AN: If you want to see what I was picturing for Rapunzel's dress, follow the link: .

Chapter 23

"Just so you know…" Rapunzel paused one last time before she got into her car, "Kristoff won't- he won't be able to make it to the wedding. You know, his schedule and all that." Anna could tell this was hard for Rapunzel to do.

She had wondered about Rapunzel's wedding and what would happen. She had looked at the Giants' schedule weeks ago and knew they were going to be in Miami that weekend. But the confirmation was like finding out all over again.

Anna wanted to force a smile for Rapunzel's sake, but she was unsure if her face obliged, "I'll see you in a couple weeks ok?"

After Rapunzel left The Palace, Anna started the tedious job of packing up her stuff. She didn't know why she wanted to be alone to do this. Maybe it would just be too sad? Tiana had moved to New Orleans with Naveen and Rapunzel was moving back to Utah with her parents until the wedding. And Anna...Anna didn't have anywhere to go. She went from high school to junior college to Arendelle. A typical progression. But now what? Does she go back to her hometown? Does she try to make a life in Colorado? She zipped up her suitcase and let a tear fall.

Anna took the few things from her room she wanted to keep to her storage unit at the edge of town. Everything else was donated to the local Salvation Army. She had a couple bags in the back of her car and locked up The Palace one last time. She loved that house. Her life changed for the better in that house and she was so grateful to it. Looking up at the dark windows Anna let herself cry some more.

Anna spent three weeks in the Rocky Mountains before she had to drive to Utah. In those three weeks she saw so much, she thought she could spend another three weeks there. Being in nature, hiking everyday, it refreshed her. Being alone out there wasn't lonely. Maybe, after the wedding, she would become a Park Ranger, live in her van and travel to a different National Park each year. That sounded like an ok plan.

Anna arrived in Park City, Utah on Thursday, two days before the wedding. Rapunzel and Flynn were having their ceremony in a beautiful church with a huge window at the front. Anna had seen pictures from other weddings and the effect of the afternoon sun coming through was stunning.

Anna spent most of the Thursday with Tiana doing anything and everything Rapunzel needed them to do. It was mostly moral support and keeping the bride fed and hydrated, but it felt good just to be with her best friends again. She showed Tiana all the pictures from her stay in the Rockies and Tiana talked about the restaurant she was cooking at.

Rapunzel tried to be interested too but the girls knew her nerves were fried and didn't take it personally. Rapunzel's dress was altered to perfection, the caterer knew what time to arrive at the hotel for the reception and the DJ had a detailed list of every song Rapunzel wanted played and when she wanted them played.

By Thursday night Anna was exhausted. But Rapunzel was downright frazzled. The three friends were sitting in Anna's hotel room drinking some camomile tea to try and calm her. Everyone was staying at this particular resort as the reception was going to be hosted downstairs in the ballroom.

"What if it rains?"

"There's no rain in the forecast for the next ten days."

"What if we lose the rings?"

"They are in the same bag as your dress."

"What if I lose my dress?!" Rapunzel panicked.

Anna grabbed a brush from her bathroom and sat behind Rapunzel on the bed. She slowly started to brush her long blonde hair and she could feel her friend slightly relax. "I know you're worried, but you have an amazing wedding planner and she, Tiana and I will make sure everything goes off without a hitch. You're going to be so beautiful and I bet Flynn cries when you walk down the aisle." Anna's voice was soothing Rapunzel even more.

"You think so? He's not really a crier." Rapunzel's shoulders relaxed down and her voice was more calm.

"There won't be a dry eye in the house."

Friday was for pampering and the rehearsal dinner. The bridesmaids spent the day being prepped, polished and perfected for the big day tomorrow. Rapunzel was in much better spirits today. The facial and massage helped. After a late lunch all the girls headed back up to their rooms to get ready for the rehearsal.

The church was even more beautiful than the pictures. The outside looked like a cozy lodge, perfect for the Utah winters, but the inside was a picturesque chapel. There were twenty rows of pews all leading to the stairs and altar that stood in front of the grand glass windows. Huge windows lined the sides of the building as well washing the entire space in natural light.

