Author's Note: Meant to have this up last weekend, but then my beta suggested some reworks for the next two chapters and I got sick for a week and I hadn't picked a song for this chapter yet so ... yeah. Sorry for the wait.
The song is from Wreck-It Ralph, which Jennifer Lee (co-director of Frozen) directed, so I thought it might be appropriate.
CHAPTER 3: Reunion
On Elsa's laptop...
Life is a trip and the road map leads you
Look all around at the mountains you haven't climbed
It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly
Welcome to the rhythm of the night
There's something in the air you can't deny
It's been fun but now I've got to go
Life is way too short to take it slow
But before I go and hit the road
I gotta know, when can I see you again?
-Owl City, "When Can I See You Again?" (Wreck-It Ralph)
Anna wasn't quite sure if she was relieved or worried that the blond recognized her so easily. That could either be flattering, or lead straight to a door getting slammed in her face. She had no idea which, and was reminded that she really hadn't thought this through. It looks like no amount of necessary preparation in your professional life will keep you from charging into things without thinking in your personal life.
Elsa took a moment to take in Anna's appearance, trying to gather as much information as she could. The trademark braids that used to almost always hang to her shoulders were absent, replaced with a ponytail barely visible around the back of her head. Instinctively Elsa missed the sight of the braids, but Anna wore this hairstyle well.
There wasn't much of a read that Elsa could get from the woman's attire. The jeans, beige jacket and plain black shirt visible underneath exuded nothing but practicality. They looked just fine, but could suit any economic situation. Elsa was too distracted with her thoughts to realize how long the silence was growing between them.
Unused to awkwardness, Anna's instinct to take charge of a situation got the better of her."Hi," she tried. Oh wow. That's the best you've got? The urge to bury her features in a facepalm was growing stronger by the second.
At the sound of Anna's voice, Elsa was brought to the reality of the uncomfortable silence that had just broken. A flustered "hi," was the best she could do for a reply. Good lord. I thought we'd worked on the people skills…
It looked like Anna was going to have to take the lead with the conversation. I really should have expected that. And maybe put some time into thinking about what I would say when I got here. Straight to business wasn't exactly an option though.'So I've been working on this conspiracy theory about people with superpowers...' is really not the way to open with a girl you haven't seen since you were a freshman. Small talk it is.
"So, how have you been?"
"Uh," Elsa fumbled with her words for a moment, before her mind grasped the question like a life raft after a shipwreck. "Well, I've been um…" she paused for a moment, glancing away to consider her answer, "good, actually." She seemed almost surprised that that was her honest answer.
The corner of Anna's mouth curled into the infancy of a smile as Elsa made eye contact again. That was good to hear.
"Oh uh, what about you?" Elsa added, "how have you been?"
I have no idea. Good… probably? A short answer would probably halt the conversation right there, so Anna tried to add some detail for Elsa to latch on to.
"I've been… busy is probably the best word for it, Y'know, growing up, seeing the world-"
"Disappearing off the face of the earth," Elsa's eyes went wide, she hadn't meant to say that out loud.
"What?" Anna wasn't quite expecting to be interrupted, and didn't quite catch Elsa's interjection.
"Do you want to come inside?" Elsa asked quickly, hoping the change of setting would distract Anna from her comment. It worked, Anna took being invited in as a good sign and was completely distracted.
"Sure," Anna said.
Elsa stepped back, opening her door, gesturing for Anna to enter her abode, and mentally berating herself the whole time. You're the one who left. 'You disappeared' first. Saying things like that is a fast track to a reversal of roles that you don't want, Elsa. Anna just showed up out of nowhere, don't screw this up.
The first thing that Anna noticed as she entered was that the house was fairly cool. Not quite cold, but almost like someone cranked the AC up to full blast. She didn't see an air conditioning unit, and she suspected there wasn't one to find.
"Do you want me to take your jacket?" Elsa asked. This was a far more difficult question than either of them could have anticipated.
