A/N: Yay! It didn't take a whole month to finish this! So this chapter is pure fluff until the end so get ready. It'll hurt a shit ton.

And I also want to discuss something here. I've noticed many of you have been mentioning Elsa's change for the past few chapters. I know I won't satisfy everyone with who she is and who she will be as we are nearing the end so I don't expect many of you to quite... enjoy the ending with a satisfying note. My interpretation is quite simple - she makes sure she's there for Anna, for better or for worse. She doesn't do anything stupid and let others worry. She's there for Anna, only as her best friend, not some fuckbuddy. Elsa's been taking baby steps. However, I really do like everyone's reviews about their interpretation about Elsa, so keep it coming!

Anyway, again, I don't expect alot of good response, but I hope you understand that I'm trying my very best to meet your standards. As always, elsanna will be end-game, and see you next chapter!

Hans drove us through the Brooklyn Bridge, snow drifting with grace in the sky, cars racing past us easily. We fell silent for quite a while and I wondered, what could've be said so nobody would start an argument. I looked out the window, staring at the skyscrapers. I was fascinated as if I had not been to this big city for years. From here, the Statue of Liberty looked like nothing but a mere ant. It stood tall and proud, crying of freedom and justice.

I leaned my head against the glass. The sky was grey, and the sun clouded from its glow.

Anna sat next to me, and Olaf sitting by the passenger seat. I'd hoped things weren't so awkward… but we hadn't spoken a word after our meeting at airport. It'd always been like this.

But perhaps, I should thank Hans for letting her sit by me. We both needed a bit of… catching up to do.

I felt a tap on my hand and I blinked. I'd been dazing out the whole time.

"Psst, Elsa."

Turning, I saw Anna grinning from ear to ear. I couldn't help but to match her glowing expression.

"Yes?"

She shifted closer to me. "I was hoping after meeting my parents, we could go around the city, take a little tour, you know?"

I felt Hans' gaze burning into me. I looked up towards him. Olaf didn't seem impressed, but whatever it was… we could talk about it later. After all, he'd always seem strange around Hans. "I… hope your fiancé doesn't mind."

Hans chuckled and I raised my eyebrow. I didn't think he'd seem pleased with me being with Anna.

"No, no! Please, take her, Elsa. She's been talking about for days—"

"Hans!" Anna flushed and sent an apologetic glance to me. I didn't think much of it and chortled. "S-Sorry, Elsa… I mean, yeah, I do want to see you and Olaf, but saying that I've been talking about you for days is just…"

"Embarrassing?"

"Ridiculous!" Her face was exposed of red.

Cute.

I pinched her cheek and she grumbled, swatting my hand away. "Sure, you can have me."

I doubt I knew what I meant by saying that, and everything had grown silent once more. The look Anna had as our eyes met was indescribable. My grin faltered and her lingering touch twitched on my hand. I looked down, and immediately held her finger as she was about to let go. Don't go. Stay.

This was a strange feeling to have. Perhaps, it was delusion, but my body refused to feel broken. And it had become clear to me. I wanted her. I always did, since the beginning. But it had to be in a way that she would know that I would truly love her. How could she get under my skin so easily? I tried my very hardest to form a normal relationship for us, yet it seemed as if Anna wasn't having it.

My chest felt constricted, and tears threatened to fall but I refused to look so weak. I understood why I wouldn't let myself go deep into my emotions—I had promised her I'd let go of everything. This time, all I needed to do was to accept that Anna was no longer mine. Or at least… from my hold.

In the midst of my realization, I let go of her hand—she held it. I gaze down immdiately, eyebrows crossed when her fingers delicately held my index. What is she thinking?!

"Elsa, I think we've established that Anna and I—"

"No." Abruptly, I pulled my hand away from Anna. "My apologies, you're right, Hans. What I said… was a misunderstanding. Please don't take this wrongly from me." Anna glared, eyes running up and down over me before letting out a huff. Her arms crossed together.

Olaf sighed. I was surprised he was going to speak. He hadn't talked for a while. "Miss, you shouldn't worry about such trivial things. It's merely a—"

"Merely something that I would've taken wrongly—"

"Hans!" Anna yelled and her eyes looked at him in grief. "She's my best friend, whatever happened in the past, we've let it go! In a week, will be our wedding, please don't ruin this for us."

Hans resigned back to his seat and took a deep breath. "Yeah… you're right." His jaw clenched, fists tightening on the steering wheel. I looked out the window, and my arms crossed together around my waist. I'd rather no one touched me. "I'm sorry, Elsa. I was…" Jealous? Envious? Possessive? "… just concerned."

I shook my head. Everyone seemed to be in a bad mood right now, but I couldn't let that get to me.

"Don't be." I turned to Anna. What was her intention?

"Elsa—"

"Olaf, enough. It was my fault, don't defend me."

"Yes, ma'am." He seemed displeased.

"I'll get the bags with Olaf, why don't you two just go inside? Elena will be so happy to see you, Elsa."

I peeked outside the window, seeing quite a beautiful, comfy house in front of me. I got out of the car, admiring the two story building. "It's… quite small."

Anna nudged me. "Coming out!" I moved over and lent her a hand.

"Now why can't you get out the other side like any normal person?" I asked, utterly astonished by how she almost tripped over nothing. I grabbed her shoulders to steady her. The car quickly drove off to the garage.

She chuckled. "Because… I'm special?"

Anna was soon blushing scarlet. "The house is small to you, rich girl, but it's actually a lot bigger than quite a few homes in the city. I hope you don't mind it."

I raised my eyebrows. "Oh no, of course not. I would say, it's quite the opposite. I… do live in an apartment, so I really can't complain."

She hooked her arm around me. "But, your family also has that gorgeous house. Geez, I don't think I've ever gone through all the rooms there yet."

I looked down, feet crushing the thin layer of white flakes on the ground.

"Well, perhaps, one day, I'll give you a proper tour."

She groaned. "One day, your niece will continue to annoy me while we go on a tour, should be correct."

I laughed joyfully. "She likes you."

"I'm just surprised she's nothing like you! Or anybody in your family."