The wedding planner gathered everyone's attention and started placing the wedding party in order. The groomsmen were the hardest parts. They didn't know how to walk slowly and they kept forgetting where to stand. And because Flynn had one less groomsman than Rapunzel had bridesmaids it just complicated everything further. It seemed like they ran through the processional twenty times before it looked right. And by that time everyone was starving.

The rehearsal dinner was filled with good food, a lot of laughs and heartfelt speeches. Rapunzel was glowing as she listened to Flynn's dad's toast and Flynn kept her secured to his side. They were perfect. And Anna was so happy for them. She couldn't wait for tomorrow.

The next morning the bridesmaids all showered and met in Rapunzel's suite to get ready. There were hair stylists, make up artists and a photographer to capture all the moments of the day. Music was playing and breakfast pasties were passed around.

Anna had her hair done first. The stylist complimented her on the natural color and length of Anna's auburn locks. The woman blew out Anna's hair and curled it into large waves down her back. She then braided a large chunk and pinned it to the back of Anna's head like a crown. Anna was then covered in hairspray and was sent on her way to the makeup station. Foundation, blush, bronzer, highlight, shadow, eyeliner, fake lashes, lipstick, lip gloss. Being a girl was hell, but the final product was immaculate. Anna loved the soft glam the artist had given her. She looked like she was glowing. More pictures were taken: pictures in their matching pink robes, pictures of Rapunzel in her white one, all of them getting into the stretch SUV and then arriving at the church.

Once the girls arrived at the church, they were ushered to a back room where they were going to get dressed. The bridesmaids were all dressed in long, smoky mauve dresses, each in a slightly different style. Anna's was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and pleated bodice. The tulle skirt was airy and flowy and moved around Anna like she was dancing. And the best part was that it had pockets! Tiana's skirt was the same at Anna's but her bodice had a Grecian style halter top straps with some light ruching. All the other bridesmaids were dressed and were waiting for Rapunzel and her mom to come out from the bathroom.

When the door opened all the girls audibly gasped. One photographer captured Rapunzel's appearance while another one shot the bridesmaid's reactions. Anna wanted to cry because she was so beautiful. Tiana actually did. Rapunzel's tulle skirt compliments the rest of their dresses but hers was more full and a beautiful shade of ivory. The bodice fit Rapunzel like a glove and looked as if the entire thing was made of luxurious lace. The sweetheart neckline came into the off the shoulder long sleeves which had more lace in sparse groupings to make it seem like they were a part of Rapunzel's skin.

From there the girls were whisked away to a flurry of infinitely more pictures. And then before Anna knew it, the wedding planner was lining them up to walk down the aisle.

"Anna, go." The wedding planner stage whispered to her and Anna straightened her sunflower bouquet and turned the corner to enter the church. The chapel was washed in the light of the golden afternoon sun and twinkly lights. Anna looked towards the altar and the beautiful, large window and then down to the minister and then to Flynn. He looked so nervous and Anna's heart melted. She gave him a sympathetic smile and then looked to Naveen right behind him. They were dressed in light gray, three piece suits. They cleaned up nice. Anna's eyes drifted to the rest of the groomsmen and she almost dropped her bouquet when she saw him. There, on the other side of Naveen, was Kristoff.

Anna felt her smile falter and she had no idea how she continued down the aisle to her designated spot. If she thought he looked good in a baseball uniform, it didn't hold a fucking candle to that three piece suit. His hair was cut short on the sides but still had some length on the top, it looked more mature on him. Everything about him looked more mature, like it had been five years and not eleven months since she had seen him. When Anna looked at his face, his amber eyes were sparkling as he stared back at her. She felt like she gawked at him for an hour but as she approached the altar, she looked back down at the aisle and then up to the wedding officiant. Her skin was on fire and her dress felt all of the sudden too tight.

Anna tried to listen to the ceremony, she really did, but her mind would not focus on anything besides the feeling of Kristoff's eyes on her. And it took all of her brain power not to look over at him. Then, just like that, the officiant was saying, "You may now kiss the bride." and everyone was cheering and applauding. Upbeat music started to play as Flynn and Rapunzel turned to the guests and were presented for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Ryder. The photographers snapped endless amounts of pictures and the bride and groom walked back down the aisle hand in hand. Tiana and Naveen walked towards the middle of the aisle and linked arms and followed them.

