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lukin08 · 2 months ago

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Up In The Air Chapter 9

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC 3048

Summary: Tired of her nomad lifestyle, traveling nurse Anna Arendelle on a whim picks Pensacola Florida as her new town to try find a sense of home. Meanwhile, Navy Pilot Kristoff Bjorgman has accepted a dream position at the Naval station in the same town. After a chance encounter goes south, the two of them find their lives entwined, with neither of them all that happy about it!

Also Available on AO3

Previous Chapter

“Anna!” Nicole exclaimed for the fifth time as Anna tried to justify another clash she had with Kristoff from the last year.

Kristoff couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face listening to Nicole reprimand Anna. They were sitting on opposite ends of the couch with Nicole pacing in front of them. He almost jumped out of his seat when Nicole directed her ire at him.

“I don’t know what you think is so funny. You’re just as bad as Anna.”

Kristoff’s eyes went wide with the weight of Nicole’s words directed at him. From the corner of his sight, he could make out the scowl on Anna’s directed at him. It baffled him how someone as small as Anna could be so intimidating. It made him slump down against the couch to minimize the space he was taking up.

After a while, Kristoff grew weary of hashing out the last year with Nicole. All the arguments, his justifications, Anna’s wild versions of what really happened; it all brought back his annoyance again. Kristoff laid his head against the back of the couch. He knew all this was childish, but there was something about Anna he couldn’t shake and he was almost ashamed to admit he liked getting a rise out of her. But now he was done for the night and looking for a way out.

“So,” Nicole finally said, putting her hands on her hips. “Do you think you can both be adults and make up?”

Anna sat back, crossing her arms. “We’re all good as long as he stays away from me.”

“Don’t need an invitation for that,” Kristoff interjected, making his eye roll obvious.

“You see,” Anna said first looking at Nicole then focusing on Kristoff. That look was back and he knew she was incapable of letting this go. “I feel like you do. It’s like you can’t stay away from me.”

He turned and glared at Anna. “Yeah, like when you see a car wreck on the highway and can’t look away.”

“Kris!” Nicole reprimanded.

Anna shot forward, her arms out in a plea to Nicole. “This! This is what I’m talking about! He doesn’t leave me alone. He continues to bug me over and over like the mosquito he must have been in a former life.”

In the background, Sven was trying to stifle a laugh. Kristoff shot Sven a stare and noticed Camilla was also laughing.

“Anna, I don’t think- “

Anna cut Nicole off “Or maybe a gnat. Whatever is more annoying.” Anna flung herself back on the couch, her eyebrows scrunched together.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Kristoff slapped his thighs and stood up. His eyes scanned the group in the living room. “It’s been fun, but I realized I don’t have to sit here and take any of this.” He started to move towards the door.

“Kris, come on. Don’t leave,” Nicole implored.

Kristoff paused, quickly shaking his head as he looked over at Nicole. “Nah, I think I will. Enjoy the rest of your evening and your new friend.” He turned back and took several large strides towards his exit.

“That’s not fair. Please- “

Kristoff was already out the door slamming it behind him before Nicole could finish her sentence.

“…come back.” Nicole turned back to Anna, a defeated look across her face. “I’m sorry. That’s not what I wanted to happen.”

Anna waived her off, pretending Kristoff storming off didn’t bother her. “I’m used to it. People have been doing that all my life.”

********************

The light raps on the door made Kristoff flinch. He jumped up hoping it wasn’t Boss coming to reprimand him for not joining the group for dinner. He wasn’t in the mood to be around anyone, the madness from Monday still a fresh wound. Kristoff was hoping that leaving for the show would give him some reprieve, but it didn’t look like that was going to happen.

Sven was on the other side grinning from ear to ear. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding.”

Kristoff sighed. “What do you want, Sven?”

“Can I come in? Thought we could watch a movie.”

Kristoff took a step back and gestured for Sven to come into the room. “Is Boss pissed?”

