a/n: we're close to the end...

Perhaps… the passage of time at Anna's age was just different. The saying was probably correct too: as people grow older, time does go faster. For Anna, even time made her… act differently. The sadness and isolation that she was so used to back in that club were replaced by a feeling of peace. Maybe even contentment. Her interactions… well, she didn't find love. She did find someone. And Meg was that someone.

She couldn't let go - everything that she had done in that club was over, but now that she had left that place… she still couldn't let go. Whatever ill-feelings she had towards Meg had long since faded, but she couldn't help playing the role of escort. One night. And she thought of nothing else. No one else. One night slowly turned to most nights.

They weren't dating. They never talked about dating anyway. Meg was more than clear about what she wanted.

But Anna found comfort in her. Found love - and although it wasn't romantic love - it was love, nonetheless. So they compromised.

She woke in the morning with the sun flaring in her tired eyes, a warm white blanket wrapped around her bare body. Her hair was a mess, and Anna groaned as she stretched her aching body. She had a great night of sleep, she didn't mind feeling aches all over. Opening her eyes, she looked to the right side of the bed to see that it was empty. And cold.

Anna slowly sat up, letting the cloth fall from her naked chest. She placed a hand on the pillow beside her, the evidence that someone had slept beside her still there. Her eyes were soft - too soft - but she was content the way she was.

She didn't have to dance, pleasure strangers, make sure she got her tip after letting someone grope her. No, right now, she was in a warm bed in a comforting home with the sunlight raining down on her skin. This was the normal life she hadn't had for a long time now.

It'd been six months. Her relationship with her father was better. She hadn't even seen her at all. Anna worried she'd forget about her but, after everything, it'd be too ridiculous to expect much.

Even Papa was able to reconcile with his own daughter. Anna, herself… well, she became closer to Elsa's mother as well. Agdar and Idun weren't always home together but what mattered was all of them were happy. Some of them, she guessed.

Anna could even say she was happy, herself. She got a small internship in her college - soon, she'd have to find a job - and Meg… well, she was treating Anna well. Of course, Martha still couldn't get the thought of Meg being her former client out of her mind.

Not that Martha had talked to Meg much, but whenever there was an emergency, Anna would go to Meg. She'd see to it through Anna's mother. They were more of an acquaintance than friends, but it was something. At least… Mom doesn't get angry for long.

She got up and picked up the shirt from the ground to put on. Music sounded outside in the living room, which… sometimes, it really gave Anna flashbacks. Not that she didn't enjoy it - there was just no need to relive it.

Scratching her messy hair, she strolled down the hall - the whiff of eggs and bacon swarmed her senses. Meg was in the kitchen, cooking up lunch. It was near afternoon.

Oddly, Anna half expected Meg to be dancing or singing. It was a nice day outside, after all. Anna slowly crept up on the woman from behind, a sneaky grin emerging. Meg still hadn't noticed, and before the redhead could even control herself -

"Boo!"

The brunette let out a silent gasp, immediately turning around to find Anna biting her grinning lips, her hands placed on Meg's waist. She sighed in relief, a hand placed on her quickened bosom. "God, Anna, I could've dropped your portion."

Anna giggled, feeling Meg's fingers grasping hers. She kissed her cheek. Her neck. "Mm. And, good morning to you too, Professor."

"Didn't I tell you not to call me that when we're not in school? You make it sound weird."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "Assss… opposed to last night?" Slowly, they cradled each other side by side. Meg didn't seem to mind it at all.

"Yes. Don't call me that. We're friends here. In school -"

"But that's not what you said last night."

"Anna."

"Okay, okay, in school, it's different. Sorry, God, you say this every day." Anna playfully rolled her eyes.

"Just being careful, that's all. And good morning to you." Meg leaned in to return a kiss. "By the way… maybe try to dress more decently?"

