It was opening night, finally. The past few days had been stressful for all involved, but the show was finally polished to perfection (or their idea of perfection) and ready to entertain an audience. There was a buzz of excitement in the air around the theatre, flowing through the halls, lobby, dressing rooms, like a shock of electricity. Any fights, squabbles or quarrels that had risen throughout the week had now evaporated, replaced with indescribable vibes of exhilaration that usually came with opening night jitters.
Kristoff was, again, dressed in a suit for the occasion. Normally, he wouldn't care. He wouldn't even show up, because his part was done. But there was a very special lady that he still had the urge to impress, even though they were both well passed that stage. He leaned over the railing on the second floor lobby, watching the front doors below. Ushers and bartenders were doing last minute preparations, walking quickly this way and that across the red, plush carpet of the lobby. It was almost enough to distract the slightly nervous blonde, but a flash of red caught in the corner of his eye, demanding full attention.
Anna stood, brushing snow off of her black peacoat, her pale cheeks flushed from the cold wind outside, wisps of red curls loose around her face. An usher rushed towards her to take her coat, and it was then that Kristoff stood straight, his mouth suddenly dry as cotton. Anna wore a magenta cocktail dress, sleeveless with a sweetheart neck, the bottom hitting just above her knees. It was all lace, as was the black bodice accent that hugged her middle. His eyes lingered on the exposed skin of her shoulders, a longing to taste the freckles there overwhelming him completely. The dip above her sternum, and moving down the length of her legs to the impressive black pumps that graced her tiny feet.
Only when she began moving toward the direction of the theatre house did he realize that he had been holding his breath. That pure perfection on legs wanted him. Never in his life had he imagined he'd ever be this lucky. With a boyish grin, he pushed away from the banister and headed down to the 'dungeons,' where he knew she was headed.
Anna instantly regretted leaving her coat with the usher. The underground level of the theatre was always terribly cold. She looked down at her phone for the umpteenth time that day. She hadn't heard a word from Kristoff since they parted the night before at the theatre door, and she was beginning to worry. Surely she hadn't said or done anything wrong in that short amount of time. Then again, Hans had once told her she always did things wrong.
When she rounded the corner, entering her domain, she let out a gasp, stopping in the doorframe. What looked like two dozen red tipped, yellow roses sat at the center of her primary work table in her costume shop. Her right hand automatically raised to rest over her heart as she strode slowly across the room towards them. She bit her lip, eyes watering as she picked up the note placed next to the vase.
Dear Feisty-Pants,
I'm not very good at this kind of thing, but I think it's pretty clear how special you are to me. You're my best friend, hence the yellow roses (Ma told me what the colors meant). But the red tips mean something a little more. I'll let you know what that is later. Maybe. If you're good. Stay with me tonight?
Your Kris
Kristoff had quietly followed her down the halls and was now leaning against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest, watching her with an affectionate grin. He heard her breath catch as she read the note and knew, thankfully, that he had done okay. Unable to keep away from her any longer, he let out a long whistle, startling Anna who jumped, looking his way with wide eyes. "I was kind of hoping I'd get to see that little black lace number again tonight," he said in mock disappointment.
He had more than half-way expected the petite firecracker to take a running jump into his arms, but instead, she stood there, gazing at him from across the room with bright, wet eyes. All it took was one tear slipping from the corner of her eye to have Kristoff rushing before her, concerned. She was looking down at the note still in her hands, and he cupped her face gently, lifting her eyes to his as his thumbs wiped her tears away. "Anna, Sweetheart, I didn't mean that. I mean, I loved that dress, don't get me wrong, but you really look absolutely stunning tonight, and—"
Anna giggled a bit through her tears and shook her head. "It's not that." She lifted her hands to take his so that she could turn to look at the roses. "No one has ever done anything like this for me before. I've never gotten flowers before!" She was quiet, but he could hear the hushed excitement in her voice. "I just… You make me so happy, Kristoff." Truth be told, she had never felt this way before, and it was a little scary. She looked back at him. "I love them. They're beautiful. And you're absolutely crazy if you think I won't take your offer to stay the night." She reached up to take hold of his tie and gently pulled him down to meet her lips in a slow, meaningful kiss.
Kristoff's arms were around her tiny waist in an instant, returning the kiss with fervor. When they pulled away, he kissed the tip of her nose. "You kind of mean the world to me, Red. You have me wrapped around your thimble-clad finger."
"Right where I want ya," she teased, pressing another chaste kiss on his lips before slipping her hand into his and pulling him out of the costume shop. "And I have to say, you are looking downright sexy tonight, sir!" His face turned beet red as she tugged him out of the room.
After the show, there was a big reception out in the lobby. The entire cast got wind that a couple of Broadway producers had come to see the show, possibly seeking out talent. So all had stuck around to schmooz.
Coming back from the ladies room, Anna slowed her steps when she saw Kristoff talking animatedly with an important looking patron. Hmm! Maybe someone is finally appreciating his great work! she thought with a smile. She continued on over, Kristoff's arm automatically slipping around her waist as they continued their conversation.
"Well, I must get going, Mr. Bjorgman. When I get back to the city, I'll have the contract written up and sent to you for over-view. I really hope you'll consider it," he said meaningfully as he shook Kristoff's free hand. The man nodded his head politely to Anna before moving along through the crowd.
Anna raised her eyebrows at Kristoff, grinning. "My, my, that sounded rather pressing, Mr. Bjorgman!"
Kristoff was grinning ear to ear. He leaned down and kissed Anna full on the lips. "I've been offered a job to design a show revival on Broadway. Broadway, Anna!" he exclaimed, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
Anna stood, shocked and wide-eyed for a moment, speechless. A million thoughts raced through her mind in a millisecond. Broadway. New York. Over a thousand miles away. Away from her. But such a happy Kristoff. A smile broke out across her lips, though it didn't quite touch her eyes. "Oh, Kris, that's the best news!" She threw her arms around him, one hand cradling his head as she held him tight, closing her eyes. "I am so proud of you…" she whispered, though the threat of heartache was pressing down on her heart.