I brushed a strand of hair back to her ear. "She seems… more like you."

Anna gasped, a hand pressed to her chest. She widened her eyes, straining her eyebrows together. I think I've offended her. "Her?! Me?! I'm disappointed!"

Once again, I couldn't help but laugh aloud and her gaze softened into a cloud of love. We were on cloud nine. Tears almost seeped through my eyes, but I brushed them off immediately. Of course, they were happy tears. Funny tears. Her arm fell to my hand and our fingers slipped between each other.

"I'm glad, you're having so much fun, Snowflake."

Have I worried her? She eyed me intently, flushed from the cold, and her gaze was warm. Her green eyes glimmered and cold breath flowed out into the air. She shivered as we walked towards the entrance. I put my other arm on her, rubbing her softly. I shook away the ill thought of making her feel like a worrywart.

"Cold?"

Anna nodded. "Very. Are you?"

I thought about it for a second. "I… like the cold."

"Right, it doesn't bother you." She rolled her eyes.

I slipped a shy grin and she seemed to notice. "No, it doesn't."

"Sometimes, I wouldn't have thought you could smile like that."

I pressed my face into my scarf, hiding the deep crimson. She giggled but said nothing more other than 'cute'. I decided to ignore it. I'd never been seen as someone 'cute'. I was a woman of authority, A woman of respect and severity. I had no time to be cute.

She paused her steps as we got in front of the porch and made me face her. She sniffled - there was nothing more adorable to see her nose and cheeks, colored crimson and her scarf covering her blissful beam. She glowed like an angel and the beautiful winter emphasizing that look. Suddenly, my heart slammed against my chest, and butterflies fluttered around my stomach. I hadn't felt like this for a long time… not after Belle and I broke up.

I glanced worriedly at her. This was the part where I should be shutting myself in—to hide this warm… unwanted feeling. She held my hand tightly and I was unable to let go.

"Hey."

Anna Smith, you are one challenging woman.

My heart thumped, threatening to break out of my frail body.

"Hey, yourself," I replied.

She hummed into her scarf, teal eyes looking down to our hands. I let her swing them playfully. It was amusing to see her teal eyes glowing and following them.

"So… Ma really wants to see you. Said, she wants to have a talk with you."

I nodded. "I've expected it. I also want to have a talk with her."

She chuckled. "Back then… she knew about you. When we first met, she knew who you were."

"I know."

"But you hid that."

"It's unfair, I know—"

"No, it was out of fear. I understand that. And I see you… so beautiful and radiant," She caressed my cheek, "…then I see your eyes," She looked up with bright teal eyes. Surprisingly, her palm was warm, "And I see fear."

"I don't…" I grimaced at the word 'fear'. How could I be scared of her? It didn't make sense. She was in front of me, but it didn't occur to me that I was scared. I clenched my jaw, looking out to the snowy white field. "I'm not scared."

"Maybe, but what about her?"

"Her?"

She ran her fingers through my hair, sending shivers down my back and I wanted more. Anna exhaled out a frigid breath. "The girl in your dreams. Anna. Me… are you still scared of… me?"

I tensed up and I felt every inch of my muscles wanting to get away from her—no, only from the memories. I clenched hard on her hand, but she hardly reacted to the nails piercing her skin. She was calm and her smile sent me into a wondrous state of mind.

"No." I hadn't gotten any nightmares lately, but even so, sleeping was still an unsettling topic.

I couldn't handle how our mood swung to and fro. It seemed as if we'd gone from ice cold to a sunny warmth all at once today. It's hard to keep up. She sighed and reluctantly nodded. Anna didn't look too satisfied but I wasn't going to let her worry more than she does now". Alright." She tucked my hair back. "Well… once we go in there, make yourself comfortable because…" Anna chuckled nervously. "Everyone is… really comfortable."

I didn't like that emphasis.

Seeing her laugh so timidly was definitely making me nervous—after all, I was taught to act with grace, respect, and politeness. 'Comfortable' was not exactly a part of my family's dictionary.

Anna rang the doorbell before I knew it.

I grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

"Hm?"

"I…" Sighing, I regretted my decision to come straight to her home. "I… Should've brought a gift."

"What?" She frowned. "No, that's fine! We're a family, Elsa, you don't have to—"

"Anna Banana, you're back!" The door flung open and out came a young woman with short brown hair and a pink dress. She looked almost identical to Anna. Well, without the brown hair, of course.

Anna rolled her eyes, looking at me apologetically. Immediately, she was tackled into a hug.

"Oh god, stop it, Rapunzel!" Anna choked.

"Aw, but I miss you." She nuzzled into her neck and I felt as if somewhere inside, a part of me wanted to be her. But somehow… she looked quite familiar. Rapunzel… was it? I blinked. Her cousin. Of course! With her brown hair and green eyes, I could recognize her anywhere—not because she seemed nearly identical to Anna, but because I'd played with her a few times in the past.

I had to admit, she had gotten beautiful. Perhaps… even more hyper than the last time we've met.

"Oh?"

Brown, bright eyes fell into mine. I suddenly felt uncertainty, and the need to hide. But it lured me as if I'd fallen into a deep dark hole and I was unable to escape from her sight.

She pushed Anna away, earning a string of curses and unpleasant gestures in silence. I gave Anna a burning look and immediately, she stopped, eyes prompting a guilty look. Even now, she'd still listen to me? It was quite precarious. I was quickly reminded by the approaching girl that I seemed to be looking like a small child.

Fear, was it? Perhaps, the fear of… not being accepted.

My throat managed a small cough.

"Elsa?" Her eyebrows raised. "Elsa… right?"

"Yes! That's Elsa! The woman I've been talking to you about—" This was the cousin she'd been talking to her about?

"Shush, Anna!" She turned back to me with the grumbling redhead behind her. I was too distracted by the wandering brown eyes to laugh.

"Elsa?" She approached with caution and her voice was nice and smooth.

I slipped a grin. "Rapunzel, yes?"

She giggled, and her face flushed bright like the sun. "Wow, you really do remember. Yeah, I'm Rapunzel." She eyed me up and down. "God, it's so nice to see you again after… how many years?"