“Nah. He gets it. We all have our off times. But you missed a hell of a dinner. What did you do anyway tonight? Sulk in here?”

“I went for a run if you must know.”

Sven shrugged and looked around. “At least you weren’t hanging out at the bar alone. Which bed are you using?”

Sven jumped on the opposite bed that Kristoff pointed to and started scanning for movies. Kristoff went and sat in his own bed against the headboard. Thankfully Sven picked a comedy he didn’t have to think about.

“I wasn’t hiding.”

“Ok.”

“I just didn’t want to be around anyone.”

“If that’s what you say.”

“There’s a difference.”

“Is there?”

Kristoff didn’t respond. Thankfully Sven let it drop and focused back to the TV. After the movie, they switched on a game from the West Coast that was still on. In as bad of a mood Kristoff had been in all week, he was still grateful for moments like this. To have his best friend come in and do something as simple as watching a movie with him was something Kristoff didn’t take for granted. They had spent the last ten years seeing each other a few times a year and it was nice not to have to worry about that for at least a few years.

But Kristoff knew Sven also had an ulterior motive. They needed to talk about what happened on Monday. Sven wasn’t going to let Kristoff get away with that, but he was giving Kristoff the space to bring it up.

Finally, Kristoff relented. He couldn’t take the dead space between them. “How angry is Nicole with me?”

Sven waived his finger, smiling as he looked at the TV. “Now that is who you need to be worried about. Not Boss. Glad to see you finally figured that out.”

Kristoff winced. “That bad, huh?”

Sven turned towards Kristoff. “She’s more disappointed than angry.” He stared over at Kristoff for a few moments before breaking out into a grin. “How was that? I was practicing my dad voice.”

The pillow hit Sven square in the face. He yelped as he fell back. “Damn, Kris,” Sven said as he rubbed his nose. “You didn’t have to throw it that hard.”

Then don’t be a smart ass all the time.”

Sven laid there for a few minutes looking over at the game again. He let out a small chuckle before he spoke. “Look man, I think this is funny as hell. I mean what are the chances?”

“Just my luck.”

“You know, I think there’s a part of you that actually enjoys all the bickering with Anna.”

“Yeah, ok.”

“No really. She keeps you on your toes. A little bit of a challenge.”

“Can we not talk about Anna. I’m more concerned about Nicole and the possibility of never being allowed to step foot at your doorstep again.”

“Nicole’s not mad at you. She’s frustrated with the situation. If I had to describe it, she’s more sad than anything.”

That wasn’t the response Kristoff expected. “Sad?”

“Yeah, you know,” Sven’s arms fell to his side. “She really likes Anna and you’re like a brother to her. She was hoping everyone would get along. Now it’s all fucked up and if you two are going to butt heads all the time…”

“I don’t have to go to anything that Nicole wants Anna at. If it makes it easier, don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

Sven shifted again and looked Kristoff in the eyes. “No, that’s not ok. I’m asking you as my best friend. Don’t make Nicole choose. Don’t do that to her.”

Guilt washed over Kristoff. He knew Sven was right, but all he could do was nod back.

“As entertaining as it is, can you at least try not arguing with her as much? Maybe keep it to a light banter around Nicole.”

Kristoff wanted to scoff at the request, but he held it in. “Yeah, bud. I’ll try.”

Sven smiled and sat back. “Good, because Nicole invited Anna to the Memorial Day remembrance.”

“She what?!”

“Hey, you’ve been warned with plenty of advance notice.” Sven pointed a finger at Kristoff.

It was enough for Kristoff to only let out a small grumble before turning back to the tv. They settled back into watching the game a now comfortable silence between them. After a few minutes Sven spoke again.

“I have to ask you something. I’ve held back asking you forever, but now you owe me.”

“What?”

“If that night you met Anna hadn’t gone to shit. Don’t tell Nicole this by the way, but I’m on your side with that. But if things hadn’t gone sideways, would you have asked to see her again?”

