Chapter 1 - The Girl By The Window

"Order up!" Anna took the hot sandwiches and put them on the counter. "Number 10, your order is ready! Next in line, please!"

It was a rather busy evening at the Subway where Anna worked, handing out the grilled sandwiches to the customers in line. Sure, it was busy at the moment, but Anna knew this job didn't come without its rough spots.

As the customer came to collect their food, Anna sighed. She hated her job but she needed the money. And besides, at least the customers were decent today. Just another few hours and her shift would be done.

Just as she got herself ready, she noticed the next woman in the queue. She was a woman around her age, with short blonde hair in a bun. Her clothes looked a little dishevelled and she looked starving. Anna didn't need to have super-hearing to tell the woman's stomach was growling.

Anna was curious. Was this woman a homeless person? She was wearing some rather fancy clothes, so she couldn't have been that penniless. But it wasn't her place to ask. Only to take the order and add up the change.

The woman came up, nervously twiddling her fingers. She was mute for a few seconds before she then spoke up in a small voice. "Could I get a hot pastrami please?" She looked at Anna, with bright blue, innocent looking eyes. She almost sounded like a puppy.

"Sure. Anything to drink?" Anna looked at her with narrow eyes. There was something off about her. She could tell.

"Just the sandwich." The woman's voice was a little empty and hollow, as if all the emotion was drained from it. Anna couldn't help feel sorry for her. Something bad had clearly happened to her, but at least Anna would be able to cheer her up by getting her the sandwich.

"Okay... Coming right up." Anna wrote the order down. "You're number 17, just take a seat and I'll call you when you're up."

"T-thank you," the blonde stuttered, before carrying herself to a seat by the window. She reached into her pocket and started to browse on her phone, her face changing in expression as she looked at the screen.

Anna still felt sorry for her. She couldn't begin to think about what had possibly gone wrong with her. But she had orders to take and even though it was the dead of night, there was quite a big queue in front of the counter.

"Alright, next one please!" She then called out.

A while later, and Anna was feeling the big evening rush had soon faded. The Subway was now almost completely empty, save for the pop music playing on the radio. Well, it seemed empty, until something caught Anna's eye.

The girl from earlier was still there. Anna couldn't believe it. She'd looked in on the woman all this time, but she had sworn she'd left eventually. Clearly, that wasn't the case, as she was slumped on the table, still by the window of the restaurant.

"Hey, Anna?" A hand then tapped her on the shoulder.

"Huh? Oh." The redhead turned to face the cook, a dark-skinned woman named Tiana. "Yeah, Tia, what's up?"

Tiana gestured to the woman by the window, putting a hand on her hip. "How long has she been there?"

"I don't know, a few hours maybe." She was a little confused. "Why do you ask?"

"Hans wants her gone so we can clean up for the night," Tiana explained. "You know how he is when he wants something done."

Anna sighed. She knew that very well. She remembered how her friend Rapunzel had gotten fired from this place due to her provoking Hans's temper. She didn't want to lose her job, even if she did feel sorry for the woman by the window,

The blonde was such an enigma to Anna. She knew nothing about yet for all the time she'd been here, Anna couldn't take her eyes off her. She was so fascinating, but Anna had to tell her to leave. She was compassionate, but not enough she'd risk her job over it all.

"Okay, I'll let her know," Anna agreed, before walking over to the woman. She just hoped the strange wouldn't feel too bad about being disturbed like this. As Anna made her way through the restaurant, she found herself beside the table in question.

The blonde appeared to have fallen asleep leaning on her hand. Anna could see her purse was on one side of the chair and her phone was beside her hand. The coffee mug was still there, now fully empty. Anna was surprised the woman was as tired as she was. Coffee was supposed to be a stimulant, but it had clearly had the opposite effect on her.

She gently rubbed the woman's shoulder, hoping to wake her up. She was so peaceful and here Anna was, ruining whatever sweet, wonderful dream she was having. "Um, excuse me miss, could you wake up now?"

The woman stirred, her eyes weary and full of exhaustion. Her eyelids fluttered for a few seconds as she stared at Anna. "W-what?... What's going on?"

"Oh... Hi." Anna waved politely, a sheepish look on her face. "Sorry, didn't mean to disturb your nap, but I'm afraid I've gotta ask you to leave. We're gonna close in a few minutes. I'm so, so sorry."

"Oh. Jesus, I didn't even realize I fell asleep." She reached into her pocket, pulled out a five, and put it on the table. "Thanks for the sandwich." She shot a tired smile at Anna and then walked out, clearly wanting to get back on the road.

The redhead had to smile. But then she felt sorry again. She didn't want this frankly beautiful stranger to be alone that night. She headed after her, out of the door. "Hey, wait a second, will you be alright?"

The woman stopped, looking over her shoulder. "Pardon?"

