Author's Note: so, life happened to me… but now I'm back! I'm sure this improves your day significantly.

Technically, Lottery Tickets has to be played by at least four people (two dealers and two players), but I'm sure they can deal the cards themselves.

Lottery Tickets was a queer game.

One could play it every day for four years, and yet be no better at it than someone who had only played twice, because the winning cards were selected randomly.

It was a game of chance.

It was a game of luck.

There was no skill required.

But, if that was so...

How had Miss Smith won twic-

'Another match! I win again! Want to stop for a bite to eat?'

-three times in a row?

Her bets are far too bold, surely! How on earth does this keep happening? At this rate there will be no money left!

I am not a sore loser. I am not a sore loser. I am not a sore lose-

'Miss Winters?'

Elsa shook herself out of her daze, tearing her eyes away from Miss Smith's enviable pile of silver fish counters, and instead looking at her stupid adorable winning face-

'Hmm?'

'A bite to eat?'

'...Yes, that would be lovely, thank you. Chocolate cake?'

Miss Smith shifted uncomfortably beside her.

'Uh, I don't think there is any...'

Putting her cards and tickets down on the table, Elsa bit her lip to hide a smile.

'You ate the entire cake?'

Her companion crossed her arms in a dramatic way that made her want to laugh out loud.

'I was hungry, okay? I'll go and see if we have any biscuits.'

As Miss Smith got up from the table, Elsa began organising her own (much smaller) pile of silver fish into neat little rows. She had to admit that this had been more fun than she could have imagined.

Even if I am losing...

Conversation had flowed easily, something that was mainly down to Miss Smith and her inability to talk in a concise manner. She had lots to say on the subjects of chocolate, parasols, and books, although when Elsa had asked what books she liked, she'd changed the subject…

Not that it mattered. Yes, overall, Elsa was glad that she'd come out of her room, and grateful that her new companion hadn't given up on her like so many had.

Not that I deserve it… I was so rude to her…

Elsa bit her lip.

I should apologise.

But how can I explain myself? 'I refused to see you out of fear that I would fall for you', yes, that would go down delightfully…

Miss Smith's voice drifted in from the kitchen.

'I found some apples! Do you like apples?'

'I love apples!' Elsa called back.

Maybe I'll just say-

'Here you go!'

An apple was slammed down next to her.

Elsa jumped violently, sending her silver fish scattering to the floor.

'Miss Smith! Please do not scare me like that!'

'S-sorry! Let me help!'

Miss Smith dove under the table before Elsa could respond, scooping up the counters.

'Mind your-'

'Oof!'

'...Head…'

Rubbing her cranium, Miss Smith emerged from under the table.

'Here you go.'

Elsa took the proffered counters.

'Thank you.'

As Miss Smith sat down again, Elsa started to eat her apple, preparing herself to speak.

'I-' they said at the same time.

'You speak-'

'No, you-'

They burst out laughing.

Miss Smith took a huge bite out of her own apple, cheeks bulging like a hamster.

'Now 'oo have to shpeak.'

Smiling at her companion's comical appearance, Elsa said, 'I must apologise for my earlier behaviour. Ignoring you like that- I- well- I'm-'

'...You're shy?' Miss Smith offered.

That's the nice way of putting it. 'Abominable social skills', as my father used to say...

'I'm shy, yes. It's been quite a while since I've socialised with... well, anyone, really. Thank you for not giving up on me.'

'It was my pleasure. Now, shall we continue the game? I think there's still some money to be won!'

Elsa groaned.

'I might win this time, you know.'

'I don't think so, I've been practising for years. It's all in the technique.'

A/N: when they spoke at the same time I originally had Anna whisper 'Jinx!', but it turns out that word didn't exist until 1911. I mean, it's in the film, but then I figured it sounded too American to use here.

Information about Lottery Tickets (that that I could find) primarily came from the website Austenonly- you can find the rules of how to play there.