The question hung out between them. Kristoff could feel the weight of it in his chest. He didn’t want to answer, didn’t want to say it out loud. But Sven was right. Kristoff owed him.

“Yes,” he said flatly not taking his eyes off the TV.

********************

The wing was void of any activity as Anna walked down the corridor. The hospital was inching closer to the pediatric wing opening and it was exciting to see it start to take shape. But the walk to the new wing was quiet and it felt lonely with all the lack of activity. Anna did her best to shake off that isolating feeling that always seemed to be stalking right behind her and walked faster to the last set of doors

The committee was meeting to take a tour of the progress. She couldn’t wait to really get to work, making the area an inviting place for the children and their families. Beyond the state-of-the-art equipment, there were murals, decorations, books and toys all waiting to fill up the space. She walked through the doors and into an open space that would be a staging and area for families waiting for doctor appointments. The whole room would be lined with bookshelves and interactive toys.

Anna stopped when she noticed Kristoff sitting on one of the benches, hunched over with his back turned to her. It was just her luck that he’d be the first one here. He looked towards Anna briefly as she started walking again only to turn back without any acknowledgement.

She rolled her eyes. Kristoff was not going to get under her skin today. At least that was the mantra she had been repeating to herself all day. It was the first time they had seen each other since the incident, as Anna referred to it, at Nicole’s and there was no way she was going to let him think it rattled her. She threw her shoulders back and purposely walked over to a chair near him.

He nodded her existence when she sat down. Anna quickly pulled out her phone after a quick hello. She did a good job ignoring him for all of thirty seconds when she noticed something in his hands. He was flipping through note cards and when she looked closer, she could see handwriting on them. Anna was intrigued. Studying him closer, Kristoff was not his usual cool collected self. In fact, he almost looked nervous.

With a sly grin, Anna leaned forward, getting closer to Kristoff. “What’cha got there Cap?”

“Huh?” Kristoff glanced up at Anna, almost startled before he was able to put on his emotionless mask on his face. He quickly cleared his throat. “Nothing.”

Anna grinned. “Come on, share.”

“It’s none of your business.” He sat back against the bench, looking towards the entrance like he was willing someone to walk through.

Anna didn’t relent. “What is it? Top secret?”

“No.” He looked back down at the cards he was holding, tapping them on his thigh. “Why do you care anyway?”

“Just curious what’s making you so nervous.”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Right.” Anna shook her head. “Then why do you look like your about to be called into the principal’s office?”

He let out a loud sigh, slumping his shoulders. “It’s that obvious?”

“Yes, unless you’re going for the about to yack up your breakfast look.”

Kristoff chuckled and it almost made Anna smile knowing she cracked what she thought was the impervious shell he wore. “I, uh, have a presentation to give this afternoon.”

Anna sat back, crossing her arms. “And?”

“I had to do it last year too and let’s just say it could have gone better.”

“Who’s it for, the head of Navy or something?”

“Worse. It’s for a bunch of high schoolers.

Anna burst out laughing envisioning Kristoff giving some dry speech to a group of teenagers. “Oh, they ate you alive, didn’t they?”

“No, but only because it was the ROTC and a group of the sports teams. This year I’m in front of a whole auditorium of these kids today. I’m toast.”

“It can’t be that bad.” Anna held out her hand. “Gimme.”

It took a moment, but Kristoff finally relented and handed his notecards over to Anna. She flipped through them, before stacking them together and handing them back to him. “I take it back. It is that bad.”

“Fuck. But I have to cover certain topics and- “

Anna held out her hand to stop him. “You fly jets for a living.”

“So?”

“So?!” Anna’s arms flew up in exasperation. “You have the coolest job in the world! Tell them about it.”

“It’s not really that glamorous,” Kristoff said, brushing her off.

“I don’t buy that for a second. Come on, tell me something.”

Kristoff tilted his head at Anna. “Like what?”

“Like something about what you do. What’s the best flight you ever had?”