"Uh, it's just that you seem a little..., distracted."

There was a pause as Anna could see a look of anxiety build on the other woman's face. As if Anna had found some secret that she didn't want to be known. "N-No... I'm just a little worn out. I... I had a really long day."

Anna didn't buy that excuse for a second. She could tell when people were lying to her. "Okay, I highly doubt that because even though you're cute, you look exhausted." ...wait, did I just say she was cute? An amused chuckle broke her out of her head and she saw the woman was grinning.

"Thanks for your concern," the stranger responded, trying to reassure Anna with a smile. "I suppose I am a little out of it. Haven't eaten much… or slept."

Anna blushed embarrassedly. "I... Can I at least see you make it to your car okay? I've never liked this part of town at this hour." She had been right, this woman was kinda cute, even with how ruffled her clothes and hair were. There was a sense of innocence and sweetness in that face of hers.

The woman sighed. "Well... okay, if you want. My car's only just over here anyway." She then walked to the other end of the parking lot and Anna followed. As Anna followed the woman, her eyes widened as she saw her car. Her suggestion about the woman having a lot of money was right, as her car seemed to be a fancy looking, silver, European saloon.

"Whoa! Man, is that a BMW?"

The woman chuckled. "Yep. She's my baby."

Anna was about to ask more about the woman, but she knew their time together was coming to an end. She was desperate to ask for her number, but realised it would have been a little inappropriate.

However, as the blonde got into her car, she turned the key in the ignition. Anna suspected to hear the sound of a roaring engine come from under the bonnet, but all that was heard was a little stuttering sound followed by what could only sound like the car farting. The woman banged her fist against the wheel.

"For fuck's sake!" She swore. "Stupid, fucking heap of junk. I run off in you for two days and you just die on me! You motherfucking bastard! I should have just left you back at home!" She then breathed heavily, sighing against the wheel.

Anna walked over to the driver's door, looking in through the window. She was concerned that not all was well for the beautiful stranger. She had such a happy glow just now but that had completely faded thanks to whatever was wrong with her car. "Um... you okay?"

"Like fuck, I'm not!" She shouted. "This fucking thing ran out of petrol and I'm just a fucking idiot for coming here when I should have gotten gas instead..." She sighed, looking at Anna. "I'm sorry... I was supposed to get it filled up a while ago, but some shit came up and I couldn't get round to it... I didn't mean to shout at you." She groaned, resting her head on the dashboard.

Anna sighed, putting a hand on the stranger's shoulder. "No.. it's fine. I'm used to getting shouted at behind the counter. Don't feel bad, you've clearly been in a rough way. I'll call you a tow truck. The nearest gas station should be only a few blocks from here."

"Thank you," the other woman stated, looking around at the interior of the car. "But right now I'm just worried where I'm gonna sleep tonight... I've been calling this car my bed for the past two days."

Sleeping in the car? That was what this woman was planning to do? Anna frowned. At this time of night, there were no doubt muggers or other such horrible people roaming about. Anna didn't want this woman getting into trouble, especially when she was in a car without any petrol.

She pondered what else she could do to help her, but then she got an idea. I could invite her to stay with me for a bit, she thought. Kristoff probably won't mind. Hell, she'll probably be gone by the time he gets back. She smiled, confident with herself.

"Hmmm...well, if you don't mind sharing a couch with a cat, I could let you stay at my place," Anna then offered. "I mean, it's the least I can do."

The woman looked up, Anna could tell her glow had returned. She looked very hopeful, if a little uneasy. "Y-you'd let me do that? I don't want to impose. "

Anna waved her hand flippantly, reassuring her new companion with a bright, happy grin on her face. "Ah, it's okay. My roommate is gone for the weekend so the apartment is empty. I could use the company."

The woman thought for a moment. This was an offer too good to be true. The first place she'd had to stay that wasn't the back seat of her car in just days. But she didn't want to intrude onto this young woman's private life. But in the end, she didn't have a choice and the girl had been nice so far. "...ah, what the hell. Why not?"

"Great!" Anna's eyes widened, glad that the stranger had accepted her offer. She then realised she didn't really know who the woman who'd be staying with her was. "Oh... by the way, I didn't get your name. I'm Anna by the way. Anna Summers."

The woman smiled a little. "I'm... Elsa. Elsa Frost."

Anna then shook Elsa's hand, smiling brightly. "Nice to meet you, Elsa. Come on, I'll walk you to my place. You look like you could use a bit of exercise."

Elsa got out of the car, holding Anna's hand. "Well... lead the way then, my dear," she agreed.

xXx

A few minutes later, after walking for a little bit, Anna and Elsa walked into Anna's apartment. The apartment was on the 5th floor of a small residential building, with a nice view of the street below from the nearby window. The apartment was decently sized, with at two bedrooms, a large living room, a bathroom, a kitchen, among other things.

