Prompt 4: Gorgeously Tan

"I wonder if Hans took part in your decision to leave so soon."

Just like the other day, when she was about to travel to the Enchanted Forest, Elsa found herself bidding a farewell. The only difference was instead of her sister and brother-in-law, it was her distant cousins and aunt, to whom she was talking.

"It's all me, actually." Elsa said, glancing at the Admiral, who was preparing Sitron for the journey, with a salamander sitting on his shoulder. She sighed, "I feel bad. I know he has plans, and I feel like I'm ruining this for us."

"Oh, he has plans alright." Honeymaren retorted, before quickly added, "But don't worry, you're not ruining anything, Elsa. You know he is willing to do anything for you, right?" She smiled, patting the blonde's upper arm. In fact, you're making it easier for him. The sentence was already on the tip of her tongue.

"Perhaps, you're right."

The Fifth Spirit focused her attention back at the Nokk, whose body was already frosted over so he could walk on the ground. Unlike their previous journey, Elsa thought that perhaps they could reach Arendelle before dinner time if they went with two horses. Fort the idea alone, she and Hans had an argument, right after she had the letter for Anna sent by the wind spirit. Eventually, she won, or more like, Hans caved into her suggestive way of persuasion.

"Your visit is too short, this time, Elsa." Ryder said, as he stood beside his sister. "Are you sure you and Hans can't stay longer?"

Turning to face the siblings, Elsa flashed her a smile. "I'm so sorry, for the sudden change of plan. I promise, we will go back here soon."

The siblings smiled ear to ear as they pulled Elsa in a group hug. Once pulling away, the blonde saw an elderly woman, with a stern face, come approaching. Hans, who was holding Sitron's rein and guiding the stallion, trailed after her. Strangely, the fire spirit was not with him.

"Do you have everything packed, Elsa?" The woman asked.

Elsa nodded. "I do, Yelena."

Yelena reached out her hands, and the former queen took them. "Safe journey."

"Thank you."

Hans, who had been eyeing their interaction, stepped in and shook Yelena's hand. "Thank you so much for the kind hospitality, once again."

"You're welcome."

"Maren, Ryder," the Admiral nodded at the siblings, "I hope to see you both soon."

Honeymared smiled knowingly. "Oh, I'm sure of it. The next time we meet, you're going to be a part of our family, right?"

Elsa raised her eyebrow in confusion, as he gulped. Hans sent the young woman a look, in which an innocent smile was what he got in return.

"I mean, you're technically our family but not quite?"

"Thank you, Honeymaren." Yelena cut in. "We don't want to hold them up from their long journey, do we?"

"Yes, sorry."

Hans helped Elsa mount on the Nokk. Her light blue short sleeved knee length dress with a pair of leggings underneath made it easier for her to sit the horse. Once he made sure that Elsa was settled, Hans mounted on Sitron. Most of their belongings were kept in the two bags that were attached to the saddle.

"I'll see you soon!" Elsa waved at her relatives, and a few villagers nearby, as she signalled the Nokk to move.

Hans mimicked her gesture, and soon, the two of them trotted down a lane that led them to the outskirts of the forest. A casual trot broke into gallops, and soon the couple found themselves racing past the four stones which stood as the gate. Being out in the wild did bring one's competitive nature out, this very much they knew.

Elsa grinned excitedly. Clearly, she was enjoying herself. Her braided hair flew behind her. From a close distance, Hans gazed at her fondly. Her laughter was like music to his ear, as they rode side by side across the woods. He wished he could freeze this moment and treasured it in his memory, for this playful side of hers was something he didn't see everyday.

The weather was hot, and the higher the sun went in the sky, the more humid it got. It was one of those days, and Hans was thankful that he decided to ditch his jacket for their journey. The white cotton shirt clung to his body, as he was drenched in sweat. He turned to see Elsa's dress-which was obviously made of icy fabric-glisten under the sunlight. Her magic was truly powerful that it didn't melt even in the intense sun.

They had been riding for almost two hours, and in such weather, the Admiral thought that they could use some rest. Sighting a small lake in a distance, Hans pulled the rein, and almost immediately, Sitron slowed down. Noticing the decreasing pace, Elsa came to ride along beside him.

"What is it?" She asked breathlessly.

"There's a lake right over there." He pointed at the foot of a small hill nearby. "We should rest for a bit, you know, to cool off and maybe have lunch?"

Elsa glanced at the lake and nodded. "Sure."

Taking a small break after the journey turned out to be a great idea. They were setting by the lake, under the shade of an oak tree, much to her relief. The Nokk was already defrosted, while Sitron was left to wander around nearby. The view would have been perfect, had it not been for the bright sunlight and the lack of clouds in the sky. At least that was what Elsa thought. "It's too sunny." Hans let out as he handed a bottle of water for the former queen.

