AN: Happy New Year! Here's an update for you. I should've updated this last week but cooking got on the way. How much spaghetti is too much spaghetti? Anyway read on.
Three: The One He (Try not to) Can't Hate
Kristoff is sure that the lady on the counter has a bug on her eye. Both of her eyes has bugs. Maybe? He just wish she wouldn't look his way when she's trying to get them out by just blinking rapidly. Is she smiling at him?
The dryer beep and he grab his shoes inside. He quickly went up the counter and gave the lady the exact amount of the damage. Before she could speak, he quickly made a beeline for the door.
It's been two weeks since the incident in his dorm room. No one witnessed it except for him excluding the two sisters and the asshole. Hans tried to alert the university council but no such luck. Kristoff would not stand up as a witness and Anna denies the accusation. And of course with her pristine image, Elsa's statement was quickly believed. He tried to get his revenge by spreading rumors about Anna's sexual preferences. 'Any dude will do. I'm certain she's a nymphomaniac.' Anna is well known throughout the university as a sweet and optimistic girl so it quickly dissipated.
Deciding to at least achieve some sort of revenge, Hans did a petty prank involving honey and Kristoff's shoes. He ended up wearing sandals to his classes. Thank God the professors were lenient enough or couldn't care less about the dress code.
So this is were Kristoff now. Newly cleaned shoes in hand and walking back to his dorm. How is Anna coping up to this? He really wish they could talk. Maybe later after his last class he'll go find-
"Hi."
Kristoff's heart skipped a beat and proceeded to beat an abnormal rate. Standing in front of him is the woman who kept him up at night. The star of his musings and not so innocent dreams and daydreams.
Does masturbating to your crush unethical or just plain sexual?
He saw Anna squirm under his gaze. He realize he hasn't reacted for about ten seconds. He cleared his throat and cleared his head off the inappropriate thoughts like how her freckles stand out when she's blushing.
"Uh, hi." Silence enveloped the two of them. Neither has no idea how to continue forward.
"So..." Anna started awkwardly and cautiously. "Nice, bumping into you here. I mean, I wasn't following you or anything. It's just, it's just coincidental that, you know we, uh, I uhm. Can we talk?" She's looking up at him with those turquoise eyes that he grew so fond of. How could he say no to that?
"Yeah. Just let me put this in my room." He gestured to his shoes. She smiled up at him. They walked up to his dorm without the tension between them when she started dating that jackass.
She waited outside while he took the stairs two steps at a time. He opened the door and is greeted by a heated glare from his roommate. He retaliated with the same intensity. He put the shoes on his drawer and locked it. All of his things are inside his drawer now. He wouldn't trust Hans with a paperclip let alone his possessions. After another glare contest, he went down and walked towards Anna.
"So, where to now? I know a great place for a dessert. You could expand your horizons instead of just eating chocolate."
Anna stuck out her tongue and cross her arms. "Chocolate is great, just so you know. Besides nothing you suggest could beat chocolate."
Kristoff smiled. Hopefully, she's such a chocolate addict. "I didn't say that. I just want you to try something new. I promise. You're gonna love it."
She smirked, "I have taste only for the finer things. And I am, also, very hard to please."
/
Anna squealed as she scoop for another combo of purple and yellow goodness. Kristoff smiled and try not to think of inappropriate things as Anna yet again moaned for the umpteenth time because of the euphoric sensation of her taste buds.
Earlier Kiko, the owner of the shop, greeted them as he was heading out. "Hey, Kristoff! How are you doing? Back so soon, eh! And you also brought you're girlfriend."
Kristoff can feel his face heat up and resemble the color of a tomato. He glanced at Anna and she's a freckled one.
"We're not-"
"I'm not his-"
Kiko laughed and just shook his head. "Nonsense! Both of you are just shy. Hello, dear. I'm Kiko. Nice to meet you." He shook hands with Anna. "I'm Anna. Please to meet you too."
"Well, I can't stay. I do deliveries now. Can you believe it? My business is booming thanks to your white haired friend, Jack. He really loves everything my wife makes. Oh and do tell him to come by tomorrow. I have new flavors set out for the desserts. I think his gonna like them!" He held up his forefinger like he remembered something and yelled inside, "Estella! Prepare a booth for this two."
He faced them again. "You're orders are on the house. I'm just excited. Of all the places, you can choose, you chose mine to have your date. I am very honored. Ah, young love." He patted Kristoff's back then went over the delivery motorcycle. Kristoff and Anna went inside embarrassment written all over their faces. For Anna, actually. But for Kristoff he felt another. Giddy? Smug satisfaction? Because someone mistaken you for a couple? With your crush nonetheless?
They both went to the counter with Estella behind it. She smiled an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that. My dad is such a romantic. So what can I get for you?" She clapped her hands and waited for there orders. Kristoff scanned the menu. So many to choose from.
