NOTES: Wow, I can't believe this is the end! Except I can, since we've been posting it for almost a year, haha. Thanks for all the positive, encouraging reviews you guys have sent along the way. And a special thanks to NoPantsParade (on Tumblr) for the incredible cover art - and to CanITellUSmthin for commissioning it!

And don't worry - I have another Elsanna project brewing. For now, let these sisters have their reunion as my Christmas present to all of you.

Until we meet again,

Jessex (and this time, Pankite)

EPILOGUE

By the time Elsa Tremblay was nearing her destination, her palms were so sweaty that they were beginning to slide down the steering wheel. Why was she so nervous? There was nothing to be scared about. Everything before now had been the scary parts; this was just the sweet reward for going through so much heartache and strife.

Still, anxiety plagued her. Maybe everything would have changed in the few hours since they last spoke on the phone. Maybe she would be rejected. Maybe the earth would open up and swallow her whole. Just because these things were unlikely didn't completely erase her fears.

Now that she was getting closer, she double-checked the address she had both written down on a Post-It note and entered into her GPS. This was the place. She'd seen a picture of it at some point, but that wasn't the same as seeing the little blue-painted house in person. Heart in her throat, breath coming in ragged gasps, she finally pulled up to the curb and put her car in park.

"Okay," she whispered to herself as she got out of the car, wiping her palms on her yoga pants. "This… this is no big deal. You're welcome here. You literally talked to them this morning. It's not going to be… bad." She took another few breaths. "Nothing will go wrong. It won't."

Not that she really believed herself in her neurotic brain. But her heart knew that everything was going to be fine. Even if the two were bickering with each other, she trusted her heart more.

One quick press of the doorbell and she was waiting, hoping that nobody would pop out from nowhere to chase her off. Only a moment of silence passed before the sound of loud, hurried footsteps echoed from the other side of the door. There was a loud crash, followed by a female voice cursing while a man laughed uproariously. Then the door was pulled open, revealing a grinning Anna that almost immediately flung herself at Elsa, wrapping her up in a hug so tightly that Elsa swore she heard something crack.

"You're here!" the redhead squealed in delight, snuggling into her older sister and her whole body practically buzzing in barely contained excitement. "I missed you!"

Instantly, all of her anxieties and misgivings melted away. Anna missed her. It was real, every doubt was gone that it wasn't real. Her arms wrapped tightly around Anna, pulling her in as close as she could possibly be.

"I missed you, too!" she half-sobbed, grinning into her shoulder as she spun her around. Anna giggled in her ear and once her feet were back in the ground, she leaned in to plant a chaste kiss on Elsa's lips.

"Come in! Dad figured you'd be hungry so we prepared a light lunch to eat before we leave!" The redhead tugged on her sister's hand, pulling her into the house and closing the door behind them.

"Really?" she asked as she stumbled along in Anna's wake, tripping over her sneakers. "I mean… he wants to see me? After you told me that you two… discussed things… well, I didn't know…"

Anna gave Elsa a soft look, stopping their trek to the kitchen so she could press a few kisses to her knuckles. Only now was she able to get a good look at her little sister. She looked much the same as the weeks ago they had last encountered each other, apple-cheeked and freckle-dusted. Excitable. Curvy…

"Dad loves you," she reassured her sister earnestly, snapping her out of untoward thoughts. "His reaction was a lot like Rapunzel's. He was in denial for a bit, then he was very squicked out for awhile. But never once did he hate us or say anything mean to me." She smiled. "After a full night of crying and a couple weeks of heart-to-hearts, he's come to accept what we share a love that is special. He just… asked for us to keep things on the down-low in his presence for the first little bit so he can get used to it."

"Completely understandable," she sighed as she embraced her back, standing close and feeling nervous and stupid. "And I know, you told me all this… I know. But it seems too good to be true. I couldn't even get up the nerve to tell my mother what kind of relationship we have; I barely could stand up to her about just being your sister again!"

"I'm sorry, it must've been so hard to deal with her. I know she… really hates me right now… she made it clear when I called to explain things." Her red head lowered slightly. Elsa leaned in to press a soft kiss against her forehead, trying to reassure her. Anna smiled and returned the gesture with a kiss to her cheek. "Come on, the kitchen is this way," she murmured before starting to lead Elsa in a bit more of a subdued pace. "And hey, check you out, wearing the Camp shirt."