Kristoff thought for a moment then broke into a small grin. “It had to be dancing with the Northern Lights at 40K feet while flying North of the Artic circle. I’ve never been so in awe of anything in this world as I was that night.”

Anna nodded in appreciation trying to imagine what Kristoff saw. “And what’s the scariest thing about flying? Teenager approved answers only.”

“That’s easy. Night carrier landings in a storm with the carrier pitching and rolling.”

“Tell them that. Tell them about a time you had to do that.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes. Tell them what scares you, a funny story, why you love flying. Mix them into your presentation.” Anna stood up, noticing some other people enter the room. Then she added, “They’ll love it, and you might trick them into thinking you are actually human, not just a robot spitting out facts.” Anna walked away, not giving Kristoff an opportunity to respond.

*******************

The tour went by too quickly for Anna. Her head was filled with ideas on how to make the pediatrics wing an inviting space for the children and families. There was a twinge of disappointment when the tour was over until the administrator giving the tour asked if anyone would like to visit the current pediatric area. Anna lit up, jumping at the opportunity.

Unfortunately, everyone had to bow out except for Kristoff. She was surprised he agreed to go over to the floor, convinced he would have ducked out at the first opportunity. They followed the administrator until she said she needed to stop at her office and asked Anna to show Kristoff the way to the floor.

They walked in silence down the hallway, Kristoff keeping a step behind her.

“Can I ask you something?” Kristoff asked, breaking the silence.

“Ask away, Cap.”

“Why did you decide to be nice to me earlier?”

A small grin came over Anna’s face. “I don’t know if I was being nice. Helpful, yes. But they aren’t the same thing.”

“Ok fine. Why were you helping me?”

“Pity.”

She saw Kristoff pull a face at her, but he didn’t say anything. After a few moments, he responded. “You got the talk, didn’t you?”

“Maybe.”

“I knew it. Guess we need to be on our best behavior.”

“Nicole is my friend and Sven too…don’t give me that face. I’m not going to lose her because of you. If it takes putting on the air of civility with you, then fine.”

“You stay in your lane, and I’ll stay in mine?”

“Exactly.”

Kristoff pondered that for a second before saying. “I can live with that.”

The time on the pediatric floor flew by for Anna. She was in her element stopping to talk to the children. She made sure to talk to each of them, not leaving until she got a smile or laugh. She even promised to come back to visit a few of the children on her breaks at work. It was something she was looking forward to.

As she was getting ready to head out, she realized she hadn’t seen Kristoff. He had come into a few of the first rooms with her not saying too much until a small child they met in the hall, enamored by his uniform, took his fingers in their hand and led him away. He’d been gone since, and she figured he must have made his escape some time ago.

Anna did a double take, stopping quickly to back up when she swore she saw something out of the corner of her eye. When she went to peer into the common play area for the children, there was Kristoff, sitting on the floor with a group of children surrounding him. A young boy was pointing to his shoulder boards, asking about them and the service ribbons on his shirt.

She leaned against the doorframe in disbelief. “Wasn’t expecting that,” Anna said to herself.

Another nurse saw Anna and walked over, a large smile on her face. She looked back at Kristoff. “He’s got a big group of fans. Been here over an hour with all the kids.”

Before she could say anything, Kristoff caught her eye. He gave her a small wave and a sheepish smile and Anna couldn’t help but return a warm smile. Maybe she didn’t have Kristoff Bjorgman completely figured out.

#up in the air #Kristanna #Frozen #Up in the air chapter 9 #anna #Kristoff #Modern au #hope everyone had a nice summer #I took some time off but should be back to this more regularly now

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lukin08 · 10 days ago

Text

Up In The Air Chapter 10

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC 3048

Also Available on AO3

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Kristoff walked up to Sven’s desk in the middle of the shared officer’s area. As per standard Navy protocol, only officers with Kristoff’s rank and above received a private office. It didn’t seem to bother Sven that he wasn’t afforded as much privacy.

“Did you get the landing details for the next show?”