"Uh, where's the new flavors you're dad is talking about?" Estella tapped the blackboard situated on the side. "Oh, sorry."
He scanned it. Again, what to choose?
"Hmm, what's that? Mix-mix? I think I wanna try that." Kristoff shook his head. Nope, not that one.
"No. Hey Estella, could you set-up my friend here with- what did you serve Jack last time?"
"Got it. Cake or ice cream?" She looked expectantly at Anna.
"Oh, uhm, ice cream." Estella nodded. "And you?" Kristoff scratched his head. What indeed.
"I'll have the huh, I'll try the cashew, macapuno, and cheese."
"Alrighty, just go to that booth and wait for your order." Kristoff pulled out his wallet but was quickly interjected by Estella.
"Uh, uh, uh. You heard my dad. It's on the house. He's right you know. You two are cute together." She winked at them and scribbled their order on a piece of paper. Before Kristoff could argue, both about the payment and the statement, she shouted something in another language and went at the back. The booth that Estella pointed is located at the corner of the shop with a view of the outside world.
They sat there there and waited. An awkward atmosphere for company and blushing cheeks for conversation screams "not a couple!" for Kristoff but hey, he can't control what people think. Even if it's pleasing for him, it's awkward for Anna.
Their order arrived and Anna was presented with a bowl full of ube and keso ice cream while he got what seems to be a bowl full of vanilla scoops with white, yellow, and brown? bits in it. With another wink, she left and manned the counter.
Anna moaned again and Kristoff can't really stop the tightening of his pants. Why won't she stop moaning?! Can't she see that she's torturing him?
"Aren't you gonna eat that?" Anna stared at his own bowl. Kristoff took a scoop with his spoon and popped it in his mouth. Cold and the sweet taste of vanilla quickly filled his mouth. He chewed and there's an explosion of cheese and nuts and is that coconut? He savored the flavors. Delicious. He took another scoop and let the flavors sweep him away to the place where Jack goes everytime he experiences this flavor euphoria.
"Is it good?" Anna asked with curious excitement her spoon poised to dive into his ice cream. Kristoff pushed the bowl towards the center and let Anna get a taste. She eagerly dove in.
"Oh, wow. What is that?" Her eyes are wide with the spoon on her lips. Adorable.
"Dunno. I think it's cheese, cashews, and I forgot the last one. Ma something." He shoved another in his mouth.
She went back to her ice cream. "I never thought cheese would go well with ice cream. You know, you're right. I need to expand my horizons. Chocolate is still the best though." Kristoff kept eating his ice cream. Please don't moan. Please don't moan.
"By the way, what's this purple stuff and this yellow stuff?" She pointed both with her spoon. Oh thank god.
"Uh, the purple one is ube. The yellow one is cheese. Cheddar by the deep yellow color. I guess?"
"That explains the salty taste of it. Ube? What's that?"
Jack would have a field day with her.
"Purple yam. According to Kiko and his wife."
"Oh, okay. They're pretty good." She took a scoop separately from each side. She went silent again looking around the store. Scanning things. Kristoff sighed. He guess it can't be helped.
"So. What do you wanna talk about?" She casted her gaze downward and took a deep breath.
"I wanna apologize about the, you know, I-" She sighed. "I'm sorry. For everything. How I didn't believe you. I guess I got blinded by his charm. Oh, who am I kidding? I was blinded by it and also by the fancy sideburns. You know not many people can't wing those gigantic sideburns."
Kristoff kept silent. He doesn't know why but mirth is bubbling up in his chest. It turned into a chuckle then full brown laughter. He laughed until tears formed in his eyes. He's heaving as he looked across his companion. She's giving him an 'are-you-crazy' look and his laughter is renewed.
"Ooookaaaay, you're kinda freaking me out right now. Will you please stop laughing. Everyone is staring at us." Sure enough all the customers were giving them curious looks or a dirty look to Kristoff. That got him to sober up.
"Sorry, it's just, wew! You crack me up with the sideburns comment. Between you and me," He covered the side of his face with his hand. Anna leaned in closer her left ear listening intently. "one time he forgot to trim them and he looked like fucking Wolverine. Like the ginger version of Wolverine." Anna snorted her eyes widening and lips curled upward. She has really nice teeth. With the rate she consumes sweets, it's a wonder how she keeps them on good condition.
"Really? Don't tell me you didn't get a picture of that."
"Yeah I wish so too. But dude's got a lot of things going on that month so I took pity. Now, I wish I just took a snap."
She rested her face on her right hand and watched the people outside. One parent is trying to get his daughter to let go of the lamp post. They look like a slapstick duo. He chuckled at the scene.
"I guess someone got an appointment with the dentist today." Anna sighed and took another scoop. She already consumed half of her ice cream and it's starting to melt. He's turned in a sea of white with tiny bubbles on the side and a few mounds here and there.
