Chapter Text
“So, ugh…yeah. I hope you can understand,” Elsa trails off. She eyes Anna cautiously before letting out a frustrated huff and slowing her speed. Anything to prolong the inevitable. “No that won’t do,” she tells herself as she continues to run.
Aware of Anna's habitual perch on the bleachers, Elsa was more conscious of it than ever as she neared the end of her final mile during cross-country practice. With a meet scheduled for the next day, her focus should have been on her performance, endurance relative to her competitors, and the competitive statistics she had memorized. Yet, instead of concentrating on these crucial aspects, Elsa had chosen to practice what she would say to Anna, and the words just seemed to continually elude her.
Why, she wondered, was it so effortless to confide in Rapunzel but so daunting with Anna?
"Well, I suppose the stakes were decidedly lower with Rapunzel," Elsa mutters to herself, shaking her head in an attempt to banish these intrusive thoughts.
Refusing to let her mind wander into the realm of why the stakes are higher with Anna while her emotions persist in forcing these thoughts upon her, she stumbles mid-stride. She flails uncharacteristically while maintaining her momentum, desperately trying to stay upright, all the while working to regain her composure.
As she regains her balance and works to return to her customary speed, her ears discern approaching footsteps to her right, followed by an irksome voice.
“Looks like the Ice Queen is losing her cool, and so close to a meet,” Hans gloats as he makes his way to her side. “Getting your guardian angel all worked up,” he spits. “Look at her. Still hasn’t sat down even though you’ve caught yourself before a fall.”
Elsa turns her gaze toward Anna, who had indeed risen from her seat, her hands clasped beneath her chin, her expression etched with concern. At the same time, Elsa can't help but notice the brunette seated next to Anna, who is leaned back casually, her gaze locked in casual observation. The brunette then gently nudges Anna, silently urging her to take her seat once again.
Watching Anna's deliberate, reluctant return to her seat under Meg's and Hans’s watchful eyes, Elsa feels a rush of embarrassment flush her cheeks.
“Rather pathetic if you ask me,” Hans calls her attention back. “But then again, Anna has always been pathetic for attention.”
Elsa’s eyes narrow and she can’t help herself when the words come out of her mouth.
“Then why’d you ask her to the dance coming up in a week?”
She is proud when her words cause Hans a stumble of his own. It’s not as big as her stumble was but she definitely threw off his cadence.
“I was told to,” Hans says simply. “Believe me she wouldn’t be my first choice. One year below us and all those freckles!”
Now, he was truly getting on her nerves. Elsa increases her pace slightly and vows to maintain a resolute silence, determined not to indulge Hans any further.
"Oh, it seems I've struck a chord. Not quite the master of your emotions as everyone believes, are you?" Elsa's lips tighten, her irritation mounting as Hans effortlessly keeps pace with her. She needs to regain her speed.
"My family views her acquisition as a significant triumph for our lineage. Who wouldn't desire an alliance with the Oldenburgs? And when her grandfather eventually departs this world, leaving just the two of us, let's just say I possess the patience required to have things my way," he taunted with a smirk, drawing nearer to Elsa during their run. "And I always get what I want," he whispers, just audibly enough to irk her.
Enough was enough. In the final stretch of the mile, Elsa abandons her controlled pace and brakes into a full-fledged sprint. If she doesn’t distance herself from Hans now, she couldn't be responsible for her actions to Mr. Sideburns. To her dismay, Hans matches her stride for stride, refusing to be left behind.
“Conceal, don’t feel. Don’t let it show,” she mumbles to herself quietly.
Hans is struggling too much in his effort to keep up with Elsa to notice her chant, but once he catches a rhythm to keep up, he smugly addresses her once more.
“How about a real challenge, Ice Queen,” he gasps between breaths. “First one to finish at the marker up there,” he points to a spot 200 feet ahead of them, “wins the Oldenburg girl?”
Elsa huffs and shakes her head in the negative.
“Scared,” Hans jeers. “Come on! On one…two…GO!”
He abruptly transitions from a sprint to an all-out charge, leaving Elsa with mere milliseconds to contemplate whether to accept the challenge or not. She elects to rise to the occasion, pushing her pace to the limit, even though an unfamiliar stitch grips her side—a sensation she hasn't experienced in ages, having grown accustomed to her regular running routine.
Perched on the bleachers, Meg and Anna keenly watch the athlete's fluctuations in speed, though one of the teenagers appears far more detached than the other. Anna, in contrast to Meg, is deeply invested in Elsa's performance during this practice. She heaves a sigh of relief when Elsa stumbles but doesn't take a spill, yet her own confusion is voiced aloud by Meg.
“Can’t believe Mr. Sideburns managed to catch up to Wonder Girl,” Meg drawls in disappointment.