"Oh, I have so many of these," she dismissed with a wave of her hand. Even though that hadn't been the only reason she selected it. "I could probably make them into curtains."

Their father was at the table, a pair of spectacles on his nose as he read the paper. He glanced up when he heard the girls approached and grinned widely. "Hey! There's my Snow Princess! Get caught in traffic?"

A very shy Elsa looked down at her shoes. Even after having reunited with him after camp, she still felt just as awkward, but she made an attempt. "N-not really. Sorry for getting here so late."

"It's no trouble, my girl. Come sit and eat. You must be starving! Long drive up here, eh?" His brow furrowed in concern. "Do you want to take a nap before you go? I'm sure Anna won't mind you taking her room for a few hours. Her bed is still there." He gave a grinning Anna a stern glare before adding, "You'll have to nap without her, though. Missy here has to help me load her things into the trailer. Are you sure you're okay taking my truck for now?"

"O-oh, of course," Elsa assured him with a slight smile. "You said it's an automatic, right? I never learned to drive, um…" She snapped her fingers. "The other kind. I can't even remember what it's called, with the stick shift?"

"Lucky," Anna grumped beside her, though her little grin made it clear that she wasn't particularly annoyed despite the tone. "The only car that was available for me to practise with was Kristoff's beast of a truck, so I was forced to get used to standard before I was allowed to start learning how to use an automatic."

Edgar chuckled, "And you should be thankful for that. Once you learn stick you can drive anything." To Elsa, he said, "Yes, my truck is automatic. It'll get you and Anna's stuff to school and I'll drive your car to you next month so I can pick it up again." He wrapped an arm around his oldest daughter. "Now dig in before the food gets cold while Anna and I start loading up."

"Kristoff will be coming over to help, too!" Anna chimed in excitedly. "He really wants to meet you!"

"Oh, good!" Elsa laughed nervously to this last part.

As they both left the room, she turned to the table. The stack of pancakes on the serving platter was huge, and there was another one of peameal bacon, regular maple syrup and blueberry syrup, and a bowl of freshly cut-up strawberries. A small smile tugged at her lips. This was really quite overboard; she felt like she was being doted upon, which was weird since she was still his daughter. Despite the five years of little-to-no contact. But instead of bemoaning that, she sat down and fixed herself a plate.

She had just barely began eating before Anna came back into the kitchen to give her a tight hug and a squeal. "Did you know that Dad found us a cheap apartment to rent?!" she asked in an excited rush. "He said he'll pay the rent up until we can get jobs! That's so awesome!"

"Dad…" She set down her fork with a sigh and an exasperated smile. Lucky for him, the man in question wasn't there to reprimand. "He didn't have to do that. I was going to save my money by staying on-campus until the end of my undergraduate."

Anna blinked down at her. "Oh… well, I'm sure we can tell Dad that and he can cancel? He said he was going to finalize everything while we were driving there." She looked a little disappointed but she managed to hide that with a sunny smile and by leaning in to nuzzle Elsa's cheek. "I'm just happy to be with you."

Not that Elsa missed it. After a few seconds, she whispered, "You really wanted to live together like that, didn't you?" She looped an arm around Anna's waist to draw her in closer. "I'm sorry. I just hate the idea of him feeling like he has to… I don't know, take care of me that way. Make up for lost time or whatever."

"Dad spoils," Anna said with a fond smile. "It's in his nature. I've learned long ago to just accept that. He wants nothing more than for me and you to be happy and he thought that this would be a nice surprise to spoil you with since he hasn't been able to do it in so long. Plus, I think it's his way of saying that he's mostly okay with us being a couple since he trusts us to share an apartment." Without hesitation, she snuggled into Elsa's embrace and hummed. "I think it would be nice living together but I don't mind living in a dorm and knowing that you are just a few floors away if that's what you'd prefer. This is your decision."

"Well…" A slight hesitation. "It would be less conspicuous with living off-campus…" Her eyes cast downward as she thought about it, taking a bite of food to give herself time. Finally, she admitted, "I haven't come out to any of my acquaintances from uni yet. It's just… strange, to admit that something you used to think was a sin is now your life. I don't even know where to start. So if we just said we were roommates for a while… would you hate that? I'd rather be briefly uncomfortable than hurt you, of course!"