Anna laughed and hugged the woman tighter from the back, her chest purposely pressed against her. Meg didn't react. She never did when Anna teased her like this. Just like someone else she knew. "You don't like it?" She propped her head on her shoulder. "It's what I'm good at. Looking… good."

"You look like you just woke up. Really, you're graduating next week, alright? I just want you to dress nicely and… you know." She grabbed the rest of the breakfast from the pan and placed it on a plate. "I'll be there, your family will be there… and -"

"And?"

For a moment, Meg's face tightened, darkened. This was all so familiar. "And… it'll be fun. Do you have dinner plans with them or -"

"Oh, it's fine. I can stay over with you, if you want." Anna didn't really care either way. She had so much freedom and peace right now, she didn't care much for anything.

"Mm, that's fine too." Her eyebrows furrowed a little bit.

Do I have something on my face? "W-What?"

Two fingers came up to Anna's chin, and Meg eyed the girl in silence. Anna almost felt intimidated by the brunette's strangely blank expression. Because the only time she'd look at her like this was if she wanted something, and Anna… had gotten lost in her sea of cherry brown eyes

"Hm…"

Anna grasped her wrist, allowing the woman to control her body just how she liked it. "What is it?"

"Nothing. You know… I think you've put on a few pounds."

What the hell? Clicking her tongue and scoffing, Anna swiftly swatted her hand away, prompting hysterical giggles to escape. "God, that's not funny. You are so annoying." She glared at Meg, her arms crossed over her chest.

"Aw, are you angry? Come here." Meg placed an arm around her shoulder, and Anna took the chance to lean herself against her strong body. Even Anna, with her pouty lips, melted in her soft smile. "I wasn't kidding when I said that. You look healthier. I feed you well, right?" She pinched Anna's cheek slightly.

It was so easy to joke around - and especially now, Anna could see how easy-going Meg could be sometimes. But she was right, she did gain a few pounds. In the earlier months, Meg had to force her to eat. Anna was incredibly grateful - even proud to see that she had changed to a healthier person.

She turned to look at the bright woman. "Yeah…"

"Hey." Anna bit her lip when Meg raised her eyebrows. "It's a good thing."

"I know." Everything had been like this for the last few months, and Anna did not want to miss any little chance at happiness. She wanted to be on her feet all the time, have her lips stretch more than into just a simple smile, and let her eyes glow with the sun that burned down her back. Most importantly, she yearned for someone to notice every little feature that changed on her.

She felt lips to her forehead, but Anna did not move until Meg pulled away, her hand rubbing on Anna's shoulder. "Alright, now go on and clean up. Lunch is ready."

The redhead had to bite her lips to suppress a giggle, eyes rolling at all this ridiculousness. A good ridiculousness. She turned back from the kitchen.

"Oh, and Anna. While you do that, go to my room and grab the paper packets on my desks. I have some grades to give out."

Anna's heart nearly stopped. But then, she remembered she didn't have her class anymore. Well, any classes anymore. Oh, poor Rapunzel having to be stuck for another nightmare-ish year in college.

"Sure, I'll go grab that."

Ah, what was a hot shower without singing and dancing. Anna was having the time of her life, letting steam coat her skin, and hot streams of water warm her up. Honestly, she learned to really enjoy things - even the smallest thing like taking a shower and singing in the shower. If that was what made her happy, she'd do anything even if it was embarrassing. But she had no shame - she'd lost it months ago.

Coming out of the shower with a fresh pair of sweatpants and shirt, and a white towel in her hand to bundle her wet hair, she nearly forgot to take out the papers that Meg asked for.

She looked at Meg's desk, eyebrows furrowed. Empty. Meg had always been a clean freak.

Slowly, she opened the top drawer, only to see pens and newly bought notebooks. Then, the drawer below that… aha, found you, you little devil -

Holding the paper stack, her eyes caught a mysterious… wooden box below it. There was no label on it so Anna just brushed it off as just a makeup box but…

Anna tilted her head in curiosity. She knew she shouldn't be snooping around in Meg's home. She wasn't even her student anymore but that wasn't an excuse. And, well, this apartment had already become a second home to Anna.