Immediately, I grew reserved. My voice shrunk. "16 now. It's…" I had no words and the only thing I could do was beam with grace. "It's a pleasure to see you again—"

Her body quickly tackled mine and her arms tightly wrapped around me. I was expecting a hug, yet I was still left in shock by her strength and her eagerness. Ah, she was still the same as always. She laughed, and her head nuzzling into me.

"Oh my god! You're here! You're finally here! I missed you so much!" She pulled away, "Wow, you've gotten so pretty!"

Oh Jesus.

I looked at Anna, hoping that she'd help, but instead she shrugged. Help or not, I gave myself in and fell into her embrace, wrapping my arms around her. I sighed and chuckled at her bouncing feet. I had no way of keeping her down.

"And you too, Rapunzel."

Like Anna had said before, everyone was quite comfortable with each other. Especially when there were quite a lot of people in the house, meeting each and every one was a joy. Tiresome, but most of all, I had caught up with everything.

Hans' brothers had finally met me, but since I remembered only two or three of them, the rest of the thirteen had to be introduced to me again. I learned that all of them had gotten married and with kids now, and Hans had yet to get married—soon enough, however. Their father and mother couldn't meet me and I was told they were on a business trip.

I insisted that Hans and Anna gave them a call, and we could all have a nice conversation.

They were nice people… much like me and my family. There were rules and rules needed to be followed… and I could see Hans had been quite a rebel since his teen years. Regardless, he was a successful businessperson with a successful job. He was wealthy—his whole family, in fact—but I doubt he'd exploit his wealth selfishly.

Hans was the youngest of his family, but he seemed to be the head. Whether I should be impressed, or feeling quite sympathetic, I wasn't sure. He had quite the responsibility.

Perhaps, I seemed to be rather bitter. I wouldn't mind being called as such. I'd admit, Hans and I, despite our differences, we were quite similar. I was the pot calling the kettle black.

For about an hour or two, I managed to gulp down three bottles of beer and proceeded to drink more. The snow had stopped falling, but the wind was still feeling quite lively at two in the afternoon. Nobody had eaten yet and Rapunzel had just started cooking food—some delicious pasta, most likely. I could smell it. Delicious.

While Olaf was occupied with having a friendly conversation with the group of brothers, I barely had a nice talk with Anna's parents. Besides, I'd grown quite tired in such a short span of time.

I decided to go up the second floor balcony with a nice cold bottle of beer.

I leaned on the wooden railing, looking out into the empty streets with few neighbors shoveling snow from their cars and sidewalk. The snow here almost looked as if it could be big enough to be hails. But it was perhaps, I wasn't used to this kind of weather. LA was be quite hot compared to here. I looked down to the ground, and gathered a handful of snow.

The air was pleasant here, and the birds chirping in the trees were music to my ears. The remainder of the leaves on the ground rustled with the wind, swaying freely up into the sky or laying low on the ground. I can live with this.

Balling the snow in a tight pack, I was unbothered by the freezing temperature. I stared at the white solid ball, watching layers of thick breath rushing out of my lips as I sighed

Maybe if I'd just try…

Putting the snowball on my right hand, my left atop of it, I stared at the tree in front of me and my feet shifted to the side.

I took a deep breath and raised my right arm—

The snowball dropped to the ground and the pain surged through my body. I hissed, dropping myself to the ground and I held onto my shoulder. I kept gasping, eyes widening and it began to blur with tears. My ears rung and the only voice I could hear… that echoed was Anna's screaming my name in pain.

"Elsa!"

Anna?

I picked my head up to see her already beside me, her arms around my body and her eyes looking wary. "Oh my god…" She stared at the snow that crumbled into pieces. "I-I don't… are you okay? I heard you—"

Taking a deep breath, I smiled. Honestly, it seemed pretty weak. "No, I'm okay." I chuckled. "I only wanted to see if I could throw." She didn't seem convinced, her eyebrows crossed in disbelief. I'd be ashamed of myself too, hearing how ridiculous I sounded.

Anna began rubbing my shoulder and I relaxed. I sat myself down on the ground. "Don't do that if you know you can't, Elsa…" she whispered. I looked at her, and I could see the hurt in her eyes. The guilt.

"It was…"

"It was freaking stupid!" she cried out. She groaned in exasperation. "Elsa… I—" I got up and leaned myself against the railing. I took a chug of my beer and my eyes reached hers from the wooden floor. She stared back, and the confidence that I had in my voice was gone. Perhaps, I really was still scared of her.

She cupped my cheek with her hand on. I grabbed her hand, rubbing my thumb on the back and she slipped out a small smile at the gesture. Suddenly, I felt small, but a child would've had more courage to speak up right now. I was a child, who didn't know what else to say.

"Snowflake, I'm sorry…" Her voice was hoarse. I blinked and while I must've seem like the most miserable woman ever to her... She wasn't wrong. My head was buzzing. What could I possibly tell her?

I got up, letting her help me and her hand was by my shoulder. She was hesitant at first, but I sent her a reassuring glance. It threw her off, but she was back in an instant with the same expression.

I broke my gaze from her and sighed, leaning over to the railing, my elbows resting against the cold wood. She's too good for me. Anna reached for my hair, and pushed back from the blowing wind. Yes, she was too good for me, and I didn't seem to be enough for her.

No, I wasn't—I'd done more harm than good to her, yet she yearned for her best friend. She wanted a friend, but I wanted her love. Perhaps, if we continued the way we were, none of us would acquire any of this. I most certainly wouldn't.

"Hey… are you alright?" She sniffled and she felt so sorry for me. Have I made her cry again?

I turned my eyes to her. Her nose was red, and it almost seemed to be an impossible task to stop myself from giggling at her cute look.

"Anna, don't worry about me," I managed, a flimsy chuckle escaped. Good god, that was a close call. Laughing wasn't a suitable thing to do now—but perhaps, laughing might've lightened up our conversation.

She frowned. How can I dig myself out of this situation?

"You say that, but I see you up here all by yourself, trying to throw a snowball—"

I shut my eyes. "I only wanted to see if I could throw."

