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[It really does feel like it takes a thousand years for Chloe to finally answer. But when she takes Anna's hand, some of the tension bleeds out of her shoulders and she looks hopeful for the first time that things might turn out okay.

And actually, they're turning out better than okay. Anna lets out a laugh that bubbles up like water from a fountain out of her throat, watching Chloe lean back. A challenge has been issued, and really, Anna has no choice but to rise to the occasion. Eagerly, like a puppy scrambling up onto the couch for pets, Anna pulls herself out of the pool, her knees sliding across the tile a little, and then she's leaning in with only a tiny bit of hesitation to press her lips flush against Chloe's.]

[There's still the pessimist in her waiting for someone to jump out and shout GOTCHA!! or for something even worse to happen. But when Anna pulls herself out of the pool and slides her way, she's suddenly struck with the realization that this is, in fact, happening.

Soaking wet. In their underwear in a pool they broke into.

This has turned out 1000x better than the last time she found herself in a similar situation. Who would've thought that was actually possible?

Chloe leans into the kiss a little roughly, as if everything that had been holding her back up to that moment is suddenly pushing her forward.

Once they both pull back, Chloe suddenly lets the breath she's been holding out.]

Okay. You have me... mostly convinced. It's gonna take a few more of those just to be sure, though.

[When Anna pulls back, she looks a little stunned, as if she can't believe she actually did that. But it happened, that much is evidenced by the fact that her face is right by Chloe's and she can practically feel the other girl's lips on hers still. Her face is burning by now, but she doesn't notice or care how warm her cheeks have gotten.

She gasps out a laugh, nodding eagerly.]

Yeah? I...I think I can do that.

[She absolutely can, which she proves by moving right back in for another kiss, letting out a tiny squeal of joy as she does.]

[Chloe can't help but laugh into the kiss as Anna goes for the second one. Chloe moves up a hand to cup Anna's cheek for a moment, closing her eyes and just letting herself enjoy the moment.

This is great. This is better than she dreamed. Is this the universe apologizing? Because it feels like the universe apologizing. Something working out for her for once?? Not that's fucking strange.

When Chloe pulls away again, she's laughing again because she had a thought.]

Oh man, your present was not gonna make sense if this didn't happen. Talk about awkward.

[This is so nice. Anna can't help but flash back to her first kiss with Kristoff, and while that had seemed so big and all-consuming at the time, kissing Chloe makes her realize that something had been missing.

Chemistry? Is this what chemistry is?

When she pulls back and hears Chloe laughing, Anna sits back on her heels and shakes her head.]

Wait, wait, what d'you mean?

[That is very much what chemistry is and Chloe is feeling it too. Now that all the tenseness is fading away, Chloe is realizing that for once there isn't a sense of danger attached to this.

Well, aside from the fact they did break into the pool room but that's minor danger.

There isn't an underlying fear that someone is going to get shot, there hasn't been a murder, there isn't a tornado about to sweep through the town. For once, she can just...

Enjoy something??

It feels weird. Good weird, but. Weird.

Chloe sits up properly and crawls over to grab the two presents that had been momentarily forgotten. She scoots back over and holds out the lumpy present.]

It's better you see for yourself. And like, keep in mind that I... got it at the height of our little misunderstanding. So.

[She's rambling a little. It's fine.]

[As much as she's excited to actually open gifts, it comes at the price of Chloe moving away from her, and Anna has to remind herself not to be clingy. Nobody likes that, right? But she takes the present, after attempting to wipe off her wet hands on her own thighs, and giggles as she starts to pull the paper off.]

Okay, okay, I'll keep that in mind—woah!

[It's the most beautiful sweater she's ever seen in her life, and the words on it are now a thousand times funnier now that she knows that it would have gone straight over her head ten minutes ago.]

Chloe, this is incredible!

[Listen, Chloe would never judge you for being clingy. It's how she is too.

She can't help feeling vaguely nervous as Anna opens the present, but honestly it becomes even funnier now that it came out Anna had no idea what she meant. So... really she has no reason to feel silly about it.

Though she isn't expecting Anna to say that about it. Chloe lets out a nervous laugh and shakes her head.]

It's not that great, but- I'm glad you like it. I just figured, y'know, it's colorful. It screamed "you" when I saw it.

[Anna's grinning brightly as she looks over the designs knit into the sweater, and even if she feels a little stupid for having misinterpreted so many cues for so long, honestly? It helps. The sweater helps.

Chloe helps.]

It's perfect. I'm gonna wear it out in public, you know! Like, where people can see!

[Anna gives #nofucks.

She sets the sweater gingerly aside, out of the way of any puddles of water, and then grabs the tin and eagerly shoves it at Chloe.]

Your turn!

Oh, how scandalous of you!

[Chloe can't help but tease her a little, but the truth of the matter is she's incredibly glad that Anna is so appreciative of the sweater. She knows it's a silly gift, but she's glad Anna is actually going to wear it.]

Is this the puppy I've always wanted?

[Chloe pulls off the ribbon from the tin and opens it quickly- inside is even better than a puppy. She has a feeling she knows exactly what these are.]

Do these have what I think they do in them?

[A grin is spreading at the thought. Oh Anna, u naughty girl.]

[Anna giggles, pushing her wet bangs out of her face, and shakes her head.]

Not quite...Although now I'm going to look out for a Lillipup for you!

[What if they got matching Lillipups.]

It sure does! Someone told me it was a thing, and I thought, well. Who else would appreciate them as much as you do?

[What if that was very gay and what if yes]

Holy shit.

[Is this real life? Did her new girlfriend really get her edibles for Christmas? This is all a dream, isn't it? She's gonna wake up in a few minutes. This can't be real life.

Except it is. Wow.

She's gonnaaaa. Eat one right here, right now. Just pop the whole thing in her mouth.

Through a mouthful, she says,]

Thank you! [Did you understand that? There's a Lot in her mouth.]

[Anna lets out a startled laugh, watching Chloe pop that cookie right into her mouth.

She's so cute????]

You're very welcome! I know how much, um, you like that stuff!

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