She looked behind her to the door to make sure nobody was near her. She put the papers on the desk. And with no second thoughts, Anna opened the box -

Only to immediately close it with just a single glance of what was inside. Her eyes widened, expression turned pale… and the fingers that held that box were trembling She stared that the white wall in front of her, but she could not escape the sight… of a gun that was before her eyes.

What the hell? Where the fuck did she get that? What was she -

"Anna?!"

The girl gasped. "Y-Yeah?!"

"Are you done showering?! Your food is going to get cold!"

"H-Hold on, I'm coming!" Anna hurriedly slammed the drawer shut, and took the papers in her arm.

Out in the living room, Meg was already eating - eyes staring at the phone in her hand. "Oh, there you are. Just put that down first and come eat."

Anna didn't know what to think. Meg hadn't… she hadn't been acting strange at all. Too normal, she should say. And looking at her closely from the hallway now, Anna couldn't really see much of a difference. The question… the question was why?

But Anna knew best not to question her as Meg hadn't questioned Anna either. She didn't have any dirt on herself to be questioned anyway - at least, she thought.

No, she knew Meg meant well - a single gun could mean anything. Exactly, anything…

Anna put the papers down on the glass table and sat across from Meg at the dining table.

Every morning for breakfast Meg would eye her to see her take her first bite. That wasn't necessary anymore, Anna thought, but it'd always happen.

Sighing, Anna scooped a bit of scrambled eggs and chewed.

Meg smiled. "So I'll be going back to school in a bit."

"Why?"

"Oh, you know. Some students wanted to talk to me in my office. Grades, and stuff."

"Oh."

Meg looked at her up and down before placing another bite in her mouth. "Have you…" A pause. She put her phone down, prompting Anna's to turn to her. "Have you talked to your sister at all?"

Anna shook her head. "No."

She huffed. "You can't hate her, Anna -"

"I-I know, okay. I don't hate her. It's… not the best time to talk." Anna was playing with her food.

"It's not the best time, but you're graduating, so you should. I'm telling you as a friend, Anna, and if I have to - as your professor."

Meg was right. But how could she? Elsa didn't want to talk - Elsa was angry and full of regret for having found Anna. To see that Anna had been closer to their father than Elsa ever was, was still one of her biggest regrets. Even if Elsa didn't say it, she knew it.

Anna gazed down at her plate in contemplation.

"Yeah, I - wait, you… and her are getting along." Anna arched a curious brow. She never expected this. She did expect the brunette to avoid eye contact though.

"We had a little… chat, several months back. Well, more like me having to give her a little pep talk."

Still, it didn't explain much. But if Elsa and Meg were getting along… it was all the better. And for the little bit of silence that embraced them, Anna distracted herself with that… fucking gun she saw in Meg's drawer. "You don't seem too happy about it."

"I don't know. I guess I find it a bit odd, that's all." She wanted to ask why she had that gun. Taking another bite and a sip of water, Anna cleared her throat. "So… I was meaning to ask."

"Hm?"

"Um, what was that… box in your drawer?"

Meg paused, her softened expression turning grim. Anna was almost afraid that woman would do something but - No, she knew Meg. She wouldn't hurt her. "I wasn't going to hide it, Anna. Did you see?"

Anna nodded.

"Did it scare you?"

Again, Anna bobbed her head.

Meg finally got up from her seat, sighing, her arms crossed over her chest. "I got it a few weeks ago. You're always coming here so I didn't want to scare you off by telling you what I got. I've been to the shooting range recently and I wanted to relieve some stress. Nothing more, Anna."

Understandable. Still, it was a little scary at first. And Anna could feel the panic inside her melt. She sighed in relief, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I just - I got curious, opened the box… I didn't know what it was for, so I -"

The brunette turned to the window, eyes glancing down to the busy street. "Don't worry, Anna. It's nothing. It's a simple gun, but… I can protect you, if need be."