"Which is exactly why I'm worried!" Her face was painted red and the heat of her anger warmed my body. My chest ached with guilt and I felt as if apologizing wouldn't be enough—and perhaps, she was tired of hearing the same words from me over and over again. So she wanted us to move on! Yet, moving on seemed like an impossible, unbearable mission.

She sighed with remorse and held her hand on mine, fingers running along my faded scar. I pressed against the railing, but she didn't stop her touch. "Hey, whatever that's going on in your head right now, I just want you to know… that I forgive you."

I tensed and every part of me was restless. The bright aqua colored eyes looked concealed and they soon darkened. How? Most importantly, why?

Did I deserve forgiveness? Absolutely not. From my view, or rather… I couldn't see what good I'd done to make her forgive me.

My eyebrows narrowed, turning to her. Questions whirled around my brain, but nothing seemed quite good enough to be settled into actual words.

"I…"

She leaned close to me and this time, her head was on my shoulder and she was hugging me. I was frozen solid. My vision blurred, and a sudden sob escaped before I could even cover my mouth. Her hand soothed me, rubbing my back. Every touch brought out a cry and a whimper, even though she didn't say a single word to me and only a soft hum of content could be felt on my neck. I fell into her embrace, my head on her shoulder, my arms tightly wrapped around her body. She didn't mind my fingers clinging onto her shirt and my muffled cries, or the tears wetting her. I trembled into her.

Anna smiled, "Shhh, there you go, let it all out, Snowflake. I'm right here." She ran her fingers through my hair. I pressed myself into her and I was almost surprised to see such a frail body still standing strong.

When I began to calm down, I didn't want to let go of her. She didn't either. "Hey."

I sniffled in reply and she giggled sweetly.

"What happened to that strong, cold Elsa Snow that I knew? Snowflake, what have you done to her?"

"She's still here," I breathed.

Anna pouted. "Liar. Elsa Snow doesn't cry like that."

"Perhaps..."

"Big fat liar." I nearly chuckled. "Do you have to marry him…?" I questioned, suddenly. It'd been in my mind all day.

She blinked once and then again to see if she misheard. Oh no, I knew what I meant. "W-What—"

Knock, knock

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Slowly, we managed to pulled away, turning to the door to see Elena. She looked at me with a smile and her teal eyes shined. Ah, so she was here to talk. I wiped my tears and took a deep breath.

Anna looked at me, reassuringly. I looked at her, regretting the words, but she soon waved it away. "You okay?" she mouthed. I nodded and let her push back my fringes and putting strands behind my ear. "I'll let you two talk alright? Call me if you need anything."

Tempted to roll my eyes, I replied, "I'm stronger than you think."

"I'm sure." Anna winked. I thought I saw Elena's smile widening. She gave me one last squeeze of a hug. I relaxed instantly into her and almost whimpered for her not to let go when she did.

"I'll see you when you're done."

Suddenly growing meek, I nodded. I watched her disappear back into the house and immediately, her mother's and my eyes met. Elena walked up to me, her gaze looking just as affectionate as my mother's. I watched her curiously, thinking that I could pry my way into her train of thoughts. She leaned against the railing, shivering.

"Honey, you're not cold? It's freezing up here! Californians should be wearing jackets, not a flimsy piece of button up." She turned to me. I didn't answer her, and turned my gaze out to the neighboring houses. Gods, how could she be talking so casually when I had questions rushing in and out of my mind? I took a swig of my beer in reply.

Elena looked at me quizzically at my distant glare. "It's been a long time since we've talked properly." She held my arm and immediately she understood. "Elsa—"

"How did you know?" I asked quietly, trying not to seem too cold to her. I'd started to imagine how much pain and bother Anna was once she'd known. I took her wrist in my hand and my grip felt tight—I was shaking.

Regardless, she was calm and collected. "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? You look exactly the same as you were years ago."

I twitched, looking quite exasperated at her display of composure. She put her hand on top of mine. Surprisingly, she was warm despite her bickering about the cold earlier.

"Why didn't you say anything in the first place?" I asked, looking at her hand.

"Why didn't you?"

I turned back to her, seeing her tilt her head. I didn't know how to answer that. She sighed, "I know that you were scared… about being rejected if Anna knew what happened, so I didn't reveal this to her. I almost did once but… I thought, I shouldn't be interfering."

I huffed, standing straight and my eyes matched the weather.

"You have every right to be upset, Elsa—"

"How could you leave LA with Anna without telling me?"

"You were a child! You and Anna were scared… we all were!" She cried. "You can't possibly expect me to tell you that we would leave!"

I growled and came close to her, teeth grinding up against each other. All the anger that had rushed in, suddenly rushed out and it'd brought tears to my eyes. My fingers clenched to her hand and my will to yell had disappeared. Blue eyes soon met the ground, shoulders dropping and I hunched over.

I give up.

She put her hand on my back. "Elsa… oh darling." She wrapped her arms around me, my head on her shoulder. I didn't weep, but she was comforting. I continued to stare at the ground, too ashamed to even look back at her.

"I know you have a lot of questions, Elsa… but one things for sure, is that you're here and Anna still needs you. You both need each other."

"Need…" I repeated.

"She wouldn't be the same if you weren't here."

I shook my head on her shoulder. "She's never been the same."

"But Anna still needs your support." She paused. "You both need each other."

Pulling away, I looked at her mildly amused. As if I was her second daughter, she put her hands to my cheeks and pressed a single kiss on my forehead. "I know it's been hard for you, especially, but I know you'll be alright, honey."

My eyes watered again, but this time, I had a little more self-control over my emotions. I shut them and let myself out from her affection and care. "I will…" My voice was small and pathetic. She looked sympathetically.

"Okay… I'm glad we got to have this talk, Elsa."

Am I?

I gave her a nod of appreciation and a smile to match. It was small, but filled with gratitude—I argued with myself whether it was real or not. "Likewise."

Coming downstairs, I found myself next to Anna on the couch. She continued talking, smiling as she acknowledged my presence next to her. "And Hans was like, we shouldn't be getting a kitty because…" Laughter erupted, but I paid no attention to what she was talking about. A kitty or something. Perhaps, I was too emerged on staring at Anna's features.