"Whatever you feel comfortable with, Elsa," Anna reassured, taking Elsa's free hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. "Like I said, I'm just happy to be with you. No matter what." She smiled earnestly. "Think the apartment thing over while you eat. I should head back out there with the box I promised to get before Dad comes hunting me down." She started to get up and leave before pausing, saying over her shoulder with a little wink, "You look beautiful today, by the way," before disappearing.

Elsa felt light-headed as she made her way through the rest of breakfast.

By the time she finished eating, the truck was packed up with Anna's things, and their father was smiling at Elsa as she returned from the bathroom. Though she had declined to nap, deciding she'd rather just get the show on the road than inconvenience anyone, she had decided to make sure of a pit stop so they wouldn't have to do it halfway to campus.

"All set," she breathed with a slight smile, handing over the key to her car. "You might have to stop for gas; I don't remember how full it was when I got here."

Edgar chuckled as he took the keys and handed her his. "The gas tank is full in the truck and Kris was kind enough to go and fetch a spare gas can for the road. Is there anything else you need before you leave?"

After a brief moment spent squirming, she asked in a meek voice, "A hug?"

In an instant, Elsa was swept into a big bear hug, Edgar resting his chin on her head and rubbing her back. "I missed you, kiddo," he murmured. Elsa practically melted into the embrace, wanting to have another breakdown but knowing they didn't have time for all that. Besides, he would come to see them on campus once or twice, when he could get away from work.

"Missed you, too."

Edgar suddenly cleared his throat and grinned down at her sheepishly, a perfect reflection of his youngest daughter. "So, uh, about the apartment? Anna said you were trying to save up money. The rent would only be about $300 between the both of you since it's a one-bedroom, I figured you two wouldn't be against… sharing." He cleared his throat again, trying not to sound too uncomfortable. "B-but if you really don't want it, I can cancel."

"I think I would. Maybe… maybe we can get jobs soon, and start paying for it ourselves." She was resolute about that part; the last thing she wanted was to take advantage of her no-longer-estranged father's generosity. "And I will! Maybe something in the campus store? Or I could try retail…"

"You don't have to rush," Edgar insisted. "Take your time. I… have quite a bit saved up. I've been making college funds for both you and Anna but your mother was very firm in letting me know that she was taking care of yours… but I saved up anyway, just in case. I figured since your mother is covering your schooling, my half can cover the apartment until you find jobs." He rubbed his neck and looked off to the side. "I know you probably think I'm trying to buy your love back, Elsa, but I just missed out on so much and I want to make up for it by helping any way I can."

Nodding emphatically, she gave him another quick squeeze before she said, "I know, Dad. Don't worry, I didn't think that. And you have no idea how much I appreciate it." Then she finally released him and stood back to favour him with a wide, earnest smile. "Okay. Let's do this."

Edgar squeezed back before finally pulling away. "I think your sister went over to say bye to Kristoff. Are you sure you guys are going to be okay driving by yourselves?"

"Yes, Dad," she sighed in a typical put-upon-daughter voice. Though she was smiling. It was so nice to have the "missing" parent fussing over her again. Edgar simply gave his eldest daughter a good natured pat on the shoulder.

"Good. Now you both have my number in case something happens. If you start to feel tired, switch with Anna and take a nap or stop for the night. I gave Anna enough money for a night in a hotel if you need it, plus some extra for food. But please, don't let your sister go overboard. She can order almost sixty dollars worth of takeout if you let her." He chuckled softly but it was clear that he was stalling. "Take care of her, okay? This will be the first time she's been away from me for so long."

Playing along, Elsa saluted him with a small smile. "You can count on me, sir." Then they hugged again before her father went out to finish packing.

In no time at all, Anna had returned home. She introduced Elsa to Kristoff, who mostly just laughed and looked awkward a lot. Elsa felt instinctively intimidated by his large bulk and scruffy appearance, but soon enough she was past that. They all chatted for a short while, sipping at sodas and enjoying their brief time together, before their Dad offered to drive Kristoff back into town.

"Guess we should get this show on the road," Elsa sighed once they were alone in the house. Anna took one last swig of her Coke before nodding and standing up, offering her hand to help Elsa do the same. She had her usual grin on.