Protect me? She didn't know what to think. If this - having a gun in her hand - was to protect Anna… perhaps, she didn't want that kind of protection. But she didn't say anything. She'd been having such a great, normal life, and Anna had been promised that by everyone. She didn't want to ruin what she had right now, and besides… she doubted any danger would come her way soon.

Anna got up from her seat, having her hesitant arms hug Meg's waist from behind. She placed her head against the nape of Meg's neck, her breathing slow against her skin. Blackness filled her sight as she closed her eyes. Fingers held her wrist, and Anna was glad to have her by her side.

"You go to very extreme measures, don't you?" Anna breathed, a small chuckle escaping her smile.

Meg couldn't help but mirror that too. "I don't know, Anna. You would too, wouldn't you?"

"I guess."

Meg turned to look at her, a hand coming to hold Anna's cheek. "That's my girl. Now, finish up eating because I gotta go soon okay? Also, figure out what to wear for next week's ceremony."

"Yeah, I will."

Anna's family from both sides were here, along with so many other people from her year. The sea of graduates in blue caps and gown were sitting under an equally blue sky, warm and clear. Anna felt at peace with so many of her friends wanting to spend the rest of what was left of their year together with a smile on their face. And Anna couldn't stop looking so ecstatic.

"Anna!"

Turning from her friends, she noticed her mother running to her with a dress as beautiful as her face.

Anna laughed at the sudden embrace. "Hi, Mom." She looked over her shoulder to see Andrew. "Hey, Andrew."

"Oh, you little rascal, finally getting older and graduating." He hugged the two women even tight with a fitting laughter.

Martha slowly pulled away, a hand caressing Anna's cheek. "I'm so proud of you. We all are."

"We?" Anna raised an eyebrow.

"Your father is here too, you know?"

"Oh…"

Andrew laughed. "I didn't think you'd be so surprised."

"Yeah, me neither." Anna was in a daze.

"Ah! My favorite cousin!" Anna let out a choked 'oof' when she noticed a flash of brown hair and eyes. Oh, who else was going to announce themselves like this other than Rapunzel? Anna laughed, shrugging at her mother and Andrew. Rapunzel had always been the more hyper one between the two. The younger cousin was cradling them tightly before pulling away.

Green wide eyes began searching up and down Anna's body, her hands holding her arms. "Oh my gosh, you're going to leave me alone in this stupid college. I hate you."

"Rapunzel, how's your boyfriend?" Martha chuckled, prompting Anna to roll her eyes. Here we go again. That woman always teased about Eugene whenever he wasn't around Rapunzel.

"Auntie! Glad to see you too!" Her arms fell to Martha and then, to Andrew. "He's good. I think he's still crying over the senior players back there but… oh well, I'll see him in a bit."

"Oh yeah? When are you two getting married? You two always sound like an old married couple."

"Auntie, stop embarrassing me! I'm still young!"

"Yes, but after that time will fly by very soon, you know?"

Disregarding that whole conversation - like she hadn't seen this happen hundreds of times before - Anna immediately looked around the crowd and finally, found a man in a suit casually walking towards her. His smile was slowly widening. Her two parents must have noticed the dazed reaction she had, when Martha squeezed her arm and said, "Baby, we'll grab our seats first okay? Oh, I'm so proud. Rapunzel, come on."

"But Auntie!"

"Let's goooo~" Anna barely noticed her mother kiss her forehead.

And when Agdar was standing before her Anna was too frozen to even notice the man hug her tight in his arms. "My sweet, sweet daughter, finally graduating with all these amazing people around you."

The cologne he had calmed Anna's heart, and without a thought, she placed her hands on his broad back. "Papa… you're here?"

"Oh, why wouldn't I be? How could I miss my daughter's graduation?"