The television was playing some sort of '80s movie. Intrigued, I occupied myself until Anna finished talking. She began watching with me, a finger poking my waist.

"Finished?"

She nodded. "You good?" She put her arm around mine.

I hummed, leaning back and I watched her eyes follow mine. I laid my hand on my lap, sighing. "The conversation was quite…"

"Disheartening."

"Satisfying, I was going to say." I smiled. She looked at me as if I'd gone crazy.

"Whoa, Elsa Snow finds a conversation satisfying?" I laughed—really, laughed. "Big news everyone! Miss Snow here liked a conversation!"

Everyone in the room merely rolled their eyes and I heard a giggle from Rapunzel. "Anna, stop."

"What?" She pouted. "I think it's great. It just shows how much you've moved past from everything. Look," Anna scooted over closer to me and her arm was around my shoulder. My smile faltered and I noticed how close we were—she didn't seem to mind. Or notice. "We've… been through hell together, emotionally and I…" I trembled as her fingers descended down to hold my hand, fingers lacing one another. I felt her breathing and now, I was fully aware of the beating of my heart and the stop of my breathing. Her grin was enticing. "I just want you to know, I've moved on."

I wrapped my fingers around hers. No. There was no denying my feelings anymore—I love her. I wanted her. This time it was different.

Anna chuckled. "I've moved on, but I still need you. As a friend. As guidance. And I know, god, I know in a week... things will be so different and new. And as much as we've scarred each other and beat ourselves up for doing so, we still have each other's back right?"

"Anna—"

She put her free finger on my lip. "No, just listen. We… still help each other get back on our feet and now look at us! Look around you! I've moved on… I'm happy with what I have. I-I have you, Hans, marriage, a happy life. But the question is, are you?" Her eyes pleaded for an answer and I pleaded for an escape. But I knew, if I did, Anna would be disappointed and frustrated. Anything that'd bring me to the feeling of satisfaction. Her thumb caressed the faded freckles on my cheek.

My blue eyes sparkled, expression stunned, but amused. Happy, perhaps. But…

"Are you?" She repeated, her lips only mouthing the words this time.

Nodding, I replied with the same gesture, "I am."

But it's because I'm here with you.

In the middle of the week, Anna wanted to go on a date with me to Central Park. It was nothing special, and she was quite unsure what to do when she suggested us spending time together. We could go with the cliché… going to movies, taking her out to dinner, and all that jazz. I wanted to go to the park—somewhere quiet and filled with nature and places where we could have lunch together when we got hungry. Somewhere where we could talk. She agreed immediately.

Despite not knowing my way around the city, I took my time researching which train to take, rather than calling for a taxi. Olaf offered to drive, but I denied… and for some odd reason, I decided to take the train. Perhaps, I just wanted a time of peace and reflection.

Taking the C train, the inside didn't seem to be as cold as what was above ground. The train was quiet, mostly empty and seats were available, but I stood. Leaning against the door, I wrapped my chin with my scarf and eyed the black floor. This gave me time to think of what to say when I meet her. It's not so bad.

One thing's for sure, was I needed to give her that ring—it'd been a burden to keep it around my neck… but I didn't feel entirely comfortable leaving it by itself. Not after what'd happened when I did.

Honestly, thinking about Belle now… wasn't fitting. Anna was here, and I will be there for Anna. How ironic.

I sighed into my scarf, shutting my eyes. "So be it…" I breathed to myself. I was a puppy that'd follow her around with my tail curled between my legs. And if it meant that I'd stay by her side, I'd gladly be that. I chuckled inwardly. How lowly of myself.

"This is 59th street. Transfer is available…"

Getting out of the train, I looked from left to right. Exit… Exit… Ah.

It didn't take long until I was greeted with sunlight and snow— Ding! And a text message.

"I'm by the park! Hopefully you won't get lost, Snowflake."

I grinned, too wide of a smile and shook my head. I replied, "Anna, I'll call you if I do."

The park was only a few meters away from the train station and I looked around. She wasn't anywhere near, so I assumed she was somewhere far from where I stood. The park was quite big after all. The snow crunched under my feet as I walked around the alleys for a few minutes and eventually I spotted a redhead just a few feet away. The road was filled with cars and taxi's, art sales by the park, and people that were dressed cozily, walking quite hurriedly. But despite all the hustling, our eyes locked and her smile quickly appeared and it was radiating with light through the cloudy sky. Did she have to look this gorgeous? I'd asked myself this a lot lately and it was only a confirmation that I was still head over heels for her.

"Elsa! Over here!"

Chuckling, I walked up and she ran towards me. Her arms wrapped around me suddenly, forcing me to take a step back from the force.

"I missed you!" she cried. I wrapped my arms around her, holding by her waist.

"Anna, it's only been three days."

"Still! We didn't do any skype calling—"

"We could've used a different method."

"Anyway, you kept saying you had work so I just decided to let you, you know, work?" She pouted, eyebrows crossed. I nearly flushed bright red at her puppy eyes. Instead, I gazed at her apologetically, smiling gingerly. The wind blew and my fringes rushed it the right abruptedly. She gaped in silence, her face turning red as her gaze held mine.

"I'm sorry, Anna… I wish I could've avoided doing something so exhausting to be with you."

"O-Oh, I-I…" Suddenly she couldn't talk. I looked at her quizzically, tilting my head.

"Anna?"

She blinked and a rush of redness had gotten brighter. "Oh geez! I forgot what I was going to say. Whatever, you're here right now." She held my hand. "Come on, we should go take a walk and… catch up on whatever we haven't been able to."

My sternness melted and finally, I followed her—and once again, like a puppy with my tail wagging happily.

The road was long, snow drifting down the sky and the grass were covered with nothing but little white flakes. There weren't many people, most of them were students, and children. I looked up to the sky. Today wasn't mighty dark, but the clouds covering the sun and its wonderful gleam was close to grey. It smelled like nature here… all sorts of greenery planted left and right around as we walked.