"So, who's Jack?" Anna looked at him with those mesmerising turquoise depths. Sunlight struck them and they looked like clear sea water with turquoise tinge. He can imagine colorful fishes swimming in the swallow depths. Like the aquariums he was so fond of when he was a little kid.
"Kristoff? Kristoff!"
"Uh, what?"
Anna huffed and cross her arms. "You know, you could really space out. I was talking hear for almost a minute and you weren't even paying attention. You look really weird when your eyes are unfocused." She glanced outside. Kristoff was about to retort when she spoke again.
"Does Jack have white hair and really blue eyes?" Kristoff furrowed his brows. "Yeah, why?" Anna pointed with her right hand and he followed it with his gaze. And speak of the devil and he shall come.
Jack has his face pressed up against the glass along with his hands. And beside him, Elsa is wearing a frown.
Realizing that he's already been discovered, he pushed up and dashed inside. Elsa followed in a slow and steady manner. He plopped down beside Kristoff and, out of all the things, hugged him. Elsa sat down beside Anna and gave her sister a meaningful look.
"Kristoff, I've missed you!" Jack kissed him on his cheek that had Anna squealing and Elsa giggling. Kristoff gave his friend a good slap to the back of his head.
"Why would you do that to your date, man?! Also that hurt." Jack rubbed his head.
"Shut up, Frost. Also, this is not a date."
"Of course it is. See this two ladies here" He gestured towards Anna and Elsa "are our friends. They saw us having ice cream and they joined. So, really they're crashing our date. They're date crashers. Shame on the two of you." Jack wagged his fingers in front of him and the sisters laughed at his antics.
"Because you're such a gentleman and hell bent on pleasing me, you'll buy me a mix-mix. Sweetie won't you buy me a mix-mix?"
Jack rested his head on his shoulders. Kristoff shrugged him off.
"Nice try. Go buy it with your own money."
"Can't blame me for trying. You want something, Els?" Jack's already standing waiting for a reply.
"Oh no. I couldn't. But still, thank you for asking."
"You sure? Cuz I don't really mind-"
"Yes. I am quite sure, Jack."
Jack shrugged and went to the counter. He can see Estella light up at the sight of Jack. He watch their exchange and Estella was giggling like a little school girl. He sneaked a glance at Elsa and saw she was seating straight but the tension in her shoulders is a dead give away. She is also watching Estella flirt with Jack. The dumbass is oblivious as he is conspicuous. Yep, Kristoff admits that.
Jack came back humming. He drummed his fingers on the table then just noticed Anna. "Oh, hello. I'm Jack. Jack Frost. It's nice to finally meet Elsa's sister."
They shook hands and Anna is already blushing. What. the. fuck?! "Hello, I'm Anna. Of course, you already knew that. You just said I'm Elsa's sister. And cool hair! How did you dye it. Wait, is your hair dead? Don't get me wrong it looks good on you." Anna looked meek with both her hands hidden under the table. She looks like a child when contrite.
Jack just beamed and run his hand through his hair. The sisters followed the movement with their eyes. The elder looking formal the younger biting her lip. Really, Anna?
"Yeah, don't worry about it. I was born with this. I have this albino thingy in my genes but it only affected my hair and my skin."
Before Anna could inquire more, Estella came with a tray bearing a mix-mix in a large parfait cup. Kristoff chuckled at his friend's reaction. Wide eyed with amazement. If his mouth wasn't close, he'll be drooling. Estella set down the dessert in front of Jack with a long dessert spoon.
"Anything else?" Estella folded the tray to her lap. Like a private maid for her master. She always acts like that when it's Jack.
"Thank you, Estella. Oh, and extra custard! Your the best!" Jack beamed. And cue the blush. Their it is.
She left their table and Jack proceeded to dip his spoon in an up-and-down motion. There's a reason why it's called a mix-mix. You mix all the contents before eating. Jack continued this until it became purple all around. He tasted the purple "soup" and deemed it ready by nodding his head with a brief 'mmm'.
The three of them watch Jack eat. Kristoff raised his brows at the sounds his friend is making. And Elsa has a small smile playing on her lips and also has her eyebrows quirked. And Anna has that little twinkle in her eye.
"Come on, guys! Don't stare at me while I'm eating."
"Then stop making those noise, Frost. It's so weird."
"I can't help it. It's so good." Kristoff spotted Anna looking at Jack's dessert. And Jack is looking at Anna's melted ice cream. And Kristoff has a misplace anger in his chest.
"No way! You got the ube and keso flavor. It's good isn't it?" Anna beamed.
"Yeah. It's pretty good. I like how cheese and ube compliment each other's taste."
