A/N: Welcome all to the first chapter of Someone Worth Melting For. This is a companion piece/sequel to my first story, 20 Years of Snow, and while it is not required to read that first, I would highly recommend it. This story will make much more sense and you'll get more out of it if you've read 20 Years first.

This story will follow Kristoff and Anna's relationship within that same universe and I expect it to be about the same length. It is a crossover since Jack and his family will appear, but this one will be more Frozen character centric. I didn't think I would have time to get this up until later this summer, but a fit of inspiration hit me, so here we are :)

I'll be traveling in Israel for 12 days fairly soon, so I doubt I'll get another chapter up before I leave, but I'll try to update once every 1-2 weeks beginning in July when I get back.

I hope you all enjoy, and as always, please review! I honestly squeal when I get reviews, they make my day!

Standard Disclaimer: Rise of the Guardians and Frozen are products of Dreamworks and Disney respectively.

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Still, when your heart is sore
And the heavens pour
Like a willow bending in the storm

You'll make it
Running against the wind
Playing the cards you get

Something is bound to give
There's hope for the hopeless

-"Hope for the Hopeless" by A Fine Frenzy

Chapter 1:
Reindeers Are Better Than People

Anna blinked, eyes focused on the bright green jello before her. Poking it hesitantly, she watched the gelatinous substance quiver and dance, catching the light as it jiggled unappealingly. Slowly, she skimmed her spoon across the surface and lifted a small portion to her lips. The green blob continued it's frenzied bounce as it traveled nearer to her mouth, making her stomach twist slightly with unease. She really wasn't sure how she felt about all this.

"You know, dear, just because it's green doesn't mean it's going to hurt you."

Anna jumped, startled from her intense study in jello behavior at the sound of her mother's voice.

"Mama!" A large smile cracked her face as the plastic utensil clattered onto the hospital tray, neon slime scattering across her empty plate.

"Careful, sweetie, you'll make a mess!"

Annette Arendelle rushed over, carefully removing the tray from the five-year-old's lap and setting it on a small table beside her. She fussed a bit over the spilled dessert, wiping up the contents with the provided napkin before tossing it away in a small wastebasket.

"Mama, are Papa and Elsa coming too?"

Annette smiled, the sentiment not quite reaching her eyes. Lowering herself to her daughter's bedside, she gingerly pushed a small strand of strawberry blond hair behind the freckled girl's ear.

"Later, my darling. Elsa is still at school and Papa had to run into work. But you get to hang out with me, I'm pretty great, right?"

Sighing, Anna slumped back against her pillow in disappointment. It feels like forever since she had been trapped in this room, unable to leave her own bed. In reality, she had only awoken a few days ago. She doesn't remember how she got here, or how she woke up. She just knows that there's a bandage on her head and everything feels foggy. And they won't let her go home.

Oh, and her sister has suddenly stopped talking to her.

Anna doesn't get it. Last she can remember, everything was fine! True, her most recent memories are a little hazy, but if she thinks real hard (even though the doctors said not to) she can remember laughing. With her sister.

But she's not laughing now. Elsa won't even look at Anna.

Maybe it'll be fine when they get home. Yeah, she just needs to get home.

"Mama, when can I go home? I wanna go home."

"Soon, little strawberry. Very soon. But your doctor just wants to make sure everything is fine before we leave. You bumped your head very badly and it's important to make sure nothing's hurt."

Exasperated, the youngest Arendelle frowned, lower lip jutting out in an annoyed pout.

"Fine." Her eyes narrowed as she looked at her mother, an idea forming. "But if I hafta stay...I should get some chocolate."

Annette laughed, eyes crinkling as she leaned down to kiss her daughter's forehead.

"I'll see what I can do, sweetie."

Anna's mood brightened considerably. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

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Laughter echoed through the halls as a pair of new parents made their way towards the door.

Kristoff watched them silently, back pressed against the wall as he crushed his favorite toy to his chest.

