A/N: First, I want to say that I do NOT own Frozen and the characters of Elsa and Anna. Disney owns it. Obviously. And now that's out of the way, I welcome you to my take on an Elsanna fan fic. I know I haven't introduced Anna in the first chapter AND in this second chapter yet; but the next one will have more of her. I'm trying to show Elsa and her father's relationship since he's kinda…really…maybe important to Elsa's character. But no worries, the rest of the chapters will evolve more on Elsa and Anna. Thanks for sticking by.

I tried to wear another face; just to make you proud, just to make you put me in my place
But everything you wanted from me, is everything that I could never be

Now Playing: Vertical Horizon / I'm Still Here

Eight months ago...

She couldn't help but notice the man that was sitting on the table a few feet away from her. Dressed in an expensive black suit and a cherry red tie, the man looked to be in his mid-thirties. His long brown hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, revealing a handsome face graced with dazzling brown eyes and a perfectly chiseled jaw. He laughed delightfully over the phone, clearly enjoying the conversation he was having with the person on the other line. The hand that was holding the phone against his ear displayed a finger boasting a shiny gold ring. He wasn't that far, Elsa could practically hear snippets of the conversation that he was having.

"Honey, Little Gaston will be just like his father. Strong and mighty! Don't worry about our boy skipping naptime from time to time! He just wants to run around and play!"

"Three more days and I'll be home. I promise you I'll come with you to pick out more books. Sounds good, love?"

"I love you more. Kiss our little boy for me, will you?"

She didn't mean to eavesdrop. She just couldn't find any more distractions to keep herself from feeling the boulder that was sitting contentedly inside her chest, weighing her down and making her feel uneasy. It's just that the restaurant wasn't exactly big and spacious. The tuxedo-laden waiters were relaxed and moved in a slower but timely pace, there were only about a dozen people to be served. Some of the waiters chatted amongst each other by the corner while glancing at the customers now and then, just in case someone called out to them for service.

"Anton Ego's", a fancy and exclusive restaurant, was perched on the very top floor of Stark Towers. Decorated in an array of fancy chandeliers, gold painted walls displaying ornate and expensive paintings, and a huge fountain at the center, very few had access to this place since it only hosted the rich and the powerful.

Mr. Ego, the restaurant's owner, became very good friends with Walt Arendelle after performing a risky but successful surgery on his wife. So many doctors thought Mrs. Ego's case was hopeless and refused to get involved in fear of failing, but Walt was able to save her and give her a second chance at life. Ever since then, the doctor had special privileges and did not need reservations whenever he wanted to visit. While others waited months to experience Ego's world famous ratatouille, Dr. Arendelle can just walk in, be seated immediately, and order whatever he pleased. The doctor visited often, mostly with fellow doctors to discuss new surgical techniques, new medication, and what can be done to improve patient care. He enjoyed the quietness and the fact that only a few can be seated and served here.

Elsa's hands were folded neatly across her lap, and the feeling of sweat forming on the back of her neck made her feel quite uncomfortable because the room was not that hot to begin with. Across from her was her father, quietly looking over a piece of paper with the words 'Arendelle Pharmaceuticals' written boldly on top of it. Clearly oblivious to his surrounding, Walt Arendelle studied the contents of the paper, his brows slightly furrowed and his lips drawn in a firm, thin line. Elsa trained her eyes on her father's face, hoping he wouldn't look up just in time for him to catch her staring. Much like his daughter, the doctor was not fond of crowds unless it was absolutely necessary; but years and years of exposure to people was something the doctor was used to it and it no longer irked him. After all, it was all part of his profession. He did not mind anymore, he just did not prefer it.

Walt Arendelle was undeniably handsome and gifted with the looks of a Nordic god. Carved with a tall and symmetrical nose, a finely trimmed pencil mustache, deep set green eyes, and lips painted in a pale strawberry red, Arendelle's face demanded attention and respect from those who gazed upon it. He was regal, captivating, and tall in stature. He was the kind of man anyone would follow and serve because of his graceful authoritativeness and almost omnipotence. People looked to him and hung onto his every word and direction. Doctors, colleagues, patients; anyone who interacted with him cannot deny his riveting presence. He seems to always know what to do, what to say. He never flinched. Never stuttered. Never hesitated when speaking. He always looked you directly in the eyes when he's speaking to you as if he was reading your mind and seeing your deepest and darkest secrets. He was a looming enigma; a silent but unstoppable force.

