Anna so excited about this.

Like now. Anna looks ready to attend a ball. Her fiery hair is done up in an elaborate bun, with loose strands strategically falling into her face. Her dress is a rich forest green with a simple black bodice that leaves her freckled shoulders and arms bare and brings out the color of her eyes. Her makeup is simple yet tasteful, and the whole look is completed by the silver snowflake pendant that Elsa had gotten her for her thirteenth birthday and Anna hadn't taken off since.

Clad in nothing but a gray t-shirt several times her size and blue boy shorts, with her hair in a sloppily done braid, Elsa feels ridiculously frumpy in comparison. Anna, however, reassures her in typical Anna fashion that only Elsa can make the "just rolled out of bed" look 'beautifuller' without even trying.

"Aren't you getting ready?" Anna inquires as she carefully slips an earring into her ear. Elsa can see her best friend peering at her quizzically through the reflective glass of her vanity mirror. "I mean, I know Prom isn't for another couple of hours, but-"

"I'm not going."

Anna whips her head around and Elsa can't resist grinning at the look of disbelief on her face. "Not going? Why not?" The redhead frowns in disappointment.

Elsa leans back against the headboard and begins fiddling with the tail of her braid. Her eyes dart about in an effort to keep off the look Anna was giving her. That look is her Achilles Heel. She hates to see Anna upset, especially because of her. With a heavy sigh, she confesses, "I have no one to go with, and I don't want to be a third wheel between you and Kris."

"Oh, Elsa…" Anna gives her a gentle smile and walks over to sit beside her on the bed, ignoring Elsa's weak protest about wrinkling her dress. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You just seem so excited," Elsa answers, "I don't want to ruin it for you."

Anna laughs at that, "Elsa. I would much rather go with you than I would with Kris… I only said 'yes' because I thought you had a date already, and he only asked because I'm his only female friend and he said he was going by himself if I said 'no'. I doubt he'll be offended if I don't go with him in the end." She grins cheekily and says in a teasing tone, "Besides, no offense, but I don't think I'd be willing to dance with him anyway. He smells a little too strongly of wet dog when you get too close."

That makes Elsa giggle. Encouraged, the redhead stands from her place on the bed. "Now… while I inform Kristoff of the change of plans, I want you to get your butt in that pretty dress I see hanging in your closet! We leave in two hours! And as your best friend and prom date, I'll be up in a second to help make it so that we are the most kick ass dates in the whole school!"

xxxxx

It's a little after seven in the evening when Elsa finally returns home from work.

The winter blonde heaves a stress-filled sigh as she exits her car and makes her way towards the apartment building. Her feet are killing her, her stomach aches badly due to the fact that she skipped lunch, and she feels the start of migraine pounding in the back of her eyes. Her entire day basically consisted of running around doing errands, only stopping for a fifteen-minute break that passed far too quickly before she was back on her feet.

Work as a personal assistant can be hard and utterly exhausting. However, Elsa takes comfort in the knowledge that, once all of the day's work is behind her and she comes home at the end of the day, Anna will have a delicious supper laid out for her to enjoy and that Elsa will get to spend a perfect, quiet evening with her best friend and precious baby boy. Her beloved little family.

That very thought makes everything Elsa goes through at work worth it in the end.

Elsa opens the door to her apartment and is immediately overcome by the smell of fresh, baked bread and the special meat sauce Anna always makes for spaghetti. Elsa's stomach rumbles happily. She doesn't know what kind of spices Anna mixes into that particular sauce but the smell alone is enough to make her mouth water and Elsa can't wait to dig in and enjoy the hard-earned meal.

She bends down and pries painful heels off her feet, humming in relief as the death traps are tossed aside, and she advances further into the apartment. Music is playing in the living room and Elsa smiles as she recognizes Sebastian's starting lines for "Under the Sea" and realizes that Anna must've put The Little Mermaid on to keep Olaf entertained while she cooks.

Elsa just finished changing into more comfortable clothes and is walking towards the living room when Anna's laugh suddenly sounds from the kitchen, followed by Olaf's distinct giggle. Elsa can't stop the grin that automatically appears as she walks in just in time to see Anna dancing with Olaf in her arms. She's holding one of his tiny hands in her own and singing along to the upbeat tune as she twirls and dips the baby playfully. Olaf is giggling in delight, and every time he stops, Anna makes a silly face which sends him right back into a fit. Elsa smiles warmly and leans against the doorway to watch them play. This is definitely a sight she loves to come home to after a long day.

"Well well, seems we have a pair of dancers in the family," Elsa praises. Anna's dance halts mid-stride and she turns to Elsa with a dazzling grin.

"Look, Olaf!" the redhead chirps, turning the squirming baby in her arms so he can face his mother. She moves the hand in hers in a waving motion. "Mommy is home!"