I looked down to the concrete road, and then finally to Anna. Her smile was making me grin. Adorable.

"What?" she asked, noticing my stare that intensified. Surely, she didn't seem to mind me gawking at her features. It was pure admiration, after all.

Shaking my head, we stopped our promenade. "I was thinking, you smiling like that, is the most adorable thing ever."

Anna blushed slightly and averted her eyes. Her foot shuffled, kicking at imaginary pebbles. "W-Well, I…" She put her chin under her scarf. I couldn't hear what she had to say next as it was muffled under the woven yarns.

"What was that?" I came close to her just as she stepped away.

Again, her voice was muffled and I frowned.

"Anna, I can't hear what you're—"

"I-I just like being with you."

Oh.

She stared at the ground and I gazed in amazement, amused of how shy she'd gotten as time progressed. Well, it wasn't as if she hadn't been shy to begin with but… it was another thing. For a while, my amusement turned into adoration and her cheeks were becoming hotter than flames. I could even feel it, being only inches away from her.

"Anna. Look at me."

She shook her head. "I-I just…" She laughed nervously and fingers began twirling around her braid. "W-What am I saying, we've been on dates before… this shouldn't be any different right?" Anna raised her hand to the back of her neck. I held my breath. "P-Plus, it's not like things changed… I mean, they have! But I'm just… so happy to see you and I know I didn't seem like I've shown it when you first came to the city, and I'm sorry! But this is the first time since forever that we're alone. Together. By ourselves. Oh, Jesus, I'm talking nonsense, aren't I—"

I giggled, hand covering my laughter that I tried so hard to hold. I hadn't noticed that she stopped and her arms crossed. She grumbled below her breath, "You weren't supposed to laugh…" Ah, there was that pout again.

"You were rambling."

"Doesn't mean you could laugh! You know it's a habit of mine!" She huffed.

Gods! What has gotten into her lately?

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "Alright, I'm sorry. Are you mad?"

She murmured below her breath again, but this time I didn't bother asking because she was distracting me, her fingers gripping my sleeve. I stared at it. Blinked once. Twice. When had she become this charming to the eye, and to my poor heart? It'd kept pounding ever since we'd first met.

Smiling gratefully, I let my hand brush through her hair, brighter than the sun. She was still pouting, her eyes avoiding mine.

"Make it up to me," I heard her say. Just barely. She adjusted her scarf and we continued walking.

I was curious, but I was willing to do what she wanted. "How?"

For a while, I waited for an answer through the silence. Well, that could wait, and we let each other embrace our presence.

Our fingers skimmed against each other and I turned, glaring. She was lost too much in concentration to even notice. My mouth opened in protest, but nothing seemed to come out. Protest… Ha! Oh, I'd been restraining myself and now, this was the moment to break free from the chains—

She held my hand and I flinched.

"Anna?" I murmured. Perhaps, I should be restraining myself.

"This."

"Hm?" I tilted my head, feeling her fingers twitch.

She sighed, exasperated, yet her smile said otherwise. "This is your making up to me." I watched her expression glow in amusement, and immediately I matched her expression and a slight crimson like rose, bloomed upon my cheeks. I held her hand tightly, letting her warmth envelop me. Somehow, I did manage to hide the blush under my scarf. Odd, though. I'd never felt so small and timid in front of her— I looked like a complete child today.

Anna waved a hand in front of me. "Elsa?"

Shaking the intense feeling of my beating heart, I looked at her longingly. "It's nothing."

She giggled and I'd hoped she didn't see me acting all shy. "Alright, then. Let's continue walking." Perhaps, she did… and I would be afraid to admit that I was.

Our hands swayed back and forth as we continued walking, in silence. Quite frankly, it was a wonderful silence, and beautiful… with trees looming over us and pigeons flying in the sky. I remembered she used to be scared of them. I almost let out a chortle, but I barely managed to smile without letting her notice.

"Hey…"

I looked over to where the voice—soft and lovely—came from. She stared down at the ground.

"Hey, yourself," I replied back. "What is it?"

That got her to giggle a little, her feet shuffling against the snow. I raised my eyebrows. "Just wait here."

"What are you—" She let go of my hand, quickly running far from me.

"Don't look! Count to ten!"

What was she up to? Half convinced, I closed my eyes and began counting slowly—

"Oof!" I heard laughing, my eyes widening at the cold that came slamming onto my head. Trickles of cold water and ice slid down my cheek and I looked the woman from afar laughing hysterically with a snowball in her hand. I huffed.

"Miss Smith, two people can play this game, you know?"

She stuck her tongue out. "Let see you try!" She began throwing another one and just as she did, I dodged and a smile came running across my face. Luckily, there was a big patch of snow near the grass and quickly made a perfect snowball. She was still busy making another one.

I began throwing mine with my left hand. I felt quite proud that that one hit her right in the face. Not at all sorry.

"Nice aim," she bitterly admitted, spitting out ice.

I took a bow and cocked a cheeky smirk. "Wouldn't have done it without you."

For a while we continued our fight. Surprisingly, I landed quite a few hits with only my left hand and I was caught tumbling by her throws. I couldn't imagine such a light-weighted girl having such an impressive strength. By the time we stopped, we were completely exhausted. We ended up lying down next to each other in the grass, our hearts pounding fiercely. It didn't matter if there was snow, we were soaked. I put my arm around her shoulder, her face nuzzled into my neck, laughing as we continued to put snow on top of each other.

I was the first to calm down, laughter fading and my eyes were directed to the sky. She poked me.

"Hm?"

"I want to ask you something," she said, her lip between her teeth. She darted her eyes in search for a tensed expression on me. Gods, she was nervous. I held her hand and squeezed.

"You can ask anything me, Anna."