Anna closed the door behind them, smiling as she was at the end of another long day. She hung up her coat on the nearby rack and took off her shoes. She let her toes flex a little. Standing at the counter at the Subway always did make her feet hurt a little.

"Hmm, this is not bad," Elsa said, looking around the living room. She'd been in many apartments in her life and this was suitable accommodation. If she was honest, she preferred the simple life like this. Oh, how she wished she could have spent most of her life in a place like this.

A small ginger kitten then rushed over to Elsa, leaping into her arms. The blonde panicked, before Anna was able to pull the small furball from Elsa's chest. "No! Bad Carrie. Don't attack her. Elsa's our guest." She stroked the cat and she calmed down, purring in Anna's arms.

Anna gave Elsa an apologetic look, as the snowy-haired woman dusted her shirt for cat hairs. "Sorry, she's not used to strangers." She stroked the cat's fur, feeling the warmth of her body. The soft purring was hypnotic, but Anna knew her cat couldn't cute her way out of this. She loved Carrie, but she could be such a pain.

"I-It's okay," Elsa accepted, blushing a little. "I used to have a cat myself. Although, Olaf was much more friendly than your one."

"Oh, she's friendly, just when she wants to be." Anna put Carrie down and the kitten waddled off to her food bowl. "Okay, uh, if you'd like to clean yourself up, the bathroom is down that way. There's an extra toothbrush under the sink."

Elsa nodded in acknowledgement. "Okay. Anything else I should know?"

"Hmm, not really," Anna thought, before wondering if Elsa wanted something to drink. "Wait, would you like some tea? I usually have a cup after work and I think it should help relax you a bit."

The blonde grinned, delighted. She hadn't had tea in a while. "Sure. I have just a little sugar in mine."

"Perfect!" Anna chirped, before heading towards the kitchen. "I'll go and whip up a cup for you!"

Elsa hid a smile, took her things that she'd brought from her car and went into the bathroom.

Sighing as she closed the door behind her, Elsa felt a shiver run down her spine. It's just for the weekend, she thought. I just need to hold out here for the next two days and then I'll be gone. She didn't want to leave Anna eventually, not after she had been so inviting to her. After all, no one had pitied her like that before.

Looking around the bathroom, it was a very modest design to her. A bath shower, a sink and a large mirror that allowed her to see what a state she was. She sighed, washing her face with water from the sink. Time to get herself looking presentable.

She then got out of her clothes and into the shower, turning it on. Warm water, it had been ages since Elsa had felt it rush down her skin, or at least, ages to her. She sighed, letting her body be drenched in the water. After all that she'd been through, Anna's apartment felt like a sanctuary for her.

Sighing in content, Elsa arched her head back, letting her platinum blonde locks be drenched. Adding the shampoo to her hair, Elsa let the funk wash out of it, so it could be the beautiful hair she'd always been fond of for having.

Elsa knew that Anna must have taken great pride in this place. She was liking her the more she was with her. Although, she didn't want to be too attached to her. She sighed, knowing the price that she could pay for that, especially if she was found.

But, she didn't need to worry about that now, she was in a heavenly shower, in the company of a kind woman and for the first time in days, getting a chance to relax and ease herself from the pain and struggle of the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, Anna was heading into the kitchen, preparing the tea for her and Elsa and for their little supper. As she whistled joyfully, the redhead took two mugs down from the cabinet, put the kettle on to boil, and took out the lavender tea. This should help us relax.

Reaching into a nearby cupboard, Anna pulled out a packet of biscuits, placing a few of them on a plate for each of them. As she waited for the kettle to boil and to add the tea bags, she saw Carrie climb onto the nearby surface, wanting more pets.

Anna giggled. "Fine, I forgive you, you little furball." She tickled the feline's chin, letting her purr. "So... what do you think of Elsa?" She asked, knowing that she wouldn't reply.

Carrie nuzzled Anna's arm, and Anna sighed. "Yeah... I kinda like her too. I hope she likes staying with us and that Kristoff isn't too mad I let a complete stranger sleep in his room." She chuckled. "Maybe he'll be proud of me that I finally brought a girl home."

She heard a meow from Carrie. "Yeah, I know. She's cute, but I really shouldn't be going to ask her out or anything. Hell, I barely know a thing about her." She smiled. "But I want to."

Soon, Elsa was out of the shower, walking towards Anna with a towel around her body. As she made her way to the couch, water dripped down from her skin and hair. She sighed, sitting down on the couch. "Sorry... I didn't have any clean clothes to change into."

Anna brought the mugs of tea onto the table, smiling softly. She could easily wash those cushions. She just wanted her new friend to be comfortable. "It's okay. You can borrow my clothes, or Kristoff's if you want. I don't think he'd mind."

"Kristoff?"