“Yes. Including aerial photos of the airport and the forecast. We should expect a clear ceiling through 40K feet this weekend.”

“Great. Email those over to me this afternoon.”

The corner of Sven’s mouth had already hitched up before he even spoke. “Yes, sir.”

Kristoff found it amusing how Sven would address him completely seriously when they were within earshot of anyone but have a big shit eating grin on his face when he knew no one could see him. Sven would have to try harder if he thought that he would get Kristoff to break out into any sort of a grin back.

“Ready to grab lunch?” Kristoff asked, making a point to change the subject.

“Am I ever. Officers club or off base?”

“Officers club today. I need to get back.”

“Same. I have a meeting with XO at 13 hundred hours to go over an operations update.”

Kristoff nodded but kept quiet. He knew what the meeting was really for. The boards had finally come back with their approvals for promotions and Sven was on the list. Shastasy had informed Kristoff that morning before their practice flights. And while Kristoff was dying inside to be able to tell Sven the good news, he wouldn’t crack until after Sven received the news.

It was about time Sven was recognized for his work. He knew Sven had been down about it even with all the work he had put into it. His daredevil antics held him back his first year of eligibility, but he had heeded Kristoff’s advice and put his nose to the grindstone, becoming stellar in his position. That was evident or the Blue Angels would never have selected him. Now Sven was only two hours away from finding out about his promotion.

Kristoff was going to miss making Sven address him as his superior, but he was more than thrilled to see his friend get the recognition he deserved.

**********

Getting through security was easier than Anna envisioned. While she had been on base before, this was the first time she was in an area not open to the public. She had imagined wildly different scenarios when she was at the gate, more than one including an interrogation that made her crack and tell everything she had ever done wrong in her life. Instead, she got a long intimidating stare from the guard at the gate as he checked her id. One visitor’s pass later with strict instructions on the path to follow and Anna was on her way.

Nicole was right where she said she’d be, giving her big smile as Anna walked over to her. She quickly grabbed Anna’s arm and led her to the stands. The ceremony was open to the public, but they were in a reserved area for families and honored guests. Anna looked around, noticing the large amounts of veterans they were seated with. She could tell already how different everyone’s mood was from what she guessed a typical show was like.

"Thanks for inviting me,” Anna said in between one of the speeches. “I’ve never been to anything like this for Memorial Day. It’s more subdued than I expected."

Nicole gave Anna a small smile. "I’m glad you’re here. I hate coming to this one alone. And you’re right about the ceremony being subdued. So many people forget it isn’t just a day for cookouts and the start of summer. It’s a day to remember."

Anna looked past the podium to the empty blue jets framed in the background. They were massive. She was in awe at the power they must hold and what a thrill it must be to fly one. After scanning the planes, she realized Sven and Kristoff were nowhere in sight.

"Where’s Sven and Captain America?" Anna asked Nicole.

"They’ll be out last. They’ll come out from the hangar to the left of us and walk out as a unit, salute then get into the jets.” Without missing a beat, Nicole asked, “And when did you start calling Kristoff that?"

"When he started acting morally superior, so pretty much from the start."

Nicole had to stifle a laugh. "You’re horrible. Are things at all better between you two?”

“We’re managing to keep it civil.”

“Do you ever think maybe all the tension between you and Kristoff stems from something?”

“No?” Anna gave Nicole a quizzical look. “What are you trying to get at?”

“Nothing,” Nicole responded breezily. “I was just thinking maybe it has something to do with unresolved feelings from when you initially met?”

"HA HA...that man can’t stand me."

"I don’t know if I would put money on that."

"Whatever…” Before Nicole had a chance to respond, Anna made sure to shut down the conversation. “Oh look, the next speaker is coming up.”

The speeches wrapped up quickly after that. Anna was looking around for what was next when a hush came over the crowd. She followed the looks to her left.

The first group of Blue Angel personnel ran quickly over to the planes and started going over what seemed to be a checklist- setting the ladders, raising the canopies of the jets, a service person gracefully hopping into each jet. It all looked like a choreographed dance until they finished, all lining up along guidelines of the tarmac in from of the jets.