Yet, she continued to look at me anxiously. I waited until she was ready to say whatever with her mouth opening and closing, but nothing was coming out. She cleared her throat, her freed fingers fiddling with her braid. It'd been a habit, I assumed. "W-Well, a while back… there was that room that you…" I tensed, my grip tightening on hers, and I had every urge to look away from her caring eyes but… I didn't. She lured me in and I was captured into the light. "Why do you have so many—"

I stopped her with a squeezing of my hand on hers. Suddenly, my eyes were attracted to the sky and I couldn't bear to be bounded down by her gaze now. "I was… the kind of person to be quite obsessive—" I chuckled and the bitterness oozed out. "Perhaps, I'm still that person, but… as much as I keep hearing people say to give up my little dream to stand in front of an audience, I never gave up. I didn't like to admit that… I was incapacitated so I became stubborn… frustrated with myself." I looked at her in the eyes. "I wrote music, proceeded to try to play, but every single time, I can't even hold the bow properly. I grew angry, Anna. That's why… that day, you saw me in a room filled with papers."

"And now?"

I took a deep breath. "Now… it's empty. With nothing but a violin in a glass casing."

"Fancy."

"It is…" My vision blurred and suddenly, tears welled up my eyes. She looked at me with compassion, her laughter fading into a deep sorrowful sigh. I'd always said having people to pity me showed that I was weak, but…

She cupped her hand to my cheek. "Oh Elsa…"

I leaned into her. I took a deep breath and managed not to sob. "I grew angry at myself. At the people around me. So I shut everyone out."

"You don't have to, now."

"Because I've met you, I don't have to."

Anna ran her thumb below my eye and wiped the tears away. "You're okay now."

"I know," I mouthed, but I couldn't bring myself to smile, still. "Anna… May I ask you something?"

She tilted her head and brought herself closer to me, my arm resting below her head. "Of course."

"What do you feel right now?"

Her look was conflicted and I knew, she was confused. "I feel… good. I'm with you, after all—"

"I mean, with Hans."

"W-What?" I swore her voice cracked and I feared my question would leave her choking in a sea of sobs. I wouldn't want that. I shifted myself, my hand running along her hair. My gaze was gentle… remorseful, but I kept my composure.

"Don't lie to yourself, Anna," I uttered. I could see the heartbreak in her eyes, but I was sure she wasn't heartbroken for me. Perhaps… for herself. For her own doing—but I wasn't the one that should be stopping her, was I? I sighed through my nose, watching the girl chewing her lips nervously and her eyes gazing down guiltily.

This would be the right time to do what I must. Maybe, it'd cheer her up. I doubt it. Slowly, I sat up and looked back to see her still on her back, eyes wandering curiously over me. Searching through my pocket, I found the box with only a ring. "I… wasn't going to give it you, but…" She sat up next to me, but she couldn't keep her eyes off of the black leather box.

I opened it and she let out an audible whimper, eyes widening. "Elsa… what is—"

My jaw clenched tightly, and it took me a while to answer her. All the confidence I had was gone.

"I... I've had this ever since college. To find the right person… meaning, Belle." I heard her gasp. "And I thought I've found the right person, but then… you came along."

"Elsa—"

I grabbed her hand and placed the opened box in her palm. She didn't look like she'd accept it, but nevertheless, it was hers. "I want you to have it."

Anna glared at it, pushing it back to me. "I-I can't accept this!"

I smiled briefly, pushing it back to her. "I have no use for it, Anna. You can… do whatever you want with it. Sell it, keep it... whatever suits you, but just so you know, I've been meaning to give you this… even before we've broken up. With a whole different meaning behind it."

She covered her mouth, but the sound that came out was heartbreaking even if she thought I couldn't hear it. Anna put box against her chest, eyes shut but tears were constantly flowing out. My chest pounded miserably, but something was lifted off it. I was relieved.

And in complete bliss, I wiped her tears and held her chin up to me. Her hiccups and cries rushed out of her lips. I doubt she could see my smile.

"W-W-Why?"

Why, she asked?

"Because I love you. And even though you weren't happy being with me—"

"I was!"

"—you can still find it with Hans, yes?"

Without even answering me, because her voice, being caught from her cries, wouldn't let her, she hugged me tightly. I patted her back, fingers running through her hair. "It's okay. You're okay."

The church bell rang as I looked out the window, seeing snow drifting down the ground. Putting my hands in my pocket, my tie still undone and laid around my neck, I stared out wistfully at the sky, the sun clouded from my gaze. People were coming in and out from the entrance, a white limousine with pink strips of ribbons decorated on all sides standing by the sidewalk. My blue eyes glistened like the dark ocean and the feeling of my heart throbbing was killing me.

Today was Anna's big day.

"Listen, Meg, if your big boy doesn't want to come, fine by me! Fine by all of us!"

The door slammed open and I turned to see Rapunzel screaming, her heels clicking right up to me. Meg rolled her eyes, arms crossed together.

"Wonder Boy's just shy! He doesn't like wearing suits. And you don't seem fine about it!" She huffed. Her cheeks grew red.

Rapunzel growled, her hands already fixing my white tie. I blinked in amusement, watching her fix my black collar up. " You're right, I'm not. Plus that's just plain stupid! I'd rather have him run around naked if he doesn't want to wear a suit."

She scoffed. "I bet your pretty boy would totally do that."

"As a matter of fact, I think he will."

I raised an eyebrow, Rapunzel beginning to fix my collar. "Wonder Boy?"

"Oh, that's Meg's boyfriend. High school sweetheart. He's all muscle and bulky and stuff, but he's a sweet guy. A pussy though."

I nodded, yet my expression gave out a strange stare to Meg.

"What? He's shy, alright, Elsa?!"

Rapunzel moaned exasperatedly. "Okay, whatever, who cares about Wonder Boy?"

"I do!"

Rapunzel snorted. "Can we go check on Anna please? She's been in there for hours!"

"Just ten minutes," I replied.

"Don't just ignore me!" Meg shouted.

"Perfect. Now, she's going to be late, Hans is waiting—"

The door opened again, not without three knocks. Hans' head popped in and his cheeks looked as if it'd hurt with a smile that wide. "Is my soon to be wife, ready?"

Rapunzel groaned, even louder this time, but I decided to spare her from the frustration.

"Hans, it's be bad luck to be here. Stay out there," I said, chuckling at his eagerness to come in. Meg blocked the way.

He pouted. "What, it's not like I'm seeing her in a wedding dress."