And now, after nearly a year without seeing him, Anna was face to face with Kristoff. They walked the few steps toward each other and Anna couldn't breathe. He was fucking gorgeous. He always had been. But now- now, had he always been that tall? It was like she was seeing him for the first time. His suit was tailored to fit his broad shoulders and trim waist, his complexion was sunkissed and smooth and his smile… He was smiling at her as if nothing had happened, as if she hadn't thrown away their relationship, as if he was just picking her up from her house on a Saturday night. Anna wanted to laugh and cry and scream. She opted for a small smile and avoided eye contact instead. Kristoff didn't say anything, he just held his arm out for her to take and they walked down the aisle after Naveen and Tiana. She absolutely did not think about how solid his bicep felt.

Anna broke away from him the moment they left the church. She ran over to Tiana and Rapunzel and gushed about how beautiful the wedding was.

"I told you Flynn would cry!"

Then came even more pictures. The bridesmaids together, each bridesmaid alone, each bridesmaid with Rapunzel, all the bridesmaids and Rapunzel, all the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the entire party together. Anna's face hurt from smiling so much. But then the photographer released everyone so the bride and groom could have their picture taken alone. The wedding party had to stick around the church property while the guests drove to the resort. There was a party bus coming to get them after Flynn and Rapunzel were done. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids stood in a big group, chatting and catching up. Anna stuck as close to Tiana as she could without crawling onto her back.

"It's so good to see you Kristoff! We didn't think you were going to make it." Tiana broke away from Anna and hugged him.

"Yeah, it was a last minute decision. Couldn't let Naveen handle this all on his own." Kristoff playfully punched his old teammate.

"How's life in the Majors?"

"Oh you know, really racking up those frequent flier miles." He grinned and Naveen and Tiana laughed. "But I should be asking you guys what it feels like to be National Champions. That's fucking awesome."

Although Anna was feeling painfully uncomfortable, at the mention of their title she loosened up slightly. A genuine smile lit up her face as she turned to Tiana. The two women started reminiscing about the week in Oklahoma City, forgetting that the boys were even there.

"We wish you guys could have been there. It was the experience of a lifetime." Tiana finally turned back to the men. Anna was grinning now as she turned back too, and there he was staring at her again. Guilt and shame flooded through her, "I'm going to go find some water." Anna mumbled and excused herself before anyone could join her.

Anna had managed to keep her distance from Kristoff the entire night. It hadn't been that hard. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were sitting at opposite ends of the banquet table at the front of the ballroom and once the dancing started Anna stuck with the other dateless bridesmaids in a tight circle. And yet, her eyes always found him. Whether he was standing off to the side, sharing a drink with Flynn and Rapunzel's dads, or if he was dancing with the flower girl, Anna's eyes were drawn to him. And she didn't stop herself like she did during the ceremony. Now she openly gazed at him-at his smile, at his laugh, at his face. He looked great. Fuck, what she wouldn't give to experience this reception with him as if nothing had happened between them. To talk and dance and celebrate their friends together. Instead, she was going out of her way to avoid him, to give him space. Was it for his benefit or hers? It didn't matter anymore. Another slow song came on over the speakers and Anna beelined it for the bathroom. She didn't have to go but she couldn't risk Kristoff coming up to her.

Another hour of dancing, cake cutting and bouquet throwing (Tiana caught it) and the bride and groom were finally ready to make their grand exit. They had changed into matching shirts that said 'Just Married' on the front and 'Mr. Rider' on the back of Flynn's and 'Mrs. Rider' on the back of Rapunzel's. Each guest was handed a party popper and positioned in two lines. As the happy couple ran down the middle, everyone pulled their strings and cheered as they exited the ballroom. After that the guests went back to their tables and started gathering their stuff to leave. Anna, Tiana and the rest of the wedding party helped clean up as much as they could. It was really just busy work since the caterers and hotel staff were really doing all the heavy lifting.