It was the same old story. A young couple looking to start a family had found the cutest, youngest baby possible and claimed it was "fate", that this baby was always meant to be theirs. Kristoff knew the truth though. It was always the little ones they wanted. Sometimes, if one was really adorable, they'd go for a toddler. But most of the time, it was the babies that found new homes. The infants who had no idea how lucky they were.

Because no one wanted a stocky eight-year-old boy who barely spoke and never left home without his stuffed reindeer.

Kristoff had given up on finding a family a long time ago.

Looking down into the warm eyes of his companion, the boy frowned slightly, wiping a small smudge off the glassy plastic that started back. He ran his hands along the soft antlers of his best friend, brows still creased as he heard the door shut behind the most recent set of adoptees, finally leaving to start their new life.

"Reindeers are better than people."

The plush animal stared back at the boy blankly.

"Sven, don't you think that's true?"

Kristoff hugged the toy close and buried his face into into its head. It was true. Because people will be beat you, and curse you, and cheat you of a real home. They'll leave you on the door of a courthouse when you're barely two and promise to come back, but they never will. And then you'll be bounced around to a bunch of homes where people don't actually want you. People aren't good. Every one of them's bad.

"Except you," the boy mumbled. "You're not bad, Sven, are you?"

"Kristoff?"

His head snapped up in surprise at being addressed. Searching for the source, he found Ms. Flora standing at the end of the hall, brows knit in concern at his current position.

"Yeah?"

Smiling, she made her way carefully towards the boy, kneeling to eye level as she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Kristoff, dear, there's a nice couple who would very much like to meet you."

"They...wanna meet me?"

She nodded, expression soft as she pulled him to standing. He allowed her to guide him down the hall until they reached a small room he recognized as her office.

An older couple was seated in front of her desk, but upon their arrival both stood immediately. They looked to be in their late forties, with hair showing signs of gray around the temples and soft wrinkles that hinted at years of smiles and laughter. Both were remarkably short and fairly stocky, but Kristoff found himself calming in their presence despite his previous nerves. Their eyes held a kindness he had not seen in years.

"Kristoff, this is Pabbie and Bulda Bjorgman. We've been talking for a while, and they'd like to speak with you for a bit. Does that sound ok to you?"

"Um...sure, I guess."

Kristoff took a few cautious steps inside, unsure of what he was supposed to do. The pair was still standing, watching his every move as he stepped closer.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Beeo...Berg...Bee-org-"

"Pabbie and Bulda is fine, dear."

She had a nice voice, Bulda. It was rich like velvet. It sounded like what Kristoff imagined a mom should sound like.

"Who's your friend there, Kris? Oh, may I call you Kris?" Pabbie's voice was deep and smooth and reminded Kristoff of rumbling thunder.

"Um, sure. And this is Sven. He's my reindeer." Kristoff held the toy forward just slightly, revealing enough of his body so the older man could see.

Pabbie's eyes crinkled as he looked over the pair.

"It's very nice to meet you, Sven. He's quite a handsome reindeer, if I do say so myself."

Kristoff beamed. "Thanks, mister!"

Bulda stepped forward, head tilted just slightly. Her face was lit with an emotion Kristoff had only seen on the adults that left with those all too lucky infants.

"Kristoff, would you...how would you like to come stay with Pabbie and I? We'd very much like to welcome you and Sven into our home."

The eight-year-old blond blinked, staring at the older couple with wide, shocked brown eyes as he looked for any sign of deceit.

"You...y-you want to...you want me? To go with you?"

"Very much, my boy."

Kristoff's eyes narrowed slightly as a small crease knit his brow.

"Ok...for how long?"

Bulda smiled brightly as she stepped forward, taking one of his smaller hands in her own.

"For as long as you'll have us."

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Anna's legs bounced uncontrollably as she wiggled excitedly on the end of her bed. She was going home today!

Her Mama and Papa were talking to the doctor and Elsa was standing quietly beside them, her body completely still as she listened to the adults speaking.

Anna didn't care though. All that mattered was that they were letting her leave and that was the best news she'd gotten in what felt like forever.

"Come on come on come ooonnnnn-uh!" she whined in annoyance. "Can we go already?"