Shit, Anna thought. It would be polite for her to say yes, but then she'd have to explain the firearm holstered at her side, and there was the definite possibility that Elsa could take the fact that she was armed the wrong way (powers or not). Neither case was exactly a good ice breaker. No pun intended. But it would be rude not to let her take it. Anna didn't want to imply that she was in a hurry, or that Elsa's house was too cold. It's actually quite comfortable, especially with my jacket...
"No thanks," Anna replied politely, cramming her entire internal conflict into a single beat. Then she added the best excuse that came to her. "It completes the outfit."
Elsa simply shrugged and continued leading her guest into her abode.
Oh god. Is it really so easy to believe that I'm that shallow? the redhead mentally winced. The slight feeling of insult passed quickly as her senses began to absorb the features of her host's lodging.
Anna glanced around to take in the details of Elsa's small home, and Elsa suddenly became very self conscious. She had never been more thankful for her habit of keeping everything in order. Fortunately the only things Anna could judge her for were the modesty of the house and its specific contents, not their arrangement.
Elsa's Blu-Ray movies were neatly (and alphabetically) arranged on a number of shelves behind the glass door of their dedicated section of the entertainment center. They weren't thrown in some haphazard mess on the table at the end of the couch, but maybe Anna would think that the large population of superhero movies were childish. Her gaming consoles were all neatly packed away with their respective controllers and other paraphernalia in each of their own slots in the entertainment center, but if the movies were immature what would Anna think of a grown woman playing video games? The dwelling was small, Elsa didn't need any bigger, but maybe it said poor things about her financial situation, and Anna might be far better off. Or perhaps the organization of the furniture might seem a bit too OCD-
"I like your place," Anna said with a curt grin, abruptly pulling Elsa away from her worries, "I think it suits you perfectly;" or at least how I remember you…, "everything is nice and tidy, even though you weren't expecting company, er, I assume?"
"Thanks," Elsa smiled, then shrugged, " and I wasn't." Before Anna could wince, Elsa quickly added, "but it's a welcome surprise."
Anna turned to face Elsa as she reached the center of the main room, unsure of where Elsa would like her to end up, and relieved that Elsa didn't think her presence enough of an intrusion to seize the open opportunity for reprimand.
Elsa motioned towards the kitchen and continued, "Although, if you don't mind my asking, to what do I owe the honor of your unexpected company?"
Anna followed Elsa into the kitchen, taking in more of the sights of Elsa's home. Elsa indicated that Anna take a seat at the round table by the window, in the same chair that Elsa had breakfast in that morning, and Anna did so.
I used government resources to find your personal information so I could tell you about some kooky theory I have about there being people with magic like yours. "Oh y'know, I was in the neighborhood, thought I might stop by and see how an old friend was doing."
Elsa wasn't sure if 'old friend' was a promotion or demotion from what she expected Anna to consider her, but the incredulity and curiosity at Anna's reply exceeded those thoughts in the urgency of her mind. Elsa turned to face Anna, leaning against the refrigerator that she was about to open, both hands behind her back against the handle.
"You just happened to be hanging around Sutton? Last time I checked we both grew up in the Midwest. You don't just trip and find yourself in a suburb of London." Elsa was suddenly very inquisitive, pushing a little harder for an answer than was usual for her. But she was either very curious to know the circumstances by which Anna could just happen to be "in the neighborhood," let alone know her address, or very eager to gain her ego an admission that the redhead had traveled to Europe just to see her.
Meanwhile, Anna was surprised at how verbose and direct Elsa was being. She'd been a far more reserved creature once upon a time. Surprise, people change. She couldn't analyze Elsa's metamorphosis for long though, the blonde was expecting an amendment to her half-assed explanation.
"Work takes me all over the place; I had some vacation time, I was in Europe, I thought 'why not visit a friend and spend a week in London?'" Anna explained nonchalantly.
This was not satisfying to Elsa. Ok but how did you get my address? How did you know I was in London? Dammit, why do I want to believe you spent some ridiculous amount of time stalking me or tracking me down. Although if that were the case, that would explain the evasiveness…
"How'd you find my place?"