Elsa knew all of that. He was her father, after all. But the young girl barely saw her father while growing up. She felt like she should know so much more than what was before her. But that was all she was allowed. That was all that was given to her.

Elsa noticed the grey on his hair had increased and there were dark circles under his eyes.

He looks tired. I mean, he's been in Norway for four weeks. I wonder how his surgeries went?

"You're staring." Walt said casually, his eyes not leaving the paper. "Give me one more minute and I'll be done with this." He picked up the pen that was resting on his left and started to scribble on the paper.

"I'm sorry," a light shade of pink spread over the young girl's face and she immediately diverted her gaze to the cup of coffee that was set before her. "Take your time." Elsa busied herself by watching the stream of water rushing from the fountain seated in the center of the restaurant.

A few minutes had elapsed before Walt pulled up his briefcase from the floor to put his paperwork away. Elsa took a sip from her coffee and watched as her father leaned forward from his chair, giving her his full attention.

"You must be wondering why I asked you to come here today." Elsa gave her father a small and polite nod, suddenly growing self-conscious because of how Walt was looking at her directly, not breaking his gaze. He had his secretary call her earlier today, asking her to join him for coffee. She had just ended her last class and planned on heading to the library until she received the call. Part of her was excited because she hasn't seen her father in over a month and a part of her was nervous because…well, she hasn't seen her father in over a month.

"Yes, Papa. How was Norway?" Elsa was eager to hear about her father's trip…actually, she was just eager to hear him speak and hear his voice.

"It was...business as usual." Walt's voice was brooding, and Elsa saw how he slightly fidgeted.

Okay, I guess he doesn't want to talk about Norway.

Walt puffed his chest and exhaled the built up air in a slow and controlled manner. "How are your studies?" He started, his head tilted slightly to the side, surveying his daughter. A small grin escaped from his lips as he silently commended Elsa's outfit. Elsa was wearing her usual bun and her face was painted with light make-up, a simple eye-liner and mascara that made her icy blue eyes stand out even more. She wore a black blazer over a blue shirt that complimented her eyes and a pencil skirt to match her top. The young girl looked gorgeous, and Walt was pleased to see that his hired stylist transformed his daughter into a fine and elegantly dressed young woman.

She looks so much like Idunn. The face of his wife flashed before him. He immediately shook the thoughts away, his fingers suddenly drumming on the table.

"School's okay. The semester just started and we're given so much work," Elsa hesitated, not wanting to sound like she was complaining, she added, "but it's not hard at all. I've read some of the books from the syllabus during the summer so I'm very familiar with the material." She offered Walt a small smile and said, "I am doing well in school."

"Good. That's all I wanted to hear." He said matter-of-factly while nodding his head. He felt a sudden movement on his left side, where his phone was snugly hidden in one of his pockets. He looked away from Elsa to retrieve the small machine.

"Oh. Okay. Thank you for asking."

Elsa's smile faded, her eyes fell on her hands that were folded on her lap. He didn't even ask about her. He asked about school and not how she was doing. They haven't seen each other in over a month and all he can muster to say was "Good, that's all I wanted to hear" as if that was the end of the conversation.

Oblivious to Elsa's crestfallen face, he stared at the screen to see who the caller was. Clearly not wanting to pick up the call, he pressed the "end" button, and placed the phone back in his pocket. His focus went back to Elsa who was waiting for him to speak. Her eyes were still darkened by hurt and slight disappointment, but she knew how to hide that by keeping a straight face.

"Stop overreacting," she rebuked herself quietly.

"So have you spoken with Hans Westerguard?"

What? That's…unexpected. "H-hans? I know him from one of my classes but we're not exactly friends. Why do you ask?" Her eyebrows furrowed in curiosity, wondering why her father would ask such a random question.

"His father is a good friend of mine. A business partner." Walt folded his hands over the table top. "I've talked to Hans a couple of times whenever he would visit the hospital to see his father. And it's quite a delight to find out that he also goes to your school." Walt replied casually as he covered his mouth with one hand to stifle a yawn.

