almost forgot to update because ive been so busy lately ;_; but i didn't forget! just you wait til next chapter, too :P

shoutout to tejot, who left some amazing reviews that made my day :) I really do love hearing all y'all theories and shit

When you awaken just after six-thirty, you're surprised to find Elsa already up. Her hair is damp, which means she's had a shower, but hasn't used the hairdryer.

How does she function?

"Morning, Anna," she says, once she notices you're awake. "We don't have anything on today, so how would you feel about doing a little sightseeing? I'm afraid we have another long meeting tomorrow, so may as well take advantage of the downtime while we can."

You don't answer straight away; your brain needs some time to kick into gear, and you're a little distracted by your boss. She hasn't put makeup on yet, either, but there's nothing about her actions or appearance that seem affected by her late-night siesta.

Maybe you just dreamed it? But now, because you can still remember the way she'd curled into you afterward. Blinking, you shoo that thought away because Elsa's waiting for an answer and you don't want to dwell on why she did that. "Uh, sure. Man, I wish I'd known – then I could have slept in!"

She gives an odd little smile at that.

"Sorry," she says. "I really just thought of it this morning. Feel free to go back to sleep if you'd like – we really do have all day."

You get the impression that she is genuinely happy for you to go back to bed, but she's actually kind of happy right now, and you'd rather be awake to witness it. You're not sure what prompted the change, but it's nice, seeing her smile.

"Nah," you end up telling her. "Early bird catches the worm, or whatever. I might – if you're finished – have a shower though?"

She nods and moves to the side, indicating the bathroom door. "Take your time."

It doesn't take long for you to collect all your things; clothes and medicine and you almost forget your toothbrush, but you manage to see it before you make it to the bathroom.

The water is hot and warm, and it steams up the bathroom wonderfully. You take the opportunity to shave your legs and your underarms. Make sure your hair is clean and you brush your teeth before you leave. You even put on some makeup because you're going out, and you're going to be seen with Elsa, and you're fairly positive that she does not want to be seen with a slob.

She's sitting on her bed, computer open. Probably reading emails or something. When she stands up, you actually notice her outfit; three-quarter pants and a polo top, complete with the buttons and the collar. Her hair has dried, and she's put it up in a ponytail (just how long were you in the shower for?).

There's a warmth in your chest as you look at her. She's just so effortlessly classy. It almost looks like she should be picking up some golf clubs on her way to the country club, not wandering around the capital of Norway.

You really only brought business-appropriate clothes, because you weren't sure what the protocol was; you still manage to dress down a little, going for a pair of trousers and a satiny top. You'd usually tuck it in for work, but you haven't bothered this time. Elsa smiles at you.

"Ready?" she asks, and you give a grin.

"Sure!"

You ask where you're going, once you get into the car. Elsa just purses her lips in this really cheeky kind of way. It makes her look young.

"Do you want it to be a surprise, or do you actually want me to tell you?" she asks. And you're really curious as to where this Elsa has come from, and kind of curious as to wear the cool boss from the last few days has gone...

But you just shrug. "I don't mind. Surprise me, then." There's a smile on your face that Elsa mirrors, and she doesn't say anything else.

It gives you time to ponder her.

Which... you seem to be doing a lot of that, lately. And it's a little odd, but the more time you spend with her, the more you realise that Elsa is a little odd. A lot odd. It's not that she has to be an open book at all, but the hot and cold, the secrecy.

Even thinking back to a few weeks ago, her complete look of horror – directed at herself! – when you'd explained how she had been making you feel with the gifts and money and stuff...

How does a typical person do that and not notice?

You suppose that's the answer, isn't it; Elsa isn't a typical person.

The more time you spend with her, the more you want to find out who she is. You don't know her favourite food, or her favourite colour. You've never worked in a place as classy as Arendelle Enterprises, but you have worked before. And in those jobs, it's always been fairly easy to make friends. People either tried extra hard because of your chair, or they were just more willing to give you a chance.

It's hard, working in a place where you don't really have many friends. You didn't keep that many from high school, and you didn't go to college. Kristoff... is pretty much all you've got.

And Hans now, too. The thought brings a small smile – a private smile – to your lips.

Now to just... get Elsa to open up a little.

Maybe... maybe you need to try a little harder. As in, make it obvious that, if she were interested in being friends (which she's said so before!), then she shouldn't feel like she needed to... do whatever it is she's doing.

It's one step forward, two steps back with her, it feels like. You're not quite sure why. You hope it doesn't stay like this forever.