Jack grinned and faced Kristoff. "See. I told you it's delicious. In your face, Byorgman! She even got the pronunciation right!"
He began to sing. "Kristoff has horrible taste. Kristoff has horrible taste."
Kristoff rolled his eyes. Leave it to Jack to be childish.
They stayed their for a good hour. Anna got to taste mix-mix. With Jack's spoon. With Jack feeding it to her. Like their a fucking couple. Kristoff didn't miss the slight narrowing of Elsa's eyes and the movement of her jaw like she's grinding her teeth. Like he's any better. He knock his knees twice under the table and he growled. Fucking growled. He covered it up with a cough. He had to do that five times in a row. At least Elsa hid it well enough.
The two got along very well. Too well. The two groups left the shop in separate directions.
Anna's wave to Jack was too enthusiastic. And the lingering of her hand when she squeeze Jack's shoulder is much left to be desired. Elsa is still composed throughout their farewell exchanges while he was already irritated and being a bummer. As Anna said.
/
His midterm grades are out. He did pretty good if Kristoff says so himself. Well compared to Eugene, his grades are the envy of tiger moms. That nimrod couldn't be bothered to study and his grades looked like they've been dragged through mud.
Kristoff scratched his head. How did Eugene convinced his instructors to give him a remedial? Now his at the library hanging out and watching Eugene solve for interest and what not.
"If you just showed up in time and didn't miss the quizzes, you wouldn't have this problem. You're smart, Fitzherbert. Apparently, you're just a lazy, partying ass."
Eugene shrugged. Solving a semester's worth of assignment.
"You know me, Kristoff. I'm a party animal. I can't live without partying. Also, help me with this would you." He shoved half his load to Kristoff. He scanned the papers and didn't know what to do with it.
"Do I look like a fucking business major to you? One of the reasons I took veterinary medicine is because I hate math."
He shoved it back to Eugene. The latter just shrugged and ignored him. Kristoff looked around the library. Students come here to study or to catch some sleep. He even spotted one guy drooling. He didn't dare to take a picture. But his friend did. Eugene snickered earlier while taking the picture.
They steered clear of the darkened tables. The ones without the lights on. They saw a couple of guys sitting too close to each other. One of their hands are under the table. Kristoff didn't need to bend down to know what they're doing.
As he scanned the room, he spotted a familiar red head sitting five tables away from them with Elsa talking notes vigorously. Anna's reading a book smiling and giggling.
What is she reading?
"Hello, people. Hey, Eugene. Whatcha doing?" Jack pulled the sit beside his and sat down. He settled his book and bag on the table.
"Hey, Frosty. I didn't see in my party last week."
"Studying. I was swamped with quizzes last week. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to breath this week."
Just then, Jack waved. Kristoff glanced where and he saw Anna waving too. Jealousy reared its ugly head and Kristoff clenched his hands. To stop himself from strangle Jack.
Anna smiled at him. His heart skipped a beat. She went back to her book. Kristoff stared at her like a creep looking away whenever Anna would glance at their table. He caught her sharing some smiles with Jack.
"Dude, could you stop hitting the table with your knee! I'm doing something here."
/
Kristoff watched their friendship blossom. They spend an awful amount of time with each other. It's rare to see Anna without Jack this days. Elsa is nowhere to be seen.
Only three months left before they graduate. He tends to forget that Anna is just a first year.
It's just the two of them alone. Right now. sitting under a tree. Not kissing. Sadly.
It's not just any other tree. It's the tree that they have their first conversation.
"Do you remember that day when you saw me crying here?" Anna has her hands behind her back. She's stretched out in the bench sitting her legs stretched out and crossed. She's wearing a magenta jacket with a blouse and black boots. Kristoff sports a navy blue T-shirt, jeans, and his beanie. It's been ages since he wore it.
"Yeah. Good thing a have my tissue box with me."
"Why do you even have a tissue box?" Anna straightened in a sitting position folding her hands on her lap.
Kristoff shrugged. "My mom likes to buy things that she thinks will come in handy. And it did come in handy." He smiled.
The silence between them is not awkward anymore. She hummed some song that he can't stand while he watched the tree in front of them. The morning air is crisp. Perfect for his nerves that has been going haywire when she joined him here. Here goes.
"Anna, I have to tell you something." He straightened in his sit. Inhale. Exhale.
"Shoot." She waited her eyebrows raised eyes wide with curiosity playing in those turquoise orbs.
"I-well" Come on, Kristoff. Say it! Tell her! It's been six months since her last relationship.
"You what?" She questioned. Her head is tilting on the left. Her bangs covered her eye.
"Well, you know, you're going to be a second year now."
"Yep. Why?"
As he said it Kristoff realized that she's three years his junior. Plus his graduating. Can he wait for three years? Is this even love? Or just really strong infatuation?
Tell her, man! He can hear his heart shout at