expect actual elsanna conversations in a chapter that isn't this one. but hey, at least their relationship is moving forwards~

You're only a little distracted at work on Monday. Well, Elsa has to keep repeating herself, but she doesn't ask if you're okay. She asks if you've got something on your mind, which is basically the same thing, but it doesn't feel like it. That's nice.

It's not even that you're thinking about a lot. You had all weekend to mull over Kristoff's news, so while that is on your mind, it isn't exactly taking up every inch of space. He didn't say much more about it, really. No names or places or dates. You asked how long he'd felt like this, and he didn't answer, except for saying, "…it was a long distance relationship."

You'd just nodded, and moved onto less sensitive topics. He'd talk to you when he was ready.

But that didn't really help with sorting out your own thoughts, his silence, and multiple times, you find your concentration slipping. You're not even sure what you're thinking about, really, just that… something… is on your mind.

So when Elsa asks you to lunch, saying she has some news, you can't help the apprehensive feeling in your chest, even though you know it's stupid. You swallow and smile, and say you'd be delighted as Elsa grins and heads for the door.

She stops just before reaching the threshold and turns around.

"Anna?" she says,forcing you to look from your computer, where you'd been staring blankly as you fought down the rising panic. Her expression is relaxed, and it helps somewhat. Her next words, even more so.

"It's good news," she says. "Nothing to worry about at all." And then she gives a soft smile and you actually believe her words. She's… never actually given you a reason not to.

You take a cab to a different restaurant, closer to the center of the city. It's a nice place, full of bright lights and leather booths. Elsa walks right up to the hostess and says, "Reservation for Arendelle", like she knew you'd agree to lunch in the first place. You see her pull out a shiny credit card and hand it to the girl, but when you move to reach for your own wallet, she shoots you a glare.

"This is on me," she says. You make to argue, but the hostess beckons you both forward, leading you to a secluded table. It's next to a waterfall (and that's the second one you associate with Elsa now What's with that?), with an expensive-looking 'reserved' sign. Elsa slides into her seat and smiles at you. "Now, I think I'd like a glass of wine. What about you, Anna?"

You stutter a little over your answer – it's barely afternoon! On a Monday! – but end up nodding anyway. You don't drink often (don't get to drink often), so you just go for something light.

Food is ordered before Elsa speaks. And even then, it takes a while. She just sort of sits there, watching you. You grow uncomfortable under her gaze, but you're not entirely sure why. It isn't harsh, or intimidating. She's just…watching you.

The drinks arrive, and one sip in you know you're not going to finish the whole thing. It's far too strong. Nice, but strong. Elsa takes a sip, then puts the glass down and starts looking at you again. Her eyes shift every so often, like she's memorising each feature of your face before moving on, and by the time you're gnawing at your bottom lip, her expression has softened somewhat.

With anyone else, you'd break the silence. With Elsa, you're not sure how.

You almost bark the sigh of relief when Elsa begins to speak. And, because of that, you actually miss what she says, and have to ask her to repeat it.

"I just wanted to apologise," she says, "I asked you months ago for another lunch, and yet haven't had the chance to follow through." She laughs, a self-deprecating sound that doesn't sit well with you. She's the boss. She's too busy to bother with you. Even going on one lunch is wonderful enough.

You rush to assure her that it's fine, you're not offended. "You're a busy woman, Elsa," you say, shrugging. "If you did things purely for my sake, I daresay we'd be in trouble." You smile, and though it's only tiny, Elsa smiles back. She picks up her glass and takes another swig before continuing.

"There was another reason I asked you here today, especially at such short notice." She waits for your nod to continue. When you give it, she leans forward and fixes you with a stare. "I want you to come to Norway with me."

You gape. You feel yourself blinking way too often, and you're vaguely aware of the waitress arriving with your food, but your mind is still stuck processing Elsa's words.

"Wait- wait what?" you say. Elsa's lips quirk, and she tries again.

"I am going to a conference in Norway in a few weeks, and, as my PA, I want you to come with me. I only received the news yesterday, so, naturally, nothing has been booked yet. But this would be a fantastic opportunity for you. Of course, you're free to refuse…" She looks away from you – she's actually staring at her food when the next, mumbled words come. "…I hope you don't, though…"

"…I can't."

Elsa whips her head up, hurt on her features before she schools it into mild surprise. And then you realise what you said and rush to clarify.

"I mean, I can't refuse. How could I refuse? I would love to go. I mean, I know it's for work, but I've never travelled before, and while Norway wasn't at the top of my list – I may have to Google it's like, location and, um, stuff – but a trip is a trip. I've never even been to the airport, so yes, I would really love to come."

You're a little breathless, and more than a little embarrassed at your outburst, but the sight of Elsa's pink ears and smile is enough to cut through the anxious beating of your heart.

You spend the rest of the lunch discussing all the various places Elsa's been, and, really, it's the best outcome you could have hoped for.

Not the looming trip, but conversation. This is the first time you've truly spoken to Elsa, and it makes you wonder why it's taken as long as it has.