"She'll come out soon."

"But—"

"Yeah, so get out, pretty boy."

"H-Hey, you—" Without letting him say another word, Meg pushed the door closed. Rapunzel walked over to the dressing room, knocking on the door. "Anna-banana, are you done? Do you need help?"

"O-Oh no! I'm fine! I'm coming out now." Her voice muffled behind the door and suddenly, I tensed up in anticipation. I'd hadn't seen her wear a wedding dress and I was most certain that Meg and Rapunzel had seen her wearing on with such beautiful grace as she tried it out. It was unnerving, really.

My heart was pounding, and I felt restless.

"Alright, I'm done."

The door slowly opened and I was completely taken aback as her heels stepped foot on the stairs. It was only a plain white strapless dress, covered with laces and a train of satin fabric running on the ground behind her. I stared, and nothing but wonder took over me. Her hair was wrapped into a bun, followed by a veil covering her freckled back. Her teal eyes looked right back at me, and her beam was as elegant as always.

What am I supposed say?

I was absolutely stunned and no words could describe how she looked. I wasn't aware of how wide my eyes had gotten.

Silence fell and Rapunzel took Meg in her arms. "I think we should leave these two alone."

"What? Oh, right," Meg grinned and with their arms linked together they left. The door shut, but we didn't notice.

All I could hear was the pounding of my heart and birds chirping outside. "So…" She walked up to me, standing tall in as she came up close. I gulped. "What do you think?"

Beautiful. Stunning. Marvelous. Oh, what other word could fit how she looked?

"Um…"

Anna raised her eyebrows. "Speechless already?" I nodded, and I was in complete submission to her gaze and words. She sighed and put her hands on my tie. "Rapunzel's not that good at tying. You should've asked me."

"I… You were… putting your dress on." Excuses, excuses. Gods, I really am speechless. I cleared my throat.

Anna giggled. I looked at her, head tilted in confusion.

"Yes?"

"You're blushing."

I ran my fingers through my hair. "It's… quite warm in here, don't you think?"

She beamed gingerly, her eyes averted back to my tie and patted my chest. "There, all beautiful and handsome…" Looking up to me, her cheeks flared red and she chewed her lip nervously. I grabbed her hand, and immediately… obediently, we laced them together. My eyes were dark… and I longed to have her by my side. I recalled how much she'd looked at me this way and I to her. It's always that want and that lust that spun around in our head.

I rub my thumb on the back of hers. Her breathing hitched, shallow and the back of my scalp prickled. It was an incredible feeling to have her close to me again.

"We've… come a long way, Anna," I breathed.

Her eyes danced between looking at me and avoiding me. "Yes… we have." She chortled. "And I think… you and I learned quite a few things along the way, haven't we?" she murmured, fingers tracing the light freckles on my cheek.

I'd been completely drawn into her good heart again. I chuckled softly.

"We should get going." I offered her my arm. "Ladies first, my Princess."

She giggled as I took a bow. "Thank you, my kind Prince."

I sat behind the piano, my eyes caught with Anna's. She winked as she linked her arm with her father, a bouquet of flower in her other hand. I almost laughed as Jackie started throwing flowers in the air from her basket. Hans stood just a few feet beside me and I gave him a nod of acknowledgement. He smiled kindly at that.

My family had come to the wedding just yesterday and they'd only been introduced to everyone else just hours before the ceremony had begun. It was quite a bit worrisome but, I knew, everyone would get along well. They did.

Jack was supposed to be behind this seat, but… he wanted me to play. I'd rather not ask why, but I knew the reason he only wanted me to play was to make others proud. To make Grandfather proud. If only he was here to witness this. If only, I could make him proud… to finally tell him, I'd found her.

And of course, as buddies, Jack and Olaf sat next to each other but… they kept their eyes on me. My grin faded and I knew what they wanted me to do. They knew how I felt. How much I despise this—yet, Anna was the one who needed this to find what she needed.

I turned away from their questioning glare.

Slowly, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, fingers gently pressed on the keyboards. I began playing, but I knew I wasn't playing to that audience, but rather… to Anna. I hoped it sounded beautiful.

They began walking down the aisle. Opening my eyes, I watched her smile at Hans and my heart seemed to have taken a hit and it'd began to shatter. As she came standing beside him, they held hands and the last note slowly faded. I couldn't look at them in the eyes, but I was keeping them on Anna.

I gripped hard on my knees, unaware of how jumpy I was. The priest began speaking but as if my ears were clogged, I couldn't hear a single word. Every word sounded like statics and I turned to Jack. He glared at me, eyes darting from me to Anna quickly. I shook my head, shutting my eyes again. This wasn't supposed to happen. I wasn't supposed to feel like this!

I took gulps of breath in, yet, the feeling of my heart aching did not stop.

They were beginning to say their vows. I began to feel restless, eyes darting from my lap to Anna for every sentence. What am I going to do? No, I should stay put.

It was Anna's turn and I managed grin when our eyes met. Tears began to shed from hers, and Hans wiped them off, smiling gratefully. I sighed, my shoulders hunched. I couldn't give Anna her happiness. No matter what I'd do to make her smile, it was never enough. Perhaps, she'd say it was… but even if it wasn't, I'd continue to do my very best for her. And if she wanted to marry someone else, so be it.

"Hans Westergard, do you take Anna Smith, as your wife, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" the priest asked.

"I do." He held her hands, tightly and it filled her with warmth and love.

It was all that I didn't have… It was something that I took for myself and I hadn't given any to Anna.

"Anna Smith, do you take Hans Westergard, as your husband, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

But at the very least…

She turned around to look at me, and for some reason, the shine in her eyes was anything but happiness and joy. We stared, my heart stopped and I froze at her bitter smile; I was longing for love… longing and reaching out for the same happiness that awaited her in her life.

At the very least…

She turned to face Hans and her mouth opened for an answer.

"I…"

I get to see you in a wedding dress.

A/N: Oooohhh cliff hanger ohhhhhhhh... pls dont kill me. K, who wants smut?! Yeah? You want smut? k. Good talk.

Next chapter: Chapter 46: Take Me As I Am