Scene 17: Elsa, then
She likes this Elsa better.
--
Are you seeing someone?
She nearly choked on her water, staring at Anna in something like dumbfounded silence.
What did she just say?
The redhead stuttered, looking nervous. I was just, uh, you know, I noticed something, well, different about you, recently, and I thought, maybe—
Something … different? Her brow rose, her grip tightened.
It's nothing bad, really, just ... um, I see you smiling more than usual lately, and sometimes I even see you blushing, so I guessed—
Her heart raced in her chest—she couldn't have her sister getting any ideas about it—and calmly denied it.
You sure? I mean, it really seems like you are, but—
Her denial was flat and hard the second time, and she thought her hand might slip around the glass.
Anna looked down, contrite. Oh ... nevermind, then. Stupid question. I mean, you're always so busy—working, events, planning stuff—when would you have time for a guy, right?
She swallowed thickly, and agreed.
Not that you can't be in a relationship, or something like that—you're so beautiful, after all, I mean, any guy would be lucky to have you—I just … Anna trailed off sheepishly, blushing.
She allowed herself a small smile at the expression, since she knew her sister meant well—it was okay.
Her sister sighed in relief. Oh, well, that's good. I didn't want to make it seem like I was saying you were frigid, or something, you know—
She raised a warning brow, and Anna's hands fidgeted over the tablecloth.
Okay. I'll shut up now.
She was thankful for the silence left in the wake of that—thankful, but also saddled with a deep sense of dread about the conversation, and everything that had been left unsaid.
Was she … was she really that different from before?
Anna looked up in surprise; she hadn't expected another question.
Well, of course, you're still you, but ... yeah, I think so. She smiled. In a good way, though! I mean, you're usually so closed off—no offense—and it's kind of hard to figure out what you're really thinking, but these days ... I dunno. Her blue eyes warmed. You just seem ... happier.
The word slapped her across the face, scalding her.
(Happier.)
Yeah. But I guess I was wrong about the relationship thing, so ... is something else going on?
A tingle of anxiety re-entered her fingertips, though she tried to mask her discomfort. What else did Anna mean?
Maybe like something related to work?
No—nothing like that.
(Nothing Anna could know about, anyway.)
Anna was curious, but—unlike usual—she didn't push the issue, perhaps too pleased with actually getting more than a few sentences out of her older sister to challenge her further.
Well, whatever it is, keep doing what you're doing! she exclaimed with a grin, and stuffed a truffle in her mouth, the chocolate poking against her left cheek. Because I like this Elsa—and I think you like her more, too.
She returned her sister's smile, barely—and when Anna turned back to her food, satisfied with the reaction, she had to fight the urge to flee the room.
Her hands were shaking.
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Aftermath
Fanfiction[Frozen; Modern AU; Hans x Elsa, Anna x Kristoff.] He was her sister's fiancé, then; but he wanted her, and Elsa wanted to let someone in-and now, he's a stranger, but she can't leave, because she needs him. She was engaged to the perfect guy, then;...