Anna and Tiana sat at one of the few guest tables that hadn't been put away and relaxed for the first time all day. "My feet hurt so bad." Tiana complained as she lounged them on another empty chair. "You aren't even wearing heels." Anna laughed tiredly. "Where's your bouquet?" Tiana waved her hand dismissively and rolled her eyes, "Oh Naveen is probably hiding it."

"Yeah right," Anna rolled her eyes, "So are we going to be doing all this again next year in New Orleans?"

"If that boy ever gets up the nerve to ask then maybe. I'll let you know." Tiana gave Anna a mischievous look.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Anna smiled as Naveen walked up behind Tiana and rubbed her shoulders, "You ready?" He asked.

Tiana gave him a sleepy smile as she looked up at him but then turned back to Anna, "Am I going to see you tomorrow? Or are you taking off?"

Anna gave a melancholy smile and shrugged her shoulders, "I haven't decided yet. I'll text you." Anna watched Naveen and Tiana walk off but stayed seated in the uncomfortable wooden chair a little bit longer.

"Can I walk you back to your room?" The familiar voice asked from behind her.

Anna honestly thought Kristoff had left already. She almost hoped he had. She had avoided a conversation with him all night and she didn't think she could handle it. What was there really to say?

"Sure."

Kristoff and Anna walked in silence the entire way through the lobby, in the elevator and down her hall. They didn't touch or even make eye contact. There had been a security when they were surrounded by other wedding guests. They (she) could escape if need be, but now? Now Anna felt trapped. And eleven months without him felt like an eternity. They had been apart longer than they had even been together. She didn't know him anymore. But if she dwelled on that thought too long, it might break her.

"Well, this is me." Anna slowed down as they approached her room's door. She chanced a look up at him. He looked so good. Oh how badly she wanted to invite him into her room. If it had been a year ago they wouldn't even have seperate rooms. But she couldn't do that to herself. It would reopen barely closed wounds and start her back at square one. The evening spent with him would already do enough damage to her.

"I fly back to Florida tomorrow."

Anna looked up at him, a faint smile on her face. She wanted to memorize him at this moment, one last time. "It was really good seeing you Kris-."

"Come with me." Kristoff interrupted her. His large hands grabbed hers and Anna's world tilted.

"What?" Anna froze, her eyes wide, shifting from Kristoff's face to her limp hand in his.

"Get on that plane with me. I need you with me. I don't want to pretend like I'm ok without you anymore." Kristoff stepped fully into her space, gently cupping her face as he lowered his head to her level.

"Kristoff-" Anna, with her hands now free, gently touched the sides of his suit vest to ground herself. Her head was spinning.

"We can get a van!" He rushed out, "Drive all across America together in the off season."

"How- How did you…?" Anna blinked, trying to focus but it didn't help get her words out.

"I never stopped keeping tabs on you." Kristoff leaned his forehead against Anna's and closed his eyes as if it were painful. "Rapunzel made that pretty easy. But I don't want to have to ask her or Rider about how you're doing anymore. Come with me. Please. I just need you back."

Anna had hurt for so long. She was forced to be on her own for years and she had accepted the loneliness that was thrust upon her. It became a part of her, to the point she couldn't even fathom real, true relationships with people. And then Tiana and Rapunzel had jiggled the handle but Kristoff, Kristoff had kicked the door wide open. He had accepted her and loved her and helped her to learn how to love herself again. And when they went their separate ways she had been terrified that she would fall back into that spiral of loneliness. But she hadn't. Yes, of course it had been hard, but it had been worth it. She had the weeks and months to relearn everything about herself, without Kristoff to fall back on. She was independent and strong and she could find a way through this life on her own, without him.

Anna took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "Ok."

But she didn't want to do it on her own.

"Ok? Yes? You're serious?!" Kristoff's face shot back and his eyes scanned every inch of her face. When Anna smiled back at him, Kristoff picked her up and twirled her around, laughing in disbelief. When he set her back down, his lips were on hers immediately, "God I missed you so fucking much." He mumbled between kisses.

"We've got some catching up to do." Anna said as she scanned her room key behind her back and dragged him into her hotel room.

She wanted to love him and be loved by him.