The pilots came out from the hangar in perfect formation, six of them in lock step in a perfect line. The precision blew Anna away. The uniforms they had on weren’t bad either. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t keep her eyes off Kristoff in the tight blue flight suit. They walked in front of the stands and before turning towards the jets.

Nicole leaned in and whispered so only Anna could hear. “I think you lost your jaw on the floor over there.”

Anna quickly clamped her mouth shut, not willing to look at Nicole and the smirk that was most definitely on her face.

Nicole didn’t relent. “They’re all custom tailored to each pilot. Tight in all the right places.”

Anna refused to respond, but the blush on her face already gave too much away.

After a shortened show, the jets made one last pass, with one of the planes missing from the formation to symbolize the fallen pilots. The seriousness of the day struck Anna, and a question popped up in her head. At first, she was hesitant to ask, but she knew it would gnaw at her if she didn’t ask.

“Hey Nicole. Please don’t answer this if you don’t want to talk about it, but do they know anyone who died in service?"

Nicole was watching out as the jets started to land one by one. There was a pause before she answered. "Sven doesn’t but Kris does...his navigator and weapons specialist. It was awful. It took Kris a long time to move on. He’ll deny it but I know it’s one of the reasons he keeps his guard up with y-...well, anyone. His navigator left a young wife, pregnant with their first baby."

"What happened to her?"

"She moved as far away from the military life as she could. She had a little boy, Josh, named after his dad. She’s doing much better now; she found a great guy and is remarried. Kristoff visits them a few times a year. I was hoping they’d come out to the show in July. Josh is all about planes, but I don’t think his mom is up for it.”

Anna could sense that Nicole wasn’t going to offer up any more information, nor was she going to probe further. She understood. It was Kristoff’s story and Anna didn’t have a right to know it without it coming from him.

The ceremony concluded with the pilots laying a wreath at the base of the unmanned jet. Anna watched Kristoff as he stood at attention during the 21-gun salute. She was close enough that she could see the distress in Kristoff's face.

After the ceremony, when Kristoff and Sven were done greeting the guests, Nicole led Anna over to where they were on the tarmac. As soon as Sven noticed them walking over, his face brightened.

“Hey, Darlin.” Sven kissed Nicole when she came over to him. “How are you feeling? Need anything?”

“I’m feeling great, sweetie. I have my water and Anna has been on me to remember to drink it.”

Sven pulled Anna into a big hug. “I’m so happy you were able to make it!”

“I’ve never been to a ceremony like this. It was so moving.”

“One of these days, we need to get you out to a real show. This really means a lot you were able to come out, doesn’t it, Kris.”

Anna looked over at Kristoff, unable to keep her eyes from roaming over his flight suit. Kristoff finished hugging Nicole. He gave them a quick nod, the look of indifference set on his face quickly morphing to amusement as he made eye contact with Anna.

“I’ll take that as a yes, Captain America,” Anna said, trying to ignore the fact Kristoff had caught her ogling him. “Didn’t they teach you manners in flight school, fly boy?”

A grin overtook Kristoff. “Yes, MA’AM they did. And it’s Lieutenant Commander to you Firecracker, not captain.”

“Ugh, don’t call me that.”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

Anna tried to hide her shock, but she could feel how hot her face was that was surely giving her away. She wanted to be angry with him and fire a quip back, but she found herself more taken off guard from his words than anything.

Nicole hit Kristoff in the arm with the back of her hand. “Hey! Nic, that hurt!”

“Good. Maybe it will smack some sense into you.”

“Doubtful,” Sven added

They stood there talking for a few minutes with Kristoff and Anna both stealing glances at the other. She couldn’t stop herself, trying to figure out Kristoff. He infuriated her to no end, yet there was something that still intrigued her about him. Anna caught Sven watching them with a perplexed look on his face. She didn’t even want to imagine what he was thinking about and focused instead on how to make a quick exit back to her car before Kristoff said anything else ridiculous to her.