"Anyway, Christian said his son is interested in you. We have talked about it. I want you to consider Hans. It will be good for our company. It will be good for you."

"Consider" Hans? Where is this conversation going? The company?

"Papa, I'm confused. What is this all about?" Elsa asked in an almost whisper. Her eyes not leaving Walt's face, she suddenly felt her body tense. She did not like where this is going and even if she asked for an answer, she also did not want to hear what he had to say.

"He's a proper fit for you." Walt raised an eyebrow, undeterred by Elsa's confusion.

Is this why he keeps waiting for me after class recently and keeps asking me to have lunch with him no matter how many times I tell him I'm busy?

Thud. Thud. Thud. Her heart was racing, her breathing, unsteady.

Calm down.

"It's only fitting. You are of age and so is he. I know his family and you will be in good hands."

Her knuckles were turning white; her fingers were getting strained from the pressure of grabbing the sides of her skirt and freezing them in place. But her face was stoic, her demeanor unwavering. She inhaled. Exhaled. Suddenly, a thought of the Snow Queen was inserted in her brain. Cool. Calm. Collected. Cold.

"Elsa, are you listening to me?" Her father broke through her panicked stupor.

"Y-yes." Elsa nodded briskly. She was sure her knuckles were about to be ripped apart.

"I want you to date Hans. I want you to say yes when he asks."

Elsa grew quiet. She just…didn't know what to say. The tips of her ears felt hot and her palms were sweating. Date Hans. He makes it sound so easy as if innocently asking her to pour sugar on his cup of coffee.

Growing annoyed by his daughter's lack of words, Walt narrowed his eyes and in a firm voice said, "Elsa, I know this is too much to ask right now. But it will please me greatly if you at least consider this. Hans will be good for you and it's about time that you've started seeing other people. I know that your break-up with Jack was-"

Jack. Her father kept talking, but she was not in the same room with him anymore. She had shut him out and her mind was trailing off, going to a forbidden place that she had once buried and promised herself never to visit again.

Why are you bringing this up?

Jack Frost. They were seventeen when they met each other in high school. He had the most sunny and easy smile. He made her laugh. He held her hand when they walked together. He said he loved her. She believed him. Then, he left her without a word after graduation. That was that.

"Papa, I don't even know him, " Elsa croaked. She did not like how her voice sounded, but there was no other way to take it all back now. Her eyes fell on the floor to her side, noticing a piece of napkin some waiter probably dropped from his tray while walking back to the kitchen.

I don't want to be with anyone right now.

You asked me to come meet you to talk about HANS? You've been gone for weeks and you don't even wonder how I'm doing. Why are you-

"Your mother-" Walt's calm and distant voice once again interrupted Elsa's stupor. Upon hearing these words, the last word in particular, caused Elsa to whip her head back to Walt's direction; blue eyes widening, and her full attention solely given to the man with the cold green eyes. He suddenly had her wrapped around his finger.

Your mother.

"….would have approved of this. She would want you to be with Hans."

It only took one glance at Elsa to convince Walt that he had achieved the desired effect of his words. He gingerly lifted his lukewarm beverage with his pen-stained hand, his nose hovering over it, taking in the scent and the warmth of the coffee it contained. "Elsa, I know you will choose what's right for you. It's only for the best."

Elsa was trapped. There was no choosing. There was only obeying. She brushed a hand against her sideswept bangs, wiping away the sweat that was forming on her forehead. Defeated and tired blue eyes met the face of the man who was sitting right before her. The man she wished she can understand.

"I'll consider it." Elsa held back a sigh, she wanted to wrap her arms around herself, a defense mechanism and a habit she had when faced with uncertainty and vulnerability. But she resisted, because she knew her father would reprimand her for her bad posture. He did not like it when she slouched or showed any sign of….imperfection.

He said my mother would approve if I did this…

…Who am I to deny her that?

And upon hearing her answer, Walt flashed a genuine and toothy smile. It's as if watching an ice crack. Elsa barely saw him smile like that, and it killed her inside because he wasn't smiling at her, but because he asked her to do something and she gave him the satisfaction that she was going to grant his wishes.

Who am I kidding? It's always been like this.

And… my birthday passed. A call… a text…it would've been nice.

"Good. Be the good girl you always have to be, Elsa."