Anna didn't know when she had gotten so teary-eyed but she had to conceal it against her father's shoulder. She shut her eyes, feeling the man cradle her softly… and Anna knew this was the love that a father could give to his daughter. She didn't sob loudly, no… but this heartache she had was warm, and she cried out of happiness and love. "Thank you…" she breathed. "Thank you, Papa…"

"Aw, baby, look at you." His gentle smile only made her tears stream down even faster. She felt his thumbs swiping those tears away just as fast. "Come now, it's a beautiful day, don't cry."

"I'm just happy, that's all." His father fixed her crooked cap on her head.

"Yeah? Well, I'm very proud of you. No father could ever feel this proud of a beautiful daughter like you. And I know you have been struggling with your mother for some time, so the least I could do is be here with you, right?"

Anna's chest swelled with joy from his sweet talk. She knew it was not so different from how Andrew always spoke to her but… but this was her real father talking. Someone who she had lost for twenty-two years, and here, he was… witnessing one of his daughter's biggest achievements in her life. One that Anna would never forget.

She hugged him again, this time, tighter with love. "I love you, Papa."

"I love you too, darling."

"D-Did you… um… do you know where you're sitting? I-I didn't think you would come so -"

"Yeah, your mother gave me a ticket, don't worry. Darling, after this, I also have a gift for you."

Anna wasn't surprised. She just wasn't sure what it'd be… but she knew for sure it was something too expensive for Anna to buy. Even though, she had more than enough money now.

"A-A gift, huh? Luxurious?" she boldly questioned.

Agdar laughed. "You can say that, but I'm not telling you anything just yet."

"Anna! You're here!"

Behind Agdar's shoulder, was Meg striding towards them - and incredibly enough, she was dressed quite formally. Meg didn't have any kind of obligation to be here, but Anna definitely wished her professor would come. And here she was… with nothing but a beautiful dress and heels, and a purse in her hand.

The man and Anna pulled away, both gazing at her curiously. "I didn't see you anywhere, professor. Did you just get here?"

Meg arched an eyebrow. "Anna?"

Anna's eyes quickly shifted to Agdar before turning back with a distinctly fake smile.

"Hello, you must be Anna's…?" Agdar reached out for her hand, which Meg took.

"I am - well, was her professor. You are…?"

His smile widened, and Anna just wanted to hide in a corner. Meg hadn't met her father before so she wouldn't expect her to understand what was going on that quickly. But Meg definitely seemed to pick up when her expression tightened, and a quick eye met with Anna's.

"I am Anna's father, it's nice to meet you… er..."

"Just call me Meg." She clenched her teeth together, stoic eyes gazing at Agdar's bright blue pupils.

Anna cleared her throat.

"Well, Meg, it is very nice to meet you. I'm Agdar." He gently shook her hand. "I… hope Anna did not cause much trouble in your class. I do understand she does have quite a feisty personality behind that sophisticated look, but you always have to be careful."

Anna groaned internally and crossed her arms. "Professor, can we -"

And the brunette laughed, cheekily. Great. "Oh, that's not even remotely true. Her personality can be…" Anna didn't even pretend she didn't see how Meg's eyes shifted into something darker. Anna huffed, rolling her eyes. "A bit loud, yes, but it's all we need in these lectures."

"Papa, I told you, I got good grades in that class!"

"Oh, I just wanted to make sure."

"I… surely remembered she received a B in my class. She could have done a lot better with her papers." Meg wagged her finger. And on the inside, she knew that was partially true - where most of the days were just about her wallowing in her own sorrow, months ago, because of the woman that left her. She really shouldn't have received the grade she got even if she could barely keep up with her studies.

Blue eyes warmly observed her. "Ah, well, lucky her, huh?"

"Oh, definitely. But I would love to have a student like her again if I was given the chance."

"Hello? Can you two stop talking like I'm not here?" Anna waved a hand in front of her father's face.