Elsa frowned at her little sister as their parents smiled in amusement, the doctor giving her a quick smirk before continuing. The older sibling took a step towards the bed, scowl still marring her normally pleasant features.

"Anna, be patient, we'll leave soon."

The excited red head stared at her older sibling, surprise evident on her face.

"You talked to me!"

Elsa's frown deepened. "What are you talking about?"

"You haven't talked to me since I woke up!"

"Yes I have."

"Nuh uh. All you said was 'hi' once and that's it."

"That's still speaking, Anna."

"Whatever, you're being weird."

"And you're being a stupid baby."

"Hey! That's mean! Mama, Elsa's being mean!"

Annette pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing slightly.

"Girls, please be quiet for just a few more minutes and then we'll leave, ok? And Elsa, apologize to your sister."

"But Mama-"

"Elsa, I don't want to ask twice."

"Fine." With an indignant 'harumph' Elsa crossed her arms angrily across her chest and fixed her sister with a glare. "I'm sorry I called you a stupid baby even if it's true."

Anna just stared, lip quivering slightly as she studied this stranger that was impersonating her sister.

"Whatever," she mumbled as she directed her gaze at her swinging feet.

"Ok, girls," Frederick placed a loving hand on Anna's shoulder, "time to leave. You ready to go home, my little strawberry?"

Anna looked up into her father's eyes, beaming at his words.

"Yeah, let's go!"

But the joy was tainted as she watched her sister stiffly walk out ahead of her, refusing to even look her way. Elsa look scared and upset. About what, the youngest Arendelle had no idea.

Anna didn't understand what was going on. She didn't know what had changed.

She just hoped it wouldn't be like this forever.

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Kristoff took a few cautious steps forward, Sven clutched to his side in one arm as the other held tightly to his small suitcase.

A modest home stood before him, walls painted a soft green that reminded him of moss and vines. There was a delicate trellis fence along the sidewalk with a gate that opened to a little stone walkway. The front yard held a small plot of a grass and a tall oak tree. A tire swing hung from one of the larger branches, swaying slightly in the breeze. A rock garden had been set up along the front of the house, decorated with colorful flowers and a collection of leafy succulent accents.

"Would you like to come inside?"

Pabbie smiled down at the boy who nervously met his gaze. Gulping down the lump in his throat, Kristoff nodded shakily and followed his new guardian inside as Bulda gathered up their groceries.

The interior was warm and earthy, each wall decorated with different photos and art pieces leading into an open, bright living space. Kristoff watched as Pabbie made his way upstairs, the older man gesturing for Kristoff to join him. The two made their way to the upper level, the younger marveling at how even the carpet felt inviting beneath his feet. He didn't know carpeting could feel this comforting.

Pabbie opened a door at the top of the stairs and stepped inside, the smile never leaving his face.

"This is your room, Kristoff."

"I get my own room?"

"Of course, son."

Kristoff froze upon hearing the word. Son. Pabbie had called him son. Other people had used the term before, but it always sounded false in his ears. Like they didn't mean it; like it was nothing special.

This felt different. It felt right, as if it was only meant for him.

Kristoff took a few cautious steps forward, peering into this new space. It wasn't very big, but it comfortably held a twin bed, writing desk, and modest bookshelf. There was a window above the desk overlooking their small Philadelphia suburb.

"Why don't you unpack your bag while I help Bulda with the groceries. We're having roast chicken for dinner, does that sound fine?"

"Oh, yeah, that sounds great."

"Good, that's good." Pabbie's eyes were alight with something akin to joy. "Well, I'll leave you to it." He turned to exit, hand still resting against the rough wooden door.

"Kristoff?"

"Yes, Pabbie?"

"I want you to know, Bulda and I, we're...we're just so happy to have you here with us. Truly. And I hope that in time, you'll come to feel the same."

With a final smile, Pabbie took his leave as Kristoff watched his retreating form in astonishment.

Setting his bag down carefully, Kristoff hopped up on his new bed, Sven tucked lovingly under his arm as he surveyed his new room.

"Hey buddy?"

He looked down at his faithful companion, eyes stinging just slightly.

"We did it, Sven," he whispered, "we finally found home."