Day 8 - Twinkling Lights (Modern AU)
"This is impossible!"
It didn't make sense. How do lights get tangled while inside a box? Did they have party in attic right before they were needed for decoration? Kristoff was about to pull out his hair just from untangling the strings. After this mess, he had one more box to go.
"I should have bought new lights," he muttered.
All he wanted was to surprise Anna with a decorated house before she got home. He didn't think it would be so complicated. Not one place outside had been touched yet and he only had today. Let's just hope her aunt and uncle live far. Maybe I can convince her to grab dinner with Elsa. That should give me some more time.
Finally untangled, he separated the light strands and opened the last box. Kristoff swore he heard the Christmas angels sing when he found one string of lights and candy canes for the lawn.
"Now I can get started." He heard a bark, "Yeah, Sven, you can help too. Let's get these decorations outside."
Kristoff backed up from the house and admired his work. It was worth nearly falling off the roof more than once. He hoped Anna loved it. Even Sven barked happily at the decorations. Candy canes leading to the door, a blow up reindeer, fake icicles hanging on the roof's edge, and lights wrapped around the roof and windows. It glowed under the evening sky.
"Okay, boy. Let's go pick up Anna and show her our surprise."
They piled into his truck and drove to Elsa's apartment. Anna was already waiting at the entrance for him. She jumped in the truck and greeted him with a kiss. Sven licked Anna's face making her giggle. They both waved at her sister before driving off.
"So, how was your day?" he asked.
"Great! It was so nice to see Aunt Gerda and Uncle Kai. We out to lunch and I helped my Aunt bake while Elsa helped Uncle Kai do some Christmas shopping. You're going to love what they bought you! I also have some cookies for you right here. Then Elsa got us pizza for dinner. I'm sorry you couldn't come. How did your day go?"
"I kept busy. I actually had a pretty tiring day."
"Oh, I'm sorry about that."
"No! It's fine! It was stressful but I think it's going to be worth it."
"What do you mean?"
"Just wait and see."
They turned the corner of their street but it was pitch back. No lights were seen. Each street way looked the same. Sven gave out a little whine. Kristoff spotted a neighbor and slowed down.
"Hey, do you know what's going on?"
"It's a blackout. The whole block lost power. Electric company said it might be fixed hopefully soon but you know how long they take."
"Thanks!"
"No problem."
They continued the drive to the house.
"I hope I have some candles," Anna spoke.
"We just bought the scented ones. I think- oh no."
"What? What's wrong?"
The truck pulled up to their house. Just like the entire neighborhood, it was completely dark. All the decorations could not be seen. Kristoff groaned, After all that timeā¦
Anna peered into the darkness, "Are those candy canes?"
He sighed, "Yes. Sven and I wanted to surprise you. We pulled down the decorations from the attic and put them up."
"Oh, Kristoff, that's so sweet."
"Well it would have been if the power was on. Now you can't see anything. I'm sorry Anna.'
"Don't be sorry! I love it, even if I can't see it. You still took the time to do this for me. It must have taken all day since you did it all alone." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, "I love you so much."
He smiled, "I love you too."
"C'mon, let's light some candles and eat some cookies."
"That sounds nice."
"Psst, Kristoff."
He groaned.
"Kristoff."
"Hmmm."
"Come outside."
He opened his bleary eyes. Anna stood over him.
"What time is it?"
"I think around two. We fell asleep on the couch."
"Okay, why do you want me to go outside?"
"I want to enjoy the lights with you."
"What?"
Kristoff finally stood up rubbing his eyes. He followed her through the door and saw blinking lights. Anna held his hand and dragged him to the front of the house. They admired the decorations. He wrapped an arm around her as she leaned against him.
"Thank you."
He kissed her head, "Merry Christmas, Red."
