"So, where are we headed to now?" the handsome redhead asked his blonde companion.

"You won't think I'm... strange, will you?" she asked hesitantly.

"Elsa. I don't think you could possibly get any weirder," he replied in a faux serious manner, a glint of mischief is his hazel green eyes.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Alright. Just follow me."

The pair made their way through the marketplace, weaving in and out of the crowded square.

"So, Elsa... Tell me something about yourself."

She eyed him with a you-did-not-just-ask-that look. "Hans. You realize that you couldn't possibly be more vague."

He laughed, earning a slight smile from Elsa.

"Well then, let me be more specific. What's... your favorite color?" he asked with a cheeky grin.

Elsa laughed. "Um... I would have to say blue. Royal blue, to be more precise. It's calming, and somehow regal. Elegant, beautiful, yet a bit mysterious," Elsa shook her head chuckling, "I really must stop soon, or I might say enough about royal blue to write out a book. And what about you Hans?" she asked, turning her attention back towards her companion, "What would be your favorite color?"

When she turned her head towards him, she blushed when she saw him looking at her with distant and slightly disbelieving smile. Suddenly self conscious, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "What?"

"It's not every day a woman makes coherent sentences around me, you know. They're too busy being wooed by my charm and impossible good looks," he said in a faux haughty manner. "And then there's you. Miss killjoy."

Elsa laughed, blushing slightly. "Oh and I'm sure you positively drown in their attention and compliments, desperate to feed your small, manly self esteem."

Hans pouted. "You know, that hurt."

She found herself laughing yet again.

He shook his head, still smiling that strange smile. That strange, cute, smile. She found herself staring. Now it was Elsa's turn to shake her head, blushing furiously. Hans laughed. "You okay?"

"Yes! Yes, perfectly fine," she replied clearing her throat.

"Alright then... But to answer your question, I would say that my favorite color is green. Just green," he added with a laugh, "I've always sort of been an outdoors person and, I don't know, green usually corresponds with the outdoors. Very masculine too, hmm?" he added flirtatiously, wiggling his eyebrows in her direction.

Elsa rolled her eyes but couldn't help but let a giggle escape her. The sound startled her. Pull yourself together Elsa. You're not some brainless schoolgirl. Conceal, don't feel. Don't let it show. But for some reason, her life motto took no effect on her in this situation. Maybe she could let herself have a little fun. Just a little. Just this once. She smiled.

"Elsa? I have a question. But please don't hurt me. Oh, I'm an ignorant fool who wishes for nothing but an answer!" he exclaimed dramatically.

Then she did it again. Elsa giggled. But she found that she didn't care.

"And what is it that you wish to know?" she asked with an eye roll.

"Instead of painting your nails or brushing your hair (this earned him a hard glare to which he couldn't help but laugh), what made you want to study maths, history, and philosophy?" he asked, finishing a bit more seriously.

Elsa sighed. "It's... complicated. I didn't grow up like most girls, or even most children. My childhood was different. A little... difficult. Books became my best friends. At first I read fantasies, but as soon as I realized that dreams are for fairytales and fairytales only, I took an interest in more practical things. Like numbers. And philosophy. My books are the only friends I grew up with, and they made me who I am," she replied a little gloomily. "Sad, huh?" she asked with a weak smile. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. "But there's nothing I can do," she said more to herself than to Hans. She sighed, opening her eyes. "I am who I am." She was clearly done with the subject.

Hans noticed, trying to rid of the sudden awkward tension. He cleared his throat. "Well, I'm glad that you are who you are, Elsa. You're different. Clearly not some fantasizing school girl. Different, but in a good way." He smiled. "You're... interesting. For a change," he laughed. He leaned towards her. "One really tires of all the flirtatious romantics who just can't keep their hands off me," he whispered dramatically in her ear, a cheeky grin on his face.

Elsa rolled her eyes, an amused smile on her face. "I'm glad you think so. But... you'd be the first."

"I reject that out of hand!"

Elsa laughed disbelievingly. "Who are you Hans? One fateful glance in the market and you manage to turn my day upside down. Just what do you want?" she asked, amused.

"I don't know Elsa. Maybe all I want is a friend!" he added in a faux childish whine. Elsa burst out laughing.

"Alright Hans. I'll take your word for it. But no promises."

"Eh, I'll take my chances."