"Phonebook and a GPS," Anna replied. Elsa was not convinced by that answer; do phonebooks even exist anymore?
"Why the UK and not Norway?" Elsa asked. It's not fair that you somehow knew I wasn't still there, and nobody has any idea where you've been.
"I don't have any friends in Norway," Anna answered with an obliviousness to the reality of the question that could not be anything but an act, "why would I go there when you live here?"
Elsa threw up her hands and turned to the fridge again. "Fair enough." It wasn't. But Elsa could see that she wasn't going to get anywhere further down that line of conversation. She opened the refrigerator again, pulling out a pitcher of water, before reclosing the door and walking over to the countertop.
Anna felt some guilt over her evasiveness. It was justified, which Elsa couldn't know, but both of them knew Anna wasn't answering the question. Anna decided to apologize, "Sorry. I would've called ahead or something, but I know you're not the biggest fan of phone calls." The apology had to hide behind an apology for something else; Anna couldn't very well admit that she was being evasive without bringing that whole line of inquisition back up, but hopefully Elsa would pick up on the subtlety and they could move along.
Anna couldn't tell if Elsa did catch it or not, because the blonde unexpectedly started chuckling.
"I think not having my number would be the biggest impediment there."
No I got that from the same file that had your address… "Well, the phonebook," Anna shrugged.
Elsa rolled her eyes as she pulled two glasses from the cupboard above the counter. That phonebook thing is bullshit and you know it. She filled both glasses and turned to face Anna.
"Well, since you have my number then, don't hesitate to call or even text me," Elsa walked over to the table and set both glasses down. She lifted a hand over each glass and, after a few moments, a coalescence of light and sparkles yielded a few ice cubes that fell gently into each glass. Elsa took a seat across from Anna. The redhead raised an eyebrow.
Elsa waved a hand nonchalantly, "I might as well enjoy the convenience of my magical affliction in the comfort of my own home."
Anna winced imperceptibly at the use of the word 'affliction;' even the blonde woman's creation of mundane objects like ice cubes was beautiful to behold. Anna reached for the glass nearest her, "I was reacting to your comment about phone calls, actually. Although the refreshment is appreciated," she added with a cheers gesture before taking a sip of the ice water.
"I'm flattered that you remember that detail, but don't worry; it's not a problem anymore. A lot of things aren't. I've made progress. A lot of it," Elsa explained matter-of-factly.
"That's good," Anna said.
"I think so." Elsa took the opportunity to elaborate,"Once I was on my own and everything… it was hard, for sure. But," she paused searching for the correct phrase, "adapt or die, right? I'm not even on medication anymore." Maybe that was a little too much information, but this was Anna she was talking to.
Anna glanced down at Elsa's hands that were displayed on the table next to her drink. She scanned the knuckles of each finger and thumb, all of them were smooth and well kept; a callous Anna had been expecting conspicuously absent. She looked back into Elsa's eyes and gave her a tentative smile.
"That's really good, Elsa."
The familiar use of her first name, and the sincerity in Anna's expression brought a small smile to Elsa's face as she nodded.
It occurred to Elsa that the redhead across from her considered her fragile, which she found insulting. It wasn't like Anna could be blamed for this perspective, considering their history, but Elsa wanted to rectify it. It wasn't like she could just tell the woman not to think that way though, Elsa knew she'd have to show her. Back to being aggressively inquisitive then; that would serve that end, as well as potentially satisfying the curiosity about Anna's life that had been building over the years.
"So, ignoring your obvious shadiness regarding how you got here, and even knew where here was," she said pointedly, "I'm curious about what else you've been up to over the years."
Anna wasn't used to being caught off guard so many times in one afternoon. This new Elsa was going to take some getting used to.
"Alright," Anna gestured acceptingly, ignoring the dig at her evasiveness, "what would you like to know?"
