Prompt 3: Relaxing in the intense sun

"It's beautiful."

When the sun went lower in the west, Elsa found herself in Hans' embrace as they sat at the top of the hill which overlooked the open sea. After their little commotion at the river earlier, one that involved the water spirit, Hans suggested that they should go and explore the coast, so there they were. The couple had been watching the sun for a while, and although it wouldn't set anytime soon, the view before them was a sight they couldn't miss.

"Yes, it is." Elsa sighed in contentment, leaning back against his chest. Unknown to her, neither the open sea nor the pale tint of orange that painted the sky was what he found beautiful.

Hans moved to press his lips on the top of her hair, as he pulled her even closer by the waist. The cold radiating from her body, that he could feel through the cotton shirt he was wearing, was oddly pleasant. His hand rested on his lap, letting Elsa trace patterned frost all over his open palm. Having stayed like that for a good thirty minutes, just enjoying each other's presence in a comfortable silence, the former prince couldn't help but think.

Where would it take him, had he not doomed himself in the first place?

Surely, their story would begin differently. Different types of ending would come along, whether it would be better or happier than the present he lived in, he didn't know. Often he woke up in the middle of the night because of the nightmares—one of them was about him being succeeded in ending the eternal winter in Arendelle, and as the result, he would hate himself in the morning. He didn't have blood in his hands, but the guilt was still there. Then again, everything did happen for a reason, and that everyone had roles in the story, him included. He just wished that he could take back the hurt and the pain he had caused her and her sister.

"You've been quiet." Elsa broke the silence, turning her head to face him. Her big blue eyes were filled with curiosity.

He shook his head slightly. "I was just thinking."

"Oh." She let out. "Nothing bad, I hope."

Smiling, Hans took a deep breath. He looked down and noticed that the sleeve of her lilac short dress had lowered, exposing the milky skin underneath. Gently, he moved to fix it, causing Elsa to smile sheepishly and adjusted her sitting position in his embrace.

"I hope."

Sighing, the blonde then nuzzled his cheek, nose grazing his sideburn, trying to comfort him. She frowned, noticing how tense he suddenly got.

"Is it about your brother?" She asked softly, trying to not trigger anything. His brothers, especially the oldest—the King of the Southern Isles, had always been a sore topic to talk about, and she didn't want to ruin the moment with any bitter topic.

"It's not." He exhaled, nuzzling her hair.

Hans closed his eyes, trying to erase those vivid images from his nightmares, and replacing them with happy memories he shared with Elsa. But those dreams were so intense, he unconsciously tightened his grip on her side.

"Hans!"

Her gasp was enough to wake him from his thoughts. His eyes fluttered open, and he was greeted by a worried looking Elsa. It was not real. He convinced himself. This one is real.

Cradling his head, Elsa pressed her forehead against his. His hands reached out to hold hers, and they stayed like that for a moment. That was until Hans helped her to sit on his lap. Her head rested on his shoulder, as she let him hold her close. She was his safe haven.

"It's the nightmare."

"The one you told me the other day?"

Hans nodded. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Elsa gave his hand a squeeze. "We have talked about this, Hans." She pecked his jaw fondly. "I love you."

There was a pause, before he, too, said, "I love you." He pressed another kiss on the top of her head. "So very much."

I'd never known love until I knew her. And I'm grateful to have her in my life.

She was reminded of his words she overheard earlier that day, and her lips curved into a smile. Warmth spread across her chest, sensing the sincerity his words held. Suddenly, the thoughts that kept her up the night before began to cloud her mind. Hans told her he stayed for the summer, and Elsa could only assume that he would leave afterwards. Therefore, they should make use of the precious time they had. Hans did plan this trip so they could spend some time together, but deep down, Elsa would like it better to show him more of Arendelle. For twenty four years it had been her home, and even though she was no longer living there, it would always be the place she came back to. Besides, she could see her sister.

Anna. Elsa smiled as she thought about her. Her sister was the queen, and it seemed like she had been doing fine so far. Now that they were no longer at war, at least she knew that Anna would be alright. Her mind drifted back to the time they'd spent together. She admitted, she missed her bubbly personality. After all, Anna's glee had always been so contagious, and she was the sunshine between the two sisters.

"What is it, Kaere?"

Elsa bit her lower lip. An idea popped into her mind, but would he be okay with that? Only one way to find out.

"I want to ask you something." She looked up, meeting his green eyes.

"Fire away."

"Do you mind if we cut this trip short and go back to Arendelle soon?"

His eyebrows furrowed at the question he clearly didn't expect. "Why?"

"I know you have plans for us this summer. It's just, I think it's best if we spend the rest of the summer in Arendelle." She explained while holding his hands. "It's my birthplace, and I would like to show you more of it, the culture and all. I have a strong connection to Arendelle, and I want you to have that too."

Elsa expected him to be upset, then trying to convince her to stick with his plans—he was a smooth talker, after all. Well, the old Hans, she could imagine doing that, but this Hans? That sounded out of character. To her delight, the Admiral flashed her a smile. He brought her hands up and planted a few small kisses on each back.

"Kaere," he gently, tucking some blonde strands behind her ear, "I don't mind."

Hans didn't mind at all. In fact, her suggestion only added more to his anticipation. To cut their trip short might be a good idea in the end. Going back to Arendelle sooner would give him more room to make sure of the whole preparation for his final plan. Also, he trusted Elsa, and she must have had an organised plan for their return trip.

"Alright, then." The former queen grinned, completely oblivious to his scheme. "I'll write to Anna soon to tell her that we're going back to Arendelle tomorrow."

Okay, probably not an organised plan. Nonetheless, Hans would still say yes to any of her ideas. Everywhere she goes, he would gladly follow, even if they're heading to the unknown.