"My roommate," Anna remarked. "Gone to visit his extended family of love experts for the weekend." She chuckled, thinking fondly of her best friend and how much she was missing him. At least he would be back soon, hopefully.

"Extended family of what?"

"Love experts. They're all therapists that focus on relationships."

Elsa pursed her lips. "Huh. I didn't know that was a thing."

Anna giggled. "Oh, yes." She then clinked her cup against Elsa's. "Cheers."

"Cheers." Elsa put the mug to her lips and let the liquid flow down her throat. The tea tasted calming and soothing. She felt it going through her veins like warmth she'd been craving so long. It was as if the entire concept of peace had been purified into a liquid form.

"Feel better?" Anna wondered. Kristoff often prided Anna on her tea-making skills. She could only hope that Elsa would be the same. As the blonde pulled the mug away from her lips, Anna expected her answer with bated breath.

Her guest nodded. "Yes... I haven't had tea this good in quite some time."

Anna grinned broadly. "Great! Was worried you'd spit it out or something."

"I wouldn't do something so rude," Elsa expressed.

They were then quiet for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. Anna just admired the enigma that was Elsa Frost. She knew nothing about her, but she was probably the most innocent looking woman in the world. There was so much she wanted to know about her.

Elsa felt the same. She felt like this little apartment was starting to be home now to her and Anna was at the centre of it all. That day, she'd felt at rock bottom and now she had a warm place to stay and a probably comfy bed to rest.

Then Anna broke the silence, with a question Elsa really didn't want to answer. "So...what are you trying to get away from?"

Elsa's eyes widened, her heart skipping a few beats. A few painful images flashed in her mind. A man's voice screaming at her, a hand slapping her face. She tried her best not to panic and just remained emotionless. "H-Huh?"

"I mean... you said you've been away from home for two days," Anna pointed out. "And you seemed pretty angry when your car broke down." She gave Elsa a careful look, worried she'd said something that she'd shouldn't have. Elsa's face was a mix of emotions.

Her new friend then sighed. She was still dealing with the pain and the trauma over what had happened. She did want to open up, but not now... not like this. "I... I'd rather not talk about it. Sorry... it's a bit personal. But... just because I don't wanna open up to you. "That doesn't mean you don't have to open up to me. Tell me a bit about yourself, Anna. I'm just... a little curious"

Anna nodded, realising Elsa wanted to change the subject. She wanted a lesson all about her, so she would give her one. "Well. I graduated from college with a degree in art history. I work at the restaurant and when I'm not I have a game night with my friends. "

"Game night? What do you guys play?"

"Oh, it varies. Sometimes it's Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder. Sometimes board games."

"You're lucky... I've never really been one for having friends or playing games."

Anna scooched over to her. "Huh, really? You've never had friends?"

"Not as you'd do," Elsa admitted, reflecting on her past. So many memories, of the dear friend she'd left behind, of the person who'd torn everything apart, of the life that should have been happy for her. She let her mind go into that dark place, before the light of Anna warmed her heart and brought her back from the abyss.

Suddenly, Carrie went between them again, purring softly. Now, she was nuzzling close to Elsa and curled up on her lap. While she was overcome with emotion, Elsa then reached out, stroking the small furry creature. She gently rubbed the top of her head, Carrie purring.

"Looks, like you just made a new friend," Anna admitted. "You're lucky. She rarely ever gets on well with people so easily. My friend Cass has six scars because of her."

Elsa giggled. "Maybe I just have a... magnetic personality."

"Anna rolled her eyes at the corny joke. "Come on, Blondie. Let's see if any of Kristoff's stuff fits you."

"Aren't we gonna try your stuff first?" Elsa wondered.

"Nah, just from looking at you now... you're like two sizes bigger than me." She then admired Elsa's broad shoulders. She hadn't really complimented on it before, but Elsa looked like a gymnast thanks to those muscles. "Seriously, you are quite buff."

A soft blush rose on Elsa's cheeks. "Well... I used to go to the gym a bit. Before I ran away. Too bad my fitness has gone completely out of the window."

"Well, consider all this a fresh beginning for you, Elsa," Anna responded. "I'm only glad to be helping you get back onto your feet."

Elsa smiled brightly and followed her to Kristoff's room. She was right, perhaps this really was a new beginning for her. Too bad Anna wouldn't be a part of it for long. Elsa was going to have to let her go eventually, but at least she'd do her best to be a most welcomed guest in Anna's apartment. It was the least she could do after all.

xXx

Author's note: It is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce my new writing partner, Guppy! I met her on the Korrasami discord server I joined recently and she and I share a lot of the same fandoms. As such, I've recruited her into being my new writing partner for the foreseeable future as I see a lot of good potential with us. For this first story, it's just a simple modern AU, but probably the most fun I've had doing one of these stories in a long time.

Hope you stick around for more! There are lots more chapters in the pipeline (4 more done, the rest just need to be written)