“Elsa doesn’t usually stumble on her runs. He wouldn’t have caught up to her otherwise,” Anna defends.
“Wonder what has her so distracted,” Meg inquires.
Anna tilts her head, her face contorted in a mixture of thought and guilt. She suspects she knows the reason. If Elsa's distraction indeed centers around her dinner invitation, it all but confirms Elsa's intention to decline it. A sinking feeling in Anna's gut tells her that this would be the outcome, given Elsa's recent, peculiar behavior. She had hoped she was mistaken. Was Elsa genuinely that frightened of her grandfather? They'd practically already met, or at least interacted briefly. How much worse could a dinner with the man and Elsa's parents be compared to that initial encounter? The shift from "We're in this together" to the act of physically disappearing, using excuses like Hans offering to drive Anna home, and then later texting to request a conversation left Anna even more perplexed about Elsa than before.
"Do you think it's the dance?" Meg inquires. She has persistently encouraged Anna to discuss Elsa during their visits to watch the track team practice.
"The dance," Anna echoes, her gaze fixed on Hans as he converses with Elsa, who visibly tenses in her movements.
“Maybe she doesn’t have a date,” Meg continues.
Anna freezes as she contemplates the possible implications of the conversation's direction and her own internal revelation. She can't fathom why Rapunzel would have informed Elsa about Hans inviting her to the dance. Not that it was ever a secret. Even if she did, Anna declined the invitation, and she can't grasp why that would hold any significance or why Elsa would be concerned. However, she chooses to disregard the faint flutter in her heart that hints at the hope of why she might desire Elsa to care.
“Think I should ask her to go as my date,” Meg’s suggestion breaks way into Anna’s thought bubble.
“What?!”
“Whoa, calm down, Red,” Meg chuckles. “I’m just saying, she’s an attractive girl. You and Rapunzel seem to like her.”
“Meaning,” Anna asks tersely, causing Meg to raise her eyebrows.
“Meaning, she has to be a good time once you crack her shell open,” Meg responds. “I’m always down for a good time.”
Anna regards her classmate and supposed friend with a mix of skepticism and irritation.
"She's not just some casual fling, Meg," she states, her tone carrying a subtle warning. "She's a person, and quite a reserved one at that. Besides," Anna attempts to inject a bit of humor into her response, noting Meg's affronted look, "aren't you in something with Hercules?"
"Oh, Herc the Wonder Jerk? He's been irritating me lately. Thought I'd try something, or someone, new," Meg responds. "And I heard Aurora's planning to ask her out if Philip keeps dragging his feet. I don't get why she's holding onto hope for him. We all know he's basically out of the closet without formally coming out."
Anna steers clear of addressing Meg's commentary on someone else's sexuality, opting to focus on the other aspects of their conversation. The news that Aurora also has an interest in Elsa piques her curiosity. She contemplates whether Meg and Aurora genuinely know Elsa well enough to form an attraction or if they're merely captivated by the "new and shiny" addition to their friend group. Anna leans toward the latter, recognizing that they haven't had much opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Elsa. Elsa often converses with Rapunzel during lunch, but the recent shift in seating arrangements, with Elsa moving between Rapunzel and Aurora instead of sitting beside her and Rapunzel, raises further questions. Is that what Elsa wants to discuss today, instead of the vexing dinner invitation?
Anna's anxiety to speak with Elsa intensifies. She eagerly awaits Elsa's return from her run, eager to speed up the time until they can engage in a conversation.
“Whoa, looks like it’s a race between Sideburns and Wonder Girl,” Meg points out as the universe seems to answer Anna’s private prayer. “He got a head start but she’s quickly gaining on him!”
Anna's gaze returns to Elsa and Hans, who are locked in fierce competition. Both runners are pushing themselves to the limit. Hans's face is flushed with exertion, and the veins on his neck protrude prominently. Elsa, while slightly more composed, wears a determined expression, and a sheen of sweat beads on her forehead, tracing a path down to her chest.
“Come on, Elsa,” Anna shouts. She doesn’t know why the two are racing but the cheer is almost automatic. “Keep pushing! You got this!”
As if fueled by Anna's support, Elsa suddenly shifts into high gear, accelerating past Hans in a final burst of speed. She overtakes the water cooler stationed at the sideline mere seconds ahead of Hans and then gradually begins to decelerate. Witnessing Elsa's victory, Anna leaps to her feet, raising her fists in celebration. She swiftly descends the bleachers to reach Elsa and offer her congratulations.
Upon reaching the ground, Anna finds Hans at the water cooler, gasping for breath, which soon turns into coughing and then retching. The water boy tries to assist him, but Hans shoves him aside forcefully, sending the water cooler atop a folded white table hurtling backward. Ice and water scatter across the grass field, and paper cups swirl through the air.