Elsa raised a brow, taking the bottle from his grasp. "I thought the weather is perfect for you. You said so yesterday." She smirked.

Hans smiled sheepishly. "Nah, this one is too intense."

Yes, she could see it. The man standing before her was definitely drenched in sweat, heck it was as if he just got out of the water or something. Was the weather too humid? Sure. But her power could keep her cool, so she wouldn't have to worry about the constant sweating. The one thing that bothered her was the scorching heat that made her feel like she was about to melt.

"Maybe you should take off your shirt." Elsa suggested, gulping at the way the material clung to his skin. Her blue eyes slowly darted from his chest to his green eyes. Hans, who caught her staring, obliged but not before he flashed her a smirk and said, "You really are so eager to see me topless, aren't you, Elsa?"

"Of course not!" The former queen scoffed.

Her face turned crimson, and she quickly glanced around at the scenery surrounding them. It was better than his torso anyway, or maybe not. At her reaction, Hans chuckled. Taking his shirt off, he used it as a towel and began to dry his skin. Realising that he would need to change, the Admiral walked towards his bag, which was on the ground next to Sitron. It was then did Elsa look back.

0With his toned back facing her, the blonde couldn't help but stare. The faint reddish marks brought back the memory from the night before, and once again her cheeks flush. She watched as he pulled a clean white shirt out of the leather bag, then turning around. Her blue eyes widened once she noticed the burn on his exposed skin that was now visible under the sunlight.

"Hans!" Elsa gasped. She hurried towards him. "Oh no, your skin." Frowning, she ran her hands over the skin of his arms, up to his neck, before stopping to cup his face. "Let's get you away from the sun."

Sensing the former queen's worry, Hans just nodded and let her lead him to where they previously stood. She lowered herself to sit on the grass, but before she could do so, Hans quickly stopped her.

"Elsa, no!" He said, tugging her hand. "You'll ruin your dress, let me fetch my jacket for you to sit on."

"Hans," grabbing his arm, she smiled at him, "it's okay. Just sit down!"

Side by side, they sat on the grass. Feeling her cool hand still holding him, Hans tilted his head, trying to figure out her next move. "What are you doing?"

"Cooling you off." The blonde said, still focusing her attention on the task at hand. She studied the burn on his arms, fingers carefully tapped on the skin. It felt rather painful, and he flinched. Looking up, Elsa stared at him with a comforting glance. Those blue in her eyes showed him love.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

Of course he did. He would put his fate onto her hands if he must. But little did he know that what she was about to do would make him think twice about that.

Painfully cold. It was the first thing that came to his mind when Elsa's hands glowed blue. Having the icy touch pressed against his hot skin felt so strange, but as seconds passed, it became more bearable and surprisingly pleasant. Her hand slowly moved, spreading a thin layer of frost up to his chest, then his neck, covering every inch of his red skin. Closing his eyes, he let himself sighed in contentment.

Elsa smiled in relief. Her powers could come handy, in the end. She watched his brows slowly relaxing, and moved her hand to cradle his head. As he leaned to her touch, Elsa could feel his burning skin. It must have hurt, but why didn't he say anything? For a while, they stayed like that, embraced by the serenity of nature.

"Do you want me to conjure some clouds on our way home?" She gently asked.

Home. Unknown to her, the word caught his attention.

His eyes fluttered open, before he replied, "If you don't mind."

"I don't." The blonde let go of him, resting her hands on her lap. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now, thank you." Hans smiled and leaned in to peck her lips. "Although I have a feeling that you were enjoying it, Kaere."

"As if!" Elsa rolled her eyes at his cockiness. Looking away, she tried to hide her flushing cheeks.

The Admiral chuckled as he put the clean shirt on. "You're blushing, Elsa. Is it the heat?"

"Shut up!" She scowled. Getting on her feet, Elsa made her way to the lake.

"Aww, come on!" Hans followed after her. "I was only joking." Once he caught up to her, he grabbed her arm, refraining her from walking away. Placing his fingers under her chin, he lifted her head.

"For the records, I was making sure that your skin got better." Came her defence. "Apparently not, I should've frozen you instead."

"You wouldn't dare, Kaere." The redhead smirked, moving to cup her cheeks. "If you did, you wouldn't get to see the final result."

"Of what, the sunburn?" Elsa raised an eyebrow. "Would that be wrinkles? I heard Olaf mentioned it once. Maybe some wrinkles would suit you."

He dramatically gasped. "Take that back!"

"No." This time it was her turn to smirk. "But I can be wrong." She stood on her tip toes and placed one hand at the back of his head, playing with his auburn hair. With a small tug, she pulled him in for a kiss.

Elsa knew what he meant, but she didn't want to admit it out loud. The crimson colour returned on her pale face, as a mental image formed inside her head. So much for trying to not picture the gorgeously tanned Admiral.