"Sorry, darling, got lost in the conversation." He looked at his watch. "Hm… I guess the ceremony is going to start in a few minutes. I should find your mother."

"Yeah, that's good." She opened her arms to embrace the man, and a kiss pecking his prickly cheek, and back. "I'll see you later?"

"On the stage, yes. Congratulations again, darling. And it's nice meeting you, Professor - Meg."

"Pleasure is mine."

The crowd seemed to have lessened, now that most who weren't graduating had taken their seat.

And finally, Anna was able to take a breath. The only time she was able to relax was when just the two of them were alone together. It was comforting… but something was always, always amiss, in the end. She took her time to gaze at Meg, and while she was formally dressed, wow… she's still beautiful.

"You dressed nice today." Anna fixed her cap on her head. "Trying to steal all the attention from me, professor?"

Meg chuckled, shaking her head, her eyes looking elsewhere. "I wish I could. You did well, Anna. Congratulations."

"Thank you." That really wasn't all they could say right? After everything between them - after a failed confession, a failed heart, a journey of heartbreaks, and a failed attempt to mend it all back together with bandaids… that really wasn't all they could say. Anna, especially, knew that.

They stared like it was the first time they had seen each other's face. And when Meg gazed down, a hand placed in front of her, Anna suddenly recognized the ache in her chest. But it didn't hurt with burning pain - it felt warm. Somewhat tingling. And Anna wanted nothing more than that.

"How do you feel?" Meg asked.

She shrugged. "Happy. Very happy."

The sun above gleamed brightly in the cloudless sky, birds singing their little song as they played and flapped their wings through the wind. And between them… Anna felt undeniably at peace, seeing the person she once loved standing in front of her.

"Do you want to say something?" Anna tilted her head, her senses tingling as well.

The way Meg's expression softened with a hint of shyness made Anna adore her even more. "When I first saw you… and I can't believe I didn't tell you this before," she chortled, eyes still on the floor, "I honestly thought it was too good to be true that Hans would hire someone like you. Or rather, you would actually come in. The first day in class… the shock on our face was just so ugly. I knew you couldn't drop this class - so we tried our best to be professional. We always tried to ignore each other, and we did great at that… until that day. I didn't deny that I recognize your beauty, inside out." Eyes up, completely reflecting all her charm… and the summer wind that blew fit the glow on Meg's face.

Hearing those sweet, sweet words coming out of her lips gave Anna the most heavenly feeling… but she understood those words, while filled with beauty and care, had to contain a 'but'. She understood they couldn't do this together. They couldn't find happiness together. They couldn't fucking care more for each other than friends. They couldn't love.

So before Meg could even say anything else, Anna raised a hand. "I fell in love with you, I let you break my heart, and fix it back together… and I will never forget the times that I enjoyed with you and dreaded with you. You were everything that I imagined to have… and to lose. But now I understand. You can't love me, not because you can't commit, not because you have an authoritative role," she clasped her hands together, "you don't think you deserve me."

Meg looked up, and the same tenderness mirrored Anna's eyes. If there was anything between them that was left… was their longing. This heartbreaking desire that now Anna didn't want anymore.

"And now you've proven that to me once again." Her soft smile once again was a wonder to Anna. Meg was just beautiful. One thing that she knew was that even with the harshest words, Meg would always make it feel like it had been the most pleasant words spoken.

Anna looked up at the sky, breathing in the warm, flowery air. "I guess… you should tell me clearly now how you really feel."

"Shall I?" Meg's grin was filled with love.

"Yeah, it'll be fun."

"Right."

"I love you."

And for a moment where the silence was completely deafening, their presence was flushed with warmth, and nothing else glowed brighter than the soft glimmer of light reflecting their irises. Just seeing Meg stand there with nothing but the wind blowing through her hair… Anna didn't mind anymore thinking of the words that she had repeated back in her head millions of times. She didn't mind Meg say no to her anymore. And now, Meg was going to say it.