Anna winces as she passes the chaos surrounding Hans, normally eager to help but now overwhelmed by the gathering crowd of cross-country runners. Her priority is to be by Elsa's side anyway. This desire intensifies when she spots the platinum blonde runner lying on the ground.
Elsa rests on her back, her knees bent with her feet planted firmly. One arm stretches above her head, while the other covers her eyes. Her chest heaves as she catches her breath, each inhalation and exhalation quick and labored. Her cheeks bear a soft pink flush from the exertion. Anna approaches slowly, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she comes to a halt by Elsa's side.
“She isn’t a prize to be won, Hans. I only ran to beat you and tell you that even if she was just a prize, you’d still be underserving of her,” Elsa puffs out between breaths.
“Um,” Anna is at a loss of what to say in response to Elsa. Clearly, Elsa thought Anna was someone else who had approached her.
At the unexpected sound of a feminine voice, when she had been anticipating Hans's (she was pettily refusing to categorize his voice as masculine), Elsa abruptly shifts into a seated position. Her arms are now extended behind her, supporting her upper body as she gazes up wide-eyed at a blushing Anna.
“I don’t know whose honor you were defending, but I’d say that girl is pretty lucky,” Anna finally manages, her words carrying a touch of admiration and something else Elsa cannot pick up on.
Elsa's mouth opens and closes a few times, her face now reddening not from exhaustion but from mortification at what Anna had overheard. The small hint of jealousy Anna might have harbored, thinking that the "her" Elsa had been talking about to Hans was someone other than herself, dissipates. Elsa's visible embarrassment strongly suggests that her race with Hans had something to do with Anna, and that realization fills Anna with a joyful sensation.
Anna extends her hand to Elsa, in a role reversal from their usual positions. Elsa firmly grasps the offered hand, but she averts her gaze in shame as soon as she is back on their feet.
"You really booked it at the end," Anna remarks, bending slightly to position herself within Elsa's line of sight. If possible, Elsa's blush deepens, and she looks away again. Witnessing Elsa's reaction fills Anna's heart with delight.
"I heard you cheering," Elsa finally responds. Her arms are wrapped around her waist in her signature gesture of uncertainty. "You're quite the motivator." A shy smile graces Elsa's lips, and Anna reciprocates with an exuberant beam.
Elsa hesitates before continuing, "So, I know I said we'd talk after practice..."
Anna's smile falters momentarily, fearing that Elsa might be reverting to avoidance.
“We will," Elsa continues in a rush, noticing Anna's reaction. "I just need to shower. I brought some stuff for the school lockers so we can have as much uninterrupted time as possible. I'm not sure when your grandfather is expecting you, but I'm free all evening. I can't come over to your place for dinner, though I'd love to discuss that, but my place is available. My parents wont be home. Not that I am suggesting anything. If you prefer, we could dine out..."
Elsa suddenly stops mid-sentence, a tinge of panic in her voice, as Anna begins to giggle.
"And I thought I could ramble on and on," Anna teases playfully, her laughter infectious.
Elsa joins in the laughter, saying, "Oh, I don't usually do that. My mom, she tends to talk quite a bit. She says I normally take after my father but when I'm nervous, my words can just fly out. Not that you make me nervous. Well, you do, but not necessarily in a bad way…I have anxiety, which can make some situations tricky, but you don't seem to have that effect on me…I should probably stop talking now," Elsa trails off, her cheeks flushing.
Anna and Elsa continue to share an affectionate, curious gaze until the coach's voice disrupts the moment, changing course from being directed at Hans.
"You, too, Arendelle," the coach shouts their way. "You may not have started this, but your head was clearly not in the game today. Moreover, this childish bet to race Mr. Westergaard is not the kind of behavior I'd expect from someone of your skill and dedication."
"Coach!"
"Quiet down, Westergaard! You're banned from competing tomorrow. Ms. Arendelle, I want you in my office for an explanation before you face the same punishment."
"Yes, Ma'am," Elsa responds, her voice holding a note of submission.
The coach retreats with Hans and the rest of the team in tow. Some teammates throw Elsa a thumbs up and smile. Elsa just gives a tiny wave back with an small, unsure smile in return.
“Sorry, Anna,” she apologizes to the teen beside her. “I may be a little longer than planned.”
"That's alright," Meg chimes in as she approaches them. She casually drapes an arm over Anna's shoulders and flashes a flirtatious smile in Elsa's direction. "I'll keep Anna company while she waits for you. I do have a question for you too, but I can wait until you're out of interrogation."
Anna's initial concern for Elsa quickly transforms into anger aimed squarely at Meg. A palpable tension hangs in the air between the two girls. Elsa hesitates, acutely aware of a possible brewing conflict.