"Hi, Olaf!" Elsa coos as she takes her son from Anna. Olaf waves his arms and gurgles loudly. "Aww, did you miss Mommy? Mommy certainly missed you, my sweet baby." Elsa begins to plant several kisses on his cheeks and her heart melts when Olaf nuzzles back. "Goodness, he's excited!"

"Yeah, he's been like that all day." Anna laughs and goes to check on the food. Everything's pretty much done; Anna simply left the sauce simmering on the stove and the buns in the oven to keep warm until Elsa got home. A quick check on the noodles confirms that they're done and Anna grabs the plates she left on the countertop to dish out the food. "Food's done. Just go and sit and I'll bring it to you. You look exhausted."

Elsa smiles at the redhead tenderly. "You spoil me," she points out, which makes Anna chuckle. After putting Olaf into his bouncer and making sure he's comfortable, Elsa sits herself down just as Anna puts down her overloaded plate, alongside a glass of water and an Advil. A small pile of buns was placed in the middle of the table alongside two knives and a stick of butter.

Anna sits down with her own plate and beams. "I spoil you because I love you."

Elsa falls silent so she can dig into her delicious meal, though she gave her plate a puzzled frown. It confuses her, how easy it is for Anna to say those words as though there's no deeper meaning than a platonic sense. However, Anna's confession to Olaf is still very fresh on Elsa's mind despite the incident happening weeks ago.

It isn't that Elsa is disgusted or repulsed by the idea. She simply doesn't know what to make of the realization that Anna loves her more than how she let on. It also baffles the blonde that Anna was able to hide such a large secret from her. Anna has a horrible habit of spilling everything to Elsa at the slightest prompting; no secret or lie is ever kept or told between the two as a result… except for this one. It leaves a bad taste in Elsa's mouth.

Though, despite the hurt Elsa feels over the fact that Anna didn't trust her with this, the truth of Anna's feelings doesn't really change much. Anna is still her cheerful, helpful self and she never does anything that makes Elsa uncomfortable. Her hugs and cuddles stay platonic; no wandering hands or unwanted touches. Small pecks to the cheek are just as chaste as they've always been, and the little nuzzles that Anna often bestows upon her head or neck aren't unwelcome as Anna has always been affectionate like that.

Elsa even finds herself looking at her friend in a new light. She admires the small, contented smile that always graces her heavily-freckled face, and the warm glow of happiness ever present in those enchanting teal irises. Her hair is like the leaves of autumn, a beautiful burnt orange with a cute streak of platinum that Anna first dyed herself during a rebellious stage in high school and kept renewing ever since. Her hair is out of its usual pigtails and is instead falling past her shoulders and framing her face in soft waves.

Even now, Elsa finds her gaze exploring over sun kissed and freckled skin down to the generous curves and flat, well-toned stomach shown by the exposed midriff of her shirt. While Anna is shorter then Elsa by several inches, what she lacks in size, she makes up for in lean muscles, personality and fiery spirit.

Elsa can't help but marvel at everything this beautiful woman is and all the things she has done for her over the years. She finds herself picturing the two of them in ten years, both with rings on their fingers and approaching middle age together as they watch over a growing Olaf. The image, while strange, is not an unwelcome or unpleasant one.

And that's what puzzles Elsa the most.

"Elsa? Earth to Elsa!"

Elsa's eyes snap open from their dreamy, half-lidded state and she feels a hot blush spread over her cheeks. "Y-Yes, Anna?"

Anna giggles. "What are you thinking about? Must've been something wonderful considering you haven't paid attention to a word I said."

Elsa's blush darkens as she stammers, "I-I'm so sorry, Anna. Must've gotten lost in my head. What was it you were saying?"

Anna grins cheekily. "I was just saying that after we put Olaf to bed, me and you should watch a movie together. I was thinking Anastasia. It's been a long time since we watched it."

"Yeah... not since prom."

"Ah, prom." Anna laughs at the memory. "Now that was a great night."

'It was, wasn't it?' Elsa thought to herself. That night was probably one of her best memories of high school. Most of the time had been spent by the snack table, talking and giggling with Anna. At some point, Anna offered her a dance and they had spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor, switching between various dance forms at their leisure and not caring how silly they looked to the rest of their peers. When the night was finished, Anna and Elsa crashed at Elsa's place, gorging on pizza and watching Anastasia until they fell asleep still in their dresses and makeup.

It was a fun and friendly night. No unknown feelings, just two best friends enjoying one of the best nights of their young lives together.

"Yeah, it was." Elsa nods in agreement.

It doesn't take long for the two friends to finish supper and get the dishes and kitchen cleaned up. By the time they finish, Olaf is starting to fuss and whine in his bouncer. Elsa checks the time and notes that it's time for his last feeding and bedtime. "Alright, Olaf, Mommy's coming," she murmurs lovingly to the boy.

