Chapter Text
Kristoff found himself unwittingly walking towards the Arendelle estate. It was nearing twilight, so he was unsure as to whether or not he should be going in that direction, and several times paused to consider turning around, but alas he could not seem to stop.
His mind bounded between acceptable excuses as to why he might be showing up at such an hour, but he could find none.
All had been revealed, and Hans Westergaard had been discovered to be a blaggard and a cheat. He, being the last of many brothers had very little fortune left to call his own and wasted what he had on gambling. He had, on account from reputable relations in London, been previously seeking to steal the fortune of another young unsuspecting lady. The young woman had nearly accepted his offer to run away to Gretna Green but had fortunately been saved when she heard he had sired a young boy out of wedlock many years prior, leaving both child and mother only a degree above poverty.
With the town’s discovery of Mr. Westergaard’s character, he had fled, with several unpaid debts, in search of another community to hoodwink.
Yet, despite Kristoff wishing with every fiber of his being for Mr. Westergaard to leave, these discoveries brought no joy, for Kristoff could only think of how painfully Anna must be feeling this betrayal. He knew only too well how keenly Anna felt things, how spirited she was, and how thoroughly she invested herself into other people. He could only hope she hadn’t attached herself too thoroughly.
The thought of her heartbroken made his own heart ache.
He quickly ran his hand through his hair upon spotting the Arendelle mansion. There was a slight hill that stood between their houses and standing atop it he could make out a lone figure in a pale green frock pacing along the outside of the garden wall beside a horse-chestnut tree.
Even from such distance, he could see it was Anna.
He picked up his pace considerably.
She was clearly preoccupied with her thoughts and he was nearly upon her when he thought to announce his presence.
"Anna!” He called, his voice betraying him in its volume.
“Kristoff!” She jumped, and she quickly swiped at her cheeks. “My, we weren’t expecting you this evening. It is nearly dark.”
“Yes, I know,” Kristoff said and the silence that then enveloped them was characterized with a distinct awkwardness which felt altogether unfamiliar.
“I believe-“
“Anna, I-“
They both began at once and paused.
“I believe Miss Nattura has already retired for the evening.” Anna began again.
“I…” He looked at her in confusion for a moment. “I see?”
“I’m sorry you have come all this way for disappointment.” Anna turned away from him sharply and began walking towards the great tree outside the garden wall.
“Actually, I’ve come…” He paused, unsure if he should follow her, or remain where he was. “I’ve come with a singular errand in mind.”
“Well, do not let me keep you from it.” She called over her shoulder quickly.
After a moment’s deliberation, he determined it would be best to follow her and ensure her wellbeing.
“Anna, I suppose… Well, I’ve come to seek you out and to comfort you, as your oldest friend, should you so need.”
Anna turned then, her eyes threatening to spill over with tears.
“I’m quite well, thank you, Mr. Bjorgman.” She said.
“Anna, I know that this must feel unbearable, but please believe me when I say that time will heal this wound of yours. Mr. Westergaard’s crimes, in both character and action, are inexcusable, but I am most sorely affected by how he has so injured you.”
“Oh.” Anna seemed slightly surprised. “I… While your concern means a great deal to me, I assure you, Mr. Bjorgman, my heart is unaffected by the news about Mr. Westergaard.”
The words so took Kristoff by surprise he thought he must have misheard her. There could be no explanation as to her sorrow-laden expression if she were not affected by Mr. Westergaard’s actions, and yet she had said exactly that.
“I…” Kristoff was fully aware his confusion must be evident. “My dearest Anna, then what vexes you so?”
“I should much prefer you not be privy to that information.” She whispered looking down at her feet.
“Anna, I confess you frighten me. When have we ever kept secrets from one another? You lead me to believe that it is something quite serious. Are you well? Were you mistreated in some way?”
“No, no, no.” Anna huffed turning away from him once more and ducking beneath the low hanging branches of the horse-chestnut tree. “It is quite trivial, believe me. I shall soon be better equipped to hide my emotions.”
Once again Kristoff followed her retreat.
“Anna, if you will not tell me what is pressing upon your heart then I implore you to let me tell you what is pressing upon mine, though I might wish it unsaid the next moment.”
“Then do not speak it!” She whirled quickly so that they were standing nearly toe to toe. “Surely if it is something you feel you should not share with me, then you ought not do so.”
“I-“ Kristoff was shocked at how truly gutted her words made him feel. “Well. If that is what you wish.”
He was surprised to feel tears stinging at his own eyes. To be rebuffed before he could even express his desires was painful, though he reasoned it might very well be for the best.
Anna wrung her hands nervously. “It is not my intent to hurt you, or our friendship… it is just… it will be too much for me to bear in hearing your praises for Miss Nuttara and your wishes to marry her.”