"Well, nobody knows where you've been for almost a decade-"
"Who's nobody?"
"Y'know, everybody from high school. Kirstoff, Sven, Olaf."
"You talk to all of them?"
"Yeah, over Facebook and stuff."
"You have a Facebook?!"
"Yeah, and you're conspicuously absent from it."
"I am?"
Elsa nodded, "You were the social butterfly and everything. Out of everyone in the old gang, I kinda thought you would be the most likely candidate for a social media presence."
And you were the least likely, Anna thought. Today was full of surprises all around.
"Anyway" Elsa continued, "Kristoff said that nobody has heard a word from you since you graduated and joined the army or something."
"Well that's almost right."
"Which part is wrong?"
"I guess I didn't really keep up with anybody, and I did enlist. Not with the Army though. I was a Marine," Anna said.
"Oh wow." Even more dangerous than I was lead to believe, "With a tattoo and everything?"
Why is that what you associate with being a Ma- whatever. Anna glanced over at her bicep, hidden beneath two layers of clothing, she didn't really want to think about that, "Yeah. And everything."
"For 8 years?"
"No, only 4."
"What have you been up to since?"
"Government work. It takes me all over, but otherwise there's not a lot to say about it. I'd rather not get into it."
"Okay," Elsa nodded curtly. Another roadblock. She used to be so open and- god, is this what it was like trying to talk to me?
"How about you?" Anna asked.
"Hmm?" Elsa hadn't been prepared for a question.
"What have you been up to all this time?" Anna elaborated.
" that's kind of a big question," Elsa wasn't sure where she would begin to answer.
"You just asked me the same question," Anna pointed out humorously.
"Yeah, but I added a specific question to start from," Elsa countered.
"Fine then. 'Why the UK and not Norway?'" Anna parroted the blonde's earlier question.
I see what you did there, "Well, I've been to a couple places since Norway," Elsa took a sip of her water. "It was good to be around family in some ways, but in others they became… overbearing. Because of my situation," Elsa waved her hand and an ice cube materialized and then dissipated in the span of a mere second.
"That makes sense."
"I was in Greece for a bit, and then a few other places. Don't know why I thought that would work out. I'm not really at a ripe age to casually pick up a third language," Elsa shrugged, "finally I settled on a place where I already spoke the language. It's not the brand of English that I was used to, but it's grown on me."
"At least it's English. I know that feeling," Anna said. Elsa nodded back, and Anna added, "Sounds like you got your wish to see the world though."
"Suppose I did, and then I settled here," Elsa shrugged, "I've been here for a few years now. It's nice."
"You certainly seem comfortable. What did you finally decide to study?" Anna asked.
"Management, actually."
"Oh? No offense, but that's a little, uh, people oriented, right?" Anna inquired carefully.
"Well, it doesn't have to be. You can do a lot with just email these days. That's definitely easier than face-to-face and phone calls. An adviser convinced me to give it a shot after we established that math and english weren't my strong suits. That cut me off from a lot of the introvert careers."
Anna nodded in understand, finishing off her water with one final sip.
"I know what you're getting at though," Elsa went on, "it took me four and a half years to graduate. It was...rough. For a while. Pathetic even."
"Elsa-"
"No, it was. I know it. And you're not gonna convince me otherwise. It's part of why I'm so 'comfortable' now. I've come a long way and it feels good. Sure, I'm not really up to handling crowds. But I'm a functional human being now. I've got something of a career, I've made some new friends, reconnected with some old ones," Elsa gestured to Anna, "and I can do all of the things expected of an adult on her own."
"I'm happy for you, Elsa," Anna said, with no hint of pity or condescension in her tone, "really. It's good to see you like this."
"Not what you were expecting, am I?" Elsa asked knowingly.
"I wasn't sure what to expect." It was an honest answer, but Elsa was right.
"Well, I wasn't expecting anything, so thanks again for that surprise," Elsa chided with a smile.
"You're welcome," Anna grinned.