"You ready for an adventure?" she asked.

"I am if you are." Her heart was beating faster, even though there was no real difference between this moment and the dozens of moments just before. Except this was the first in a long series for the two of them. "We'll just… should we grab anything before we go? Sodas, gum?"

"At the risk of sounding unbearably cheesy? All I need is you." Anna leaned in and rested her forehead against Elsa's, her eyes twinkling. "But if you'd like to pick up some stuff, you are more than welcome. I already have a bag of goodies packed and in the truck."

"Look at you, on top of everything." Leaning in, she took her lips very gently, kneading them together in a way that was almost grateful for the empty house, the chance to be alone. Anna hummed and returned this kiss eagerly, her arms coiling around Elsa's waist and pressing her closer still. The redhead used her fingers to rub soothing circles into the blonde's hips.

She pulled back, just a little, to purr, "I love you."

"Love you, too." Sighing, she reached up to run her fingers through Anna's hair. "Wish we could hang around a little longer… but we need to go if we want to unload everything tonight. Or else people may steal your things from the truck bed."

"Good idea," Anna said, but didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned in and started placing soft kisses along Elsa's neck, taking the skin gently between her teeth and sucking on occasion. The blonde shivered, hands raking down Anna's back from her scalp and settling on her hips as she attempted to resist a reaction to the teasing lips. Anna took her attempt as a challenge. She grazed her teeth lightly over a particularly sensitive point on Elsa's neck before latching on, sucking and nibbling in what Elsa could only assume was an attempt at forming a hickey.

"ANNA!" she burst out in alarm, pushing her back. Pale cheeks flared with pink as she whispered, "I d-don't want to advertise that much that we're together!"

But Anna simply smirked like the little imp she was before planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. "Too late, Elsie," she teased, poking at the mark with her index finger. "But we should get going, eh? Don't want to get there too late or we'll be… too tired." She winked and blew her sister a kiss before racing out of the house, giggling madly. Elsa rolled her eyes and followed close behind, rubbing at her much-warmer face.

Then they were buckling into the front seat of the truck, the house locked up behind them. Half of Anna's worldly possessions in the back, and a full tank of gas riding underneath. Ready to go. Anna rested her hand on Elsa's as they started backing out of the driveway but her gaze never left the house as they slowly began to pull away from it.

"I'm a little nervous," she confessed, shoulders taut as they rounded a corner and the house was no longer visible. "Sure, I've been away before, but… this feels a little more final than any other time."

"Well, you're not coming back as Little Baby Anna. This is your first time living away from home as a grown woman. It is a big step, even if it's just college." But even as she was saying this reasonably, her arm was sliding around Anna's shoulders to help reassure her. Anna snuggled into the one armed embrace.

"I'll have you with me, so it's not as daunting as it would've been without you," the redhead mumbled against her shoulder. "Thank you for being here with me… and for helping me get into the school in the first place. All your tips helped a lot."

Shrugging as they finally headed toward the highway, rolling up to a stoplight, she whispered, "You're quite welcome. I mean, I'm not doing it for just you. I'm doing it for us." Then she leaned over to kiss her love. The redhead returned the gesture, fluttering her eyes shut as she sighed in content against Elsa's lips.

"This summer was the best I've ever had," she murmured lovingly as she pulled away and settled back into her seat. "I feel like the luckiest person alive right now. I'm moving in with my sister, my best friend, and my lover!" She giggled. "If someone told me this a year ago, I would've called them crazy."

"Especially since all three of them are the same person," Elsa agreed as they pulled away from the stoplight. Her hand reached over and took up Anna's hand, squeezing gently. "Which, the more I think about it, is a dream come true, Moondrop."

Anna squeezed back and look at her with utter adoration. "It definitely is, Snowflake." She hummed pleasantly and leaned so that she was pressed against Elsa's side. "I'm so happy when I'm with you."

"Thank God. Since you're going to be stuck with me for a long, long time."

Elsa and Anna stayed like that for many more miles, snuggled close in the truck cab and daydreaming about their lives. Bound together by blood and affection alike, and no interference from a condescending mother or misguided camp counselors could change that. There was no room for anything but love.

THE END