A military police officer walked up to the group. “Sorry folks, only one guest per officer at this point. We’re clearing the area.”

Anna saw that as her way out. She was about to say she should get going, but Kristoff spoke first.

“She’s with me.”

“Yes sir, lieutenant commander. Just make sure your guest stays with you at all times. And as a reminder, escort them to the guest exit when they are ready to leave. We have 30 minutes before we are moving the jets to the hangers. All civilians must leave prior to that.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Anna said to Kristoff quickly. “I mean it was nice, but not necessary. In fact, I can go. I don’t want to be in the way.”

Kristoff just looked at Anna for a second before saying anything. “It’s not a problem. Just let me know when you want to go.”

“Oh. Well then. Thanks.”

“Sure.”

Anna couldn’t tell if Kristoff was being serious or if he had another jab waiting to make, but the small smile on his face seemed genuine. It was over in a second when he looked up beyond her and stiffened. She turned behind her and saw a military personnel walking over with a camera and offering to take their pictures.

“What do you say, Nikki?” Sven said, jerking his head towards the jets. “First family photo in front of the jet?”

Nicole's face lit up with pure excitement. “That’s a great idea!”

Kristoff and Anna watched Sven and Nicole walk towards his plane with the photographer. Anna glanced over at Kristoff as he stood there looking out to the planes, hands behind his back. The silence was killing her.

“I’m sorry about that.” Kristoff said after a minute, breaking the awkward silence.

“About what?”

“You know.” He cleared his throat. “What I said in front of Sven and Nic.”

“Oh that,” Anna said flatly, not giving Kristoff any room to escape.

“It was funny in my head and I wanted to pull it back as soon as the words came out of my mouth. I shouldn’t have said that in front of anyone. I mean, probably not at all…” He stopped himself, paused and spoke again. “I shouldn’t have said it. I’m sorry.”

Anna looked up at Kristoff. His gaze never left the jets, but he looked uncomfortable. Anna was taken aback that what he had said was bothering him so much. She decided to let him squirm for a minute before letting him off the hook.

“It’s ok. Consider it forgotten.”

She saw him nod then go back to his stare.

“Want to see the plane?”

Kristoff’s question threw Anna. It was the last thing she was expecting to hear from him. “Me? You want to show me?”

“Sure? There aren’t that many people that get to be that close to them. I thought maybe you’d like to-“

“Yes! I mean...” Anna caught herself and tried to level her excitement. “That would be nice,” she said as cooly as possible.

He led her over to his jet. On the side in large yellow scrolled lettering under the window she could read ‘LtCdr Kristoff Bjorgman’

“Look, they have your name wrong. Where’s the captain?” Anna teased with a smirk as she pointed to the lettering.

“That’s a few promotions and a lot more years before I could ever get that rank.”

“Oh, so you’re actually a downgrade from captain?”

Anna saw from the side of her vision Kristoff break into a large grin. “That’s it. Your name is getting downgraded back to Firecracker.”

“I’m heartbroken.”

Anna took a moment to really take in the jet. The sheer power of it was impressive and it wasn’t even running.

“So... what type of plane is this?” she asked, as she scanned over all the details.

“A FA-18 Super Hornet,” Kristoff responded, looking up at the jet with her.

“Did you fly it before you came to the Blue Angels?”

“I have been flying a F-35 mostly for the last few years. It's newer, faster. But I have flown these. You see the hornet on a lot on the carriers.”

“Ok, that is a little sexy. How fast does it go?”

“700 miles per hour.”

“Wow! That must be some rush!”

“You have no idea.”

“Better than sex?”

Anna’s face flashed red. Damn her mouth was always moving faster than her brain. She chanced a glance at Kristoff and saw the red in his face reaching all the way down his neck. Part of her felt vindicated she was able to get him back from his earlier remark. The other part of her found his reaction endearing.