Elsa finished her water and stood, taking both of their empty glasses over to the kitchen sink, "you don't mind if I do the dishes, do you?"
"It's your house,"Anna shrugged, "I'm not gonna show up out of nowhere and tell you what you can or can't do in it. You've got me curious now, though."
"About what?" Elsa asked over her shoulder, as she flicked on the faucet.
"A few things. Like your new friends?"
"Oh, well it's not like I've become head of the neighborhood social committee or anything-"
"Wait, is that a thing?" Anna interrupted.
"Maybe? How would I know?" Elsa replied with an exaggerated shrug of both arms, "anyway, I've met a few people through work and places that I frequent."
"There are places you frequent?" another interruption.
"Yes," Elsa scoffed, "I decided not to grow up to be a hermit. I'm meeting one of those friends at one of those places tomorrow afternoon as a matter of fact. Her name is Cora, I work with her."
"Should I be jealous?" Anna asked. It was obviously a joke, certainly more so than Elsa would have liked it to be. It wasn't quite addressing the elephant in the room, but it was a step in the right direction.
Elsa scoffed again, "No. Her boyfriend is another friend of mine. We all work at the warehouse."
"Warehouse?"
"That's what we call it. Well, that's what it is."
"So what does that entail?"
"A lot of quiet, some would say lonely, nights," Elsa answered, as she scrubbed the list dish left from breakfast.
"Most jobs don't require lonely nights. Usually who or what you spend your nights with is up to you"
"Usually. Not so much when you work nights though. I figured out early on that there were reliable ways to diminish human contact, no matter what field I ended up in. Working overnight shifts professionally was one of them."
"I see. Guess that explains you being home in the afternoon on a Tuesday. Although I probably should have thought of that before just showing up…" Anna trailed off.
"Well you always had a knack for getting lucky when you leapt before you looked," Elsa chided, drying the last dish before setting it in the rack beside the sink. She repurposed the towel to dry her hands and turned to face Anna.
It was Anna's turn to scoff, "I suppose I did."
Elsa happened to glance at the clock on the wall, "oh crap."
"What?"
"Speaking of work, I've gotta change and get ready for my shift."
"Oh." Anna's expression was unreadable, and did not betray the disappointment that Elsa was hoping to find, "I suppose I should probably get out of your hair then." Anna stood from from her chair.
"Probably. But, uh…, you said you were in town for a week, right?"
"Yeah, until Friday, actually. I'm getting on a plane that night."
"Would you like to meet up again? I'm busy tomorrow, but I'm available on Thursday?"
"Sure," Anna's face brightened ever so slightly, "what did you have in mind? Coffee?"
"Coffee is good. I know of a few places if you're up for it," Elsa offered, hiding her excitement at the prospect that this wouldn't be the end of their interactions.
"I'm up for it."
"Cool," Elsa walked into the living room and motioned for Anna to follow. She walked over to the desk against the far wall and snatched up a pen, scribbling something onto a post-it. She peeled it off and turned to Anna, handing the small slip of paper to the readhead.
"Here's my number," Elsa clarified.
"I didn't even have to buy you dinner," Anna deadpanned.
Elsa rolled her eyes, "I figured that would make communication easier. You can call before we see each other this time."
"Where's the fun in that?"
Elsa shook her head, "You're just as difficult as I remember."
"Why thank you." Anna half-smirked over her shoulder as she turned toward the door. Elsa was slightly disappointed that Anna hadn't offered her own number in return.
"I'll text you, so you have my number too," Anna added, almost as if she could hear Elsa's thoughts.
"Sounds good," Elsa said, opening the front door for Anna with a smile.
"Have fun at work, I guess," Anna said with a shrug as she made her way outside.
"Thanks. I'll see you on Thursday."
Anna waved with one hand over her shoulder is she made her way towards the street. Elsa's phone buzzed a moment later, and she reached into her pocket for it, shutting the door slowly with her free hand.
It was a text a from an unrecognized number.
Looking forward to it.
Elsa leaned back against the closed door, smiling to herself.