"Goodbye."

Hans had been waiting to hear it from her. But he still couldn't quite bear to listen to it issuing from her lips. True, she was saying it to her sister, and her sister was the one getting the tight hug, but Hans still felt a rising jealousy. Would she ever lov... er, care for him nearly as much as she cared for her sister?

Anna was quiet, a refreshing change from her usual arrogance. She held on for her life. Whatever fight the sisters were going through, it was put on hold for this situation.

He nodded, grabbing Anna and forcing her up the steps.

"Hans!" Yelled Elsa after him, "You can't do this."

He paused, and his captive stood completely still, "I have to."

That was all the explanation she would ever get. Why did these girls have to be so, so...

Hans let out a grunt of frustration. Anna snickered.

"Aw... is Hansy-poo not getting his way for once?"

Hans grit his teeth. He knew she would be getting him worked up to set him off, and he was determined not to let her in under his skin, "Don't call me that."

"Okay."

She paused.

"Mister Hansy-poo-poo."

He didn't remember swinging at her. It wasn't a very direct blow since he had to turn his whole body, and she easily ducked as his fist slammed into the bulkhead.

"I don't know how your insane little mind misconceived that this was the time to mock me, but make no mistake; if it wasn't for the infinite mercy of your sister, I would long have shipped you off to my mother for judgment, murderess!"

Anna swallowed hard. It was easy to forget that underneath the loving exterior Hans was a killer.

"I'm sure she's real proud of you- bully your way into someone else's kingdom," She said. She couldn't leave Elsa alone with this maniac. It was only a matter of time before he made his move to murder her.

"I don't know, and I don't care! I just want you gone one way or another!" He hissed, "And honestly, good riddance!"

Anna stared at him, "You just can't wait to get me out of the way, can you?! So you can be king!"

Hans barked out a laugh, "King? How could I become king?! It's impossible."

"Then what?"

"I'll save Elsa!"

"Ha! I saved Elsa!" Anna jabbed a thumb self-righteously at her chest, then jabbed an accusatory finger into Hans' stomach, "You don't love her!"

Silence.

Hans blinked. Anna gasped, "...no."

Hans turned away. The two stood silently for a moment, letting their anger subside. He felt the incredible need to share the truth with someone, anyone.

"I... I didn't expect it, you don't understand, it's just- I can't imagine life without her, but," He swirled his hand lamely, "I... I- I-!"

"Hans!" Sickness, anger, disgust and confusion all boiled to the surface. Anna forced it all back down. She had to reason with him, "You know that Elsa won't allow me to waltz into danger. And you know that the council won't stop her from leaving Arrendelle to save me. What will you do?"

"...I don't know," His head hit the wall, and he slowly slid back down, "He loved you, you know; Kristoffer."

"I know," Anna put her face in her hands, "But not the way I needed to be loved. He... you use us, you know. Both of you used us girls for your own selfish end- Baragor included."

"I would give it all up," Hans insisted sadly.

"You did give it all up, but Elsa still can't love you, you know that, right?"

Hans nodded, "Right."

"Even if... even if I wasn't in the way. Even if I told her," Anna sighed, "Even if I told her I don't hate you."

She held her hand out, "Come on; the boats headed out."

Hans nodded and took her hand.

The ship set sail for Baragor's hideaway. Neither of them spoke as the ship tossed them about. They were both worried for Elsa, worried she would hate them, worried she would get free and go after the pirates by herself. By sundown, they had reached their destination, and set anchor. As time wound down to meet their enemy, both of them were consumed by fear.

Their worries were interrupted as another ship passed them. Hans rushed to the bow, using his spyglass to find their rival's captain.

He let out the most vulgar swear possible.

"What?" Anna asked right before Hans made their worst fears come to life.

"...it's her," He said. Quietly, he nodded to himself, "Anna, we have to go stop her."

They both climbed into a boat and cast off from their ship.

"Hans, for what it's worth, thanks for trying to save Elsa," The red-head admitted.

"You're welcome," He whispered, "Oh, and Anna?"

"Hmmmm...?"

"Do you think there's a chance, maybe, someday, that Elsa..." He grew silent, hating the hope that grew in his chest Elsa would be distraught at the idea of endangering Anna. Bringing her with him was out of the question. But if he went in alone, then he could save her, save both of them. Then, maybe she would see it was safe to care about him, safe to love him.

Maybe.