"I'm sorry, Anna, I don't think I can say that back."

Anna playfully tilted her head. "Why?"

"Because you're in love with someone else."

The girl stayed quiet, her heart thumping to a stillness. She never expected to hear those words, nor how serious Meg really seemed to be.

Her expression didn't fall, her eyes unmoved from Anna's.

But the copper-haired woman could almost see the hurt… the pain that was concealed deep down in Meg's heart.

What are we doing? All this time… what have we been doing?

All this time - these past six months - with seeing nobody else but Meg as a way to cure her mistakes, to torture her own heart, had passed by so fast. And Anna was completely blinded by the drug that was Meg. The older woman never committed… yet, Anna was so delusional and desperate to take their intimate times as a reason for love. And all this time of burying her own feelings down made her forget the only woman who actually made her laugh and smile when times were rough -

"Anna."

She blinked.

The tears that rolled down her cheeks, staining the beauty of her makeup were filled with precious memories. The single, little gasp she let out barely sounded like a choke.

Her view was blurred but she knew exactly who called her name. She knew exactly why almost the whole place had gone quiet. She knew exactly how beautiful the bouquet of roses that were in that person's arm was, how it was still bright and red as it lost its petals in the hot summer air.

She clasped a shaky hand against her mouth, remaining tears splashed on the ground.

The woman in front of her, with loose platinum blonde hair flowing lightly to the left, wearing nothing but a beautiful white dress with a slit that cut through her thigh, and tall white heels to fit… Oh, the woman in front of her was gazing at her with familiar ocean eyes.

She remembered it all so well - she hadn't seen that soft, warm… loving, even, expression after the night they had met.

And the woman… Elsa… it's Elsa… strode towards her. The hem of her white dress was hypnotizing as it danced with the air, revealing her fair skin, and her shoulders shrugged tall. But her eyes… her ocean blue eyes, as alluring as always, pushed Anna to whimper.

Anna couldn't say her name. Couldn't even mouth it. And when Elsa was just standing in front of her, a few inches still taller than her… Anna had almost lost her mind.

She choked back a cry, but she made sure that Elsa, her beautiful sister, was looking into her eyes.

She couldn't believe how the woman had smiled at her to mask their hurt. And she let those soft fingers push a few loose strands of auburn hair behind her ear. This was their first touch, and Anna felt her heart cry out of love. Her royal blue eyes wandered with care, and no other words could be said to describe what Anna felt.

She was here. My love… my sister…

"Anna." Say it, say my name one more time. Hundred more times. "You're going to ruin your beautiful makeup." The little breathy words - ones that weren't hurtful at all - made the graduate finally let out a loud sob. She sounds just like Papa.

"You're here…" Anna choked out, shaking her head in disbelief. How dare she still look at her like that? How dare she come back like nothing happened?

Elsa gazed at the roses in her arms. "I heard from father that you love roses. He said they remind you of something… someone. These are for you."

Anna didn't take it. They remind me of you… She wished she could say it - she wished everything between them was just as beautiful as those fallen petals.

"Elsa…" There it was. Just a single, strangled whimper to call out her name, a name she hadn't said for so long. It sounded so foreign - yet, so unforgettable.

Be still, my heart, but it wouldn't still, and her whole body burned like her blue flames had engulfed her being.

And when she felt cooling arms wrapped around her, when her sister's softly heaving chest was pressed against her head… when lips grazed her throbbing neck... her scent taking over all her body and soul - her scent, which she had been fucking missing for so long - Anna cried no more. She was motionless, but she let herself fall for every single touch of Elsa's fingers, every slight breath that she had let out, and the way her light hair tickled her freckled skin, feel every part of her. She let… what was left of their love consume her whole like it was poison, but she was okay with this.

She missed this.

"Elsa…" she kept repeating, and if she could, repeat this all day - singing her name like a song.

"Anna, my beautiful."