"Do you think your question can wait?" Elsa finds herself bravely addressing Meg, a surprising display of courage for her as she typically avoids confrontation. She senses that Anna doesn't want Meg around for some reason. "I just need as much time as I can get with Anna. But I can take your number down, so we can talk after Anna and I are done."
Anna's heart sinks at Elsa's suggestion. She should have taken reassurance in the fact that Elsa and Meg hadn't exchanged contact details yet, an indication that they might not be as close as Anna had feared. However, Elsa's request for Meg's number now raises doubts and questions that Anna would rather avoid.
Amidst her inner turmoil, Anna is deeply apprehensive about Elsa getting closer to Meg. Among all the people Elsa could befriend, Meg is not someone Anna had hoped for. Meg is known for not being content with just friendship; if you allowed her to get close, she would invariably push for something more. This is precisely why Anna had always been short and distant with Meg, and Meg was keenly aware of this. While Meg is cordial with Rapunzel and Anna, she acknowledges that they are among the few who won't entertain her desire for something more. Elsa, Anna fears, may not be as adept at firmly declining Meg's advances due to Elsa’s inherent kindness.
Anna knows that any advances from the sultry brunette would be a daunting ordeal for Elsa to face and politely reject. Meg would likely capitalize on this vulnerability. She's already following a similar pattern with Hercules, who seems to be struggling with detaching from her string.
Anna is shaken from her reverie when she becomes aware that Elsa has given her phone to Meg before hurrying off to the track locker room. She hadn't noticed the exchange in the moment, and her realization only dawns when Meg hands her Elsa's phone.
“You really were zoned out, huh,” Meg jokes at Anna’s look of confusion at being handed Elsa’s phone. “Wonder girl gave me her phone to put my number in and then said to give her phone to you. She said you could hold it for her while you wait for her to come back.”
“Right,” Anna lies about hearing Elsa say just that. She’s about to put the phone in her pocket when Meg stops her.
"Wait! She gave me the code. Let's take a peek through her phone!"
"What?" Anna exclaims in shock, continuing to put the phone in her pocket, nonetheless. "No! We are not doing that!"
"Fine," Meg concedes, then deftly walks around Anna, swiping Elsa's phone from Anna's pocket, and makes a run for it.
Anna is left flabbergasted. "What? Hey, Meg! Get back here. Stop!" She takes off after Meg, alarmed by the idea of prying into Elsa's phone without her consent.
Anna does her best to chase after Meg, her heart pounding with anxiety and frustration. However, Meg is too quick. She manages to unlock Elsa's phone and begins scrolling through her messages before Anna can reach her. Anna watches in dismay as her friend digs into Elsa's personal messages without her consent.
“Wow, you two text a lot don’t cha, Red?”
"Meg, stop zigzagging so I can catch you!" Anna pleads as she continues to chase her down.
Meg pays little attention to Anna's plea as she delves deeper into Elsa's messages. "And a few texts between her and Rapunzel... interesting," Meg mutters, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What kind of name is Honeymaren? Oh, now we're getting to the good stuff. She seems really close to this girl!" Her eyes dart across the screen, probing for information that should remain private.
Anna makes another effort to catch Meg, her frustration growing. She's aware from previous conversations with Elsa that Honeymaren and Ryder are Elsa's closest childhood friends from her old school.
"You're violating Elsa's privacy, Meg!" Anna exclaims, her tone laced with reproach.
Finally, Anna manages to close the gap and tackles Meg, and both girls tumble to the ground with a thud.
"Ugh, Anna! Why'd you have to tackle me? You know I have weak ankles. I could've sprained something!" Meg protests as she stands up.
"Serves you right for invading someone else's privacy," Anna scolds her.
"Pfft, whatever," Meg retorts, standing up and tossing Elsa's phone toward Anna. "I just won't tell you what she tells Honeymaren about you. Respecting her privacy and all."
"Wait, what?" Anna gasps as she picks herself up. She looks down at Elsa's now locked phone. "She talks about me..."
Meg just smirks and saunters away, her insinuations lingering in the air.
"Guess you'll never know if it's good or bad, either, since you weren't listening when she told us her passcode," Meg calls out. "Have a nice evening, Red. I'm headed out. Remind her to text me when she's done with you."
The implications in Meg's words weigh heavily on Anna's mind. When did her friendship with Elsa become so complicated? And is it Anna who's making everything more intricate than it needs to be? She continues to stare at Elsa's phone, as if expecting it to provide answers to her questions.
Suddenly, the outdoor recreational lights switch on, and the buzz startles Anna. She hadn't realized how much time had passed, and it's closer to sunset than she thought.
"I’ve been sitting here longer than I realized," Anna mutters to herself. As the school doors open, she spots Elsa making her way toward her with her bag. Anna prepares herself for their upcoming conversation, her thoughts still swarming with uncertainty.