wow the support and reception I've had for this fic have been absolutely amazing. Anon (and you know who I'm talking about) your reviews give me life. I don't wanna confirm or deny anything at this stage yet, but just be aware that the climax will be rather angsty. on the plus side, there's a lot of writing between then and now.

also, for the anon who asked, here's Anna's age ^^;

So, the days and weeks and months pass. You actually manage to build a family, of sorts, here. Kristoff, your foster brother, comes in for your twenty-third birthday and in the span of ten minutes develops a weird brotherly relationship with Olaf (despite their complete opposite attitudes). You aren't one to let your personal and professional life mix (your business is your business, after all), but then Kristoff asked if he wanted to come out for lunch to celebrate, and you actually feel… sort of excited. You haven't had a birthday party in ten years. Never had anyone to celebrate with.

Olaf agrees in a heartbeat, just as Elsa turns the corner.

Kristoff is so wonderful he isn't even struck dumb at her awesome appearance (hair in a French braid, pulled back with some strange kind of – expensive – snowflake ornaments, braided in). She's wearing a tight pencil skirt and a blouse, and you're actually at the perfect hight to stare unhindered at her ass.

You don't, of course, because that's just weird.

Even so, you're sort of lucky that they're too busy talking amongst themselves to notice your lack of attention.

"… couldn't possibly," Elsa's saying, and you snap to attention.

"Hmm?"

Kristoff rolls his eyes, though shoots you a smile. "Just wondering if Miss Arendelle wanted to join us," he says, and your eyes light up.

"Hey, yeah!" you say, grinning. "How about it, Elsa? C'mon, my birthday lunch. Kristoff's treating!"

He lets out a choke, but you send him a look to let him know you're kidding. You have a much better job, and truthfully, it'd be nice to be able to treat him for once, instead of the other way around.

But Elsa's shaking her head. "I don't wanna intrude-"

"You aren't!" you insist. And she really isn't. You want to get to know her – you've barely spoken at all, despite working directly under her, on the same floor of the same building. "It'll be fun!"

"Anna, I don't-"

"Please-"

"No! Drop it, Anna!"

Silence falls between you, and you watch she she looks away. She says your name as a goodbye, and leaves you with your friends. You don't even realise when Kristoff takes the handles and wheels you away. You're too focused on your sinking heart and hurt feelings.