Chapter Text
He really didn’t want to be selfish, Kristoff needed to choose his own future. Still, he couldn’t help longing for him to stay here in the forest. He would miss his company, their conversations about the world. He wanted to support Kristoff no matter what, and if that meant for him to marry Anna and return to Arendelle, he would have to make peace with that.
Making his way out of the small forest trail, a flash of auburn caught his eye as Anna dragged a confused Kristoff across the camp and into a secluded clearing. He didn’t want to pry into matters that were between the two of them, so with a slightly heavier heart, Ryder went about his daily chores.
He led the herd to the edge of the forest alone, it was strange, he had been used to this before. He had always been out in the forest alone with the deer, yet he felt empty from the lack of Kristoff beside him. Sven had even joined them, nosing at his hands as if to seek comfort. He ran a hand gently over his velvety nose.
“You miss him today too, hm?”
“He’ll be back soon Ryder.” He replied out loud, mimicking a Sven-like voice, not sure if he was reassuring himself or the reindeer at this point.
The silence was broken by the trampling of furled dry leaves and the snapping of twigs underfoot, as a slightly bedraggled and out of breath Kristoff broke through the undergrowth.
“You left without me, traitors!” Failing to sound wounded, a chuckle passed his lips.
Ryder smiled sheepishly. “You weren’t around when it was time to leave, sorry!”
“I had a talk with Anna.” Kristoff started, voice catching a little. “We decided it was best if we didn’t continue our relationship from now on.”
Ryder was unsure how to respond.
“Oh… Can I ask why?”
“We’re just different people now, older, maybe sadder and wiser?” Ryder raised an eyebrow which pulled a laugh from Kristoff.
“Things just change I guess, you can’t hold on tight to everything in the past if it doesn't bring you happiness anymore.”
“I was actually thinking of asking Yelana if I could stay.”
Not quite sure he heard him correctly, Ryder stared up at Kristoff. Blinking in confusion.
“Ryder, tell me honestly. How do you feel about me?” He didn’t know why he had asked that particular question and he instantly felt the regret creep over him. “Sorry! That was sudden, don’t feel pressured to answer!”
Ryder stopped petting Sven and turned to Kristoff thoughtfully, cheeks rosy and the tip of nose red.
“I’m very drawn to you, it almost scares me.” Kristoff couldn’t agree more, it scared him that this was how he felt when he first met Anna. Drunk on excitement and affection. "When I'm with you, everything is easier. The skies always seem clear, even when they're not. That probably sounds silly, I-"
“I want to stay here. With you.” Kristoff blurted out suddenly, every word spilling over his tongue, successfully cutting Ryder off mid sentence. “I’m… I haven’t felt this way in so long, I don’t want this to end.”
Ryder blushed from ear to ear, unable to look directly at Kristoff.
“B-but what about Arendelle, aren’t you needed there?”
"I don't think that's where I belong anymore. I'm more comfortable here than I ever was in the castle. I want to be by your side Ryder, if you'll have me, that is."
"You want that? Me?"
"Silly question."
"Not really, like I said, I have no experience with women… or anyone. It's hard to believe you would want this with me, a guy who has no experience in relationships and spends all day talking with reindeer?"
"Sounds like a guy after my own heart, where can I find this dreamy fellow?" Kristoff teased giving Ryder a light shove, which was quickly returned by an elbow to the ribs.
"Seriously Ryder, nothing sounds more perfect."
Ryder leaned in hesitantly. "Can I?"
"Please."
Their lips met softly, a little unsure, but so warm it could melt even the thickest winter ice. Kristoff guided them, moving his lips slowly and gently, as if he was trying not to spook the other like a newborn calf. He pulled the other in closer, pushing his fingers into the hair at his neck and up slightly under his hat.
When they parted their breath lingered visibly in the cool autumn air, combining as one. A visual representation of
their
beginning.