Kristoff looked down at the ground. “...uhhh. It’s not really something you can compare...I guess.”

Anna wasn’t going to let him off hook this time as easily. "Ohhhh...has it been that long that you can’t remember?"

“...what?” Kristoff’s head snapped up and he scowled at Anna. “No! No, I uh. I can make the comparison just fine.”

“Whatever you say,” Anna said with a teasing tone.

“What I MEANT to say is... it’s... it’s so different. Being up in the plane like that. It’s so freeing.” He walked closer to the jet, looking up at it and placing his hand on a rung of the ladder.

The look on Kristoff’s face was inspiring. Anna could see how much he loved what he did. She marveled at the jet a little longer. “It’s a shame that this beautiful plane is only used for shows.”

“It’s not. These jets are all combat certified. It only takes 72 hours to have them combat ready and aircraft carrier ready.”

“So, then they are a little bit like their pilots. Not just a pretty face. There is some substance there.”

Kristoff stared at Anna. He was leaning against the plane, his hand still on the step of the ladder, looking like he was trying to work out something to say. Anna couldn’t do anything but stare back.

“How about a picture?”

Both Anna and Kristoff jumped. When they looked, the photographer was standing in front of them.

“Oh! Ah, that’s not really necessary-”

“Sure,” Kristoff interrupted. He leaned down to Anna as the photographer adjusted his camera. “It’s easier just to smile and he’ll leave a lot quicker.”

Kristoff stayed in his spot, holding onto the ladder. The photographer made Anna move closer. She tried to shuffle only a few inches, but the photographer kept waving her to move more until she was in front of Kristoff before he started taking the picture.

“Alright one more. Get a little closer this time you too lovebirds. Make it a nice one that you can show your grandkids!”

Anna was about to insist that that wasn’t necessary, but she heard Kristoff let out a loud sigh and put his arm around her. She felt herself leaning closer and tried not to think about how good he felt or the muscles just under his flight suit.

“Perfect!” The photographer called out. “You’ll love that one!”

Anna practically jumped away as soon as the photographer left. She whipped back at Kristoff. “What was that about?!”

“I told you it’s easier to just take the picture than to take the time to explain why you don’t need it.”

“That’s it?” She asked, throwing her hands out then back down at her side.

“Yeah, what else would it be?” His head was tilted slightly as he squinted his eyes at her.

“Nothing.” Anna quickly shook her head. “I’m ready to go now.”

Kristoff looked surprised. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait for Nic?”

“No,” Anna said quickly. “I’d like to go. Now.” She started walking away from the jet towards the stands.

“Fine.” Kristoff rolled his eyes. “It’s this way.”

He was moving so fast that Anna could only follow his back the whole way to the exit.

***********

Kristoff was almost finished changing when Sven rolled into the locker room. Sven took one look at him and shook his head. "You’re a fucking idiot, Bjorgman. You know that, right?”

Kristoff looked over at Sven and then back to his locker. “What are you talking about?”

Sven sat down on the bench. “Nicky has this theory. I didn’t believe her at first. But now…now I think she’s on to something.”

"Can we not talk about this right now?" Kristoff huffed, staring into his locker.

"I think we should.” Sven pointed his finger at Kristoff. “You still have a thing for Red, don’t you?"

“No.” Kristoff started throwing his stuff into his bag as quickly as possible.

“Would it be that bad if you admitted it?”

Kristoff glanced at Sven then focused back at his stuff. He grabbed his bag and slammed the locker closed. “Nothing to admit.”

“Kris, come on.”

Kristoff hauled his bag over his shoulder and moved out from around the bench to make a quick exit. He knew Sven wouldn’t let this drop, but he wasn’t going to give him a chance to prod any further. “This conversation is over,” he said walking towards the exit before Sven could get another word in.

#up in the air #Kristanna #Frozen #Anna #Kristoff #Up in the air chapter 10 #I was struggling with this and ended up deciding to break it up into two chapters #I think this was one of the first scenes we thought of KP

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