She cradles him close as he nursed. This is Elsa's favorite part of the day. There's nothing more special than bonding with her baby this way, holding him to her heart and admiring him as he eats. Olaf thankfully adopted most of her looks save for the brunette hair of his father. His skin is as pale as her own and their icy eyes are nearly identical. He's a little on the chubby side, which often leads Anna to joke that he looks like an adorable little snowman.

Elsa loves her little boy more than words could possibly say.

Once Olaf is well fed and sleepy with milk, Elsa gives him his bath and puts him to bed. Tucking her tiny prince in and humming a soft lullaby, she watches with loving eyes as he tries so hard to keep himself awake. His eyes never leave hers as finally they close and he falls into a blissful sleep. Elsa gives his cheek a soft kiss, smiling, before returning to the living room where Anna is having a hard time setting up her old VCR.

"Hey, there you are!" Anna grins at her from her spot behind the TV, surrounded by wires. "I was worried Olaf would be harder to put to bed considering how energetic he was earlier."

Elsa giggles and sits down on the couch. "Do you need help?" she teases. Anna sticks out her tongue in response.

"Nah, I got this! I just need to figure out which of these cords are which…It's been a long time since I touched any of these!"

It takes the redhead almost ten minutes but finally, she collapses next to Elsa with the remote in hand and the movie ready to go. Anna leans slightly against the couch arm and offers herself as a pillow for Elsa to cuddle against, an offer Elsa doesn't refuse. She snuggles into Anna's side and sighs in content when a strong arm wraps around her shoulders and holds her close.

It doesn't take long for Elsa to feel the pull of sleep trying to drag her into unconsciousness, the long day rapidly catching up to her. The comfortable body against her own shifts and positions them so that Elsa is lying on top of Anna while Anna lies down on the couch. Anna's hand starts to rub firm circles into her back, soothing the aching muscles. Elsa melts into the touch and rests her head on Anna's chest, ignoring the fluttering in her stomach as she did so.

"You can sleep if you want." Anna's voice is gentle. When Elsa gazes up to her face, the redhead's own gaze is focused intently on the screen. "I can turn this off and we can go to bed; watch this another day."

"No," Elsa protests. She could feel the slight hitch of Anna's chest beneath her when she snuggles closer. "I'm comfy here. You watch the movie and I'll just stay like this. Once it's over you can wake me and then we'll go to bed."

There is silence for a moment before Anna lets out a sigh that is practically inaudible. It's only Elsa's head positioned where it is that enabled her to catch the sound. "Fine," Anna huffs out with a fond smile. "We'll do that, but you better not complain if you wake up sore."

Elsa murmurs a sleepy "Deal" before tucking her head under the redhead's chin and resting her ear against Anna's pulse. The steady beat of Anna's heart and the comforting scent lulls her deeper and deeper into sleep until she's finally out like a light, too tired to stay awake any longer.

"It's...one two three

And suddenly

I see it at a glance…"

Anna's quiet voice is barely heard as she sings and she tightens her grip on her slumbering friend. She finally risks a peek, taking in the soft smile on Elsa's angelic face and feels her chest tighten with overwhelming love as it always does.

"May I have this dance?" Anna grins as she holds a hand out to Elsa with a charming smile. There is a soft song playing in the background - the perfect song for a slow waltz - and all around them, prom couples are getting into the swing of things. Elsa giggles, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before taking her hand in her own.

"She's radiant

And confident

And born to take this chance..."

Anna nuzzles her face into Elsa's hair and presses her lips gently to Elsa's crown, trying desperately to ignore the tears beginning to cloud her vision.

They are pressed close, swaying together slowly and grinning at each other like fools. Elsa has a hand curled at the back of Anna's neck and Anna has a hand settled on her waist, her hand fitting against her side so easily, it was if was made to rest there.

"I taught her well

I planned it all

I just forgot...

Romance."

"How could I do this..." Anna murmurs; no longer singing. "How will I get through this?"

And when Anna stares into those beautiful eyes and sees those lips lifting into the most dazzling smile - just for her - and she finds herself wondering...what it would feel like to press her lips against those beautifully full ones? The sudden thought sends a hot rush of love and affection through her so powerful that it both surprises and scares Anna.

But instead of worrying Elsa with this sudden realization, Anna hides the confusing feelings behind an easy grin of her own and lifts Elsa with ease, making her best friend giggle and swat her arm playfully. When the winter blonde is returned to the floor, she gives Anna a light nudge and murmurs, "You're lucky I love you, Dork." And it's almost frighteningly easy and so natural for Anna to say "I love you, too," despite the new and confusing context.

She sighs before smiling to herself. Memories of that special night flashed before her eyes; the night she first noticed that she was in love with her best friend.

"I never should have let us...dance."