“My… my what?”
“I am not a fool, Kristoff. You came to the ball, and soon after began opening up your home to the public, something you’ve not done before, first showing your gardens, and then just last week inviting us to see your galleries. It is clear you’ve decided to give up your bachelor title and take a wife, and I shall have to call you Mr. Bjorgman so as to not offend your bride.
“Anna,” Kristoff stammered, “you shall never have to stop calling me Kristoff-“
“But I shall!” Anna began pacing at this point. “Miss Nattura will hardly appreciate me referring to you by your Christian name, me an unmarried woman who has now chosen to follow in her sister’s footsteps and become a willful spinster. I have no doubt that she would surely disapprove of such a thing, as she is very quick-witted and will realize the depth of my affection for you.”
“What are you talking about?” Kristoff breathed.
“I must also ask for your forgiveness in that I have not been especially kind to Miss Nattura. I have tried, truly I have, and I know you shall think less of me, but I couldn’t bear to place myself in the presence of the woman who would soon ruin all my hopes, and all because I was so foolish as to lose your good opinion by allowing Mr. Westergaard to pull me into actions that could only be described as ridiculous, inappropriate, and unrefined-“
“Anna!” Kristoff said firmly reaching forward and grasping Anna by the shoulders to cease her pacing. “I have no attachment to Miss Nattura, nor do I plan on forming an attachment to her.”
“I- what?” Anna quirked her head to one side. “But you’ve been spending so much time in her company as of late that I just assumed-“
“I am happy to form a friendship with a woman who has become your sister’s companion.”
“Yes, but surely Miss Nattura must believe you are-“
“Miss Nattura has no interest in me, much the same way your sister has no interest in me.” Kristoff gave Anna a pointed look.
“Oh...” Her furrowed brow cleared to an expression of understanding. “Oh. Oh!”
“Anna, I have entertained Elsa and Miss Nattura more frequently these past weeks merely to try and assuage my own loneliness. Not to display my house in hopes of offering matrimony. I’ve had no thought of matrimony… well because I was under the impression that your heart was otherwise occupied. Though upon hearing your declarations to remain unmarried for the remainder of your days, I take it that your affections are, in fact, unengaged?”
As he spoke, he loosened his hold on her shoulders, suddenly aware of their closeness.
“On the contrary,” Anna whispered, “my affections are very much engaged.”
“I see.” Kristoff stepped away from her, that feeling of disappointment descending upon him once more. “Then as I say, I shall probably wish this unsaid, but alas I cannot be wise and hold my tongue any longer. Anna, I have long regarded you as the sole owner of my heart. I am aware that I am not dashing, or debonair, or romantic, things I know you value-“
“Kristoff!” There were tears trekking down her cheeks, but she smiled. “I meant that my affections are very much engaged because I’m in love with you!”
“You… you are?”
“Yes,” she laughed, and swiped at her tears, “and I believe I have been for a very long time, though I’ve only just come to the realization within the past fortnight, something for which I shall have to beg your forgiveness.”
“But… Mr. Westergaard… and your blushes at the chestnut gathering party... I assumed…” He found himself drawing closer to her once again.
“I was ashamed, Kristoff. I should have listened to you right away, but I was so angry at being told I was wrong that I… I acted childishly, and I bitterly regret it. I now find myself distinctly against men with vain and superfluous airs. I’ve discovered I love strong and steady dispositions, that boast practical minds, and kind hearts.”
“Anna,” Kristoff whispered, reverently running his thumb along her cheek to cradle her lovely face in his hand, “my sweet, fiery, beloved Anna. Do you really love me?”
“I’ve said as much twice now!” She laughed again, leaning into his touch.
“Has it been twice?”
“Yes, it has.” She gave him an amused look.
“Forgive me, but I can scarcely believe it.” He gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear with his other hand. “For I’ve loved you for years and never thought I’d live to see the day where you felt the same.”
“What a silly thing to believe.”
It was then that Anna leaned in to close the distance between them, standing up on her toes so that her mouth could collide with his.
While the action caught him off guard he quickly leaned down to accommodate her, slanting his lips against hers and wrapping his arms around her waist as she in turn threaded hers around his neck. He had the vaguest thought to the improprieties of their actions seeing as it was nearly dark, but then he remembered that Anna loved him he quickly banished any thoughts that might put a damper on their first kiss. Instead, he focused on just how warm Anna felt in his arms, how vibrant, and wonderful. He hadn't often allowed himself to imagine such a scenario, but truly his daydreams were laughable in comparison to what it really felt like to hold her so close.
“Anna, would you be my wife?” He asked when they finally broke apart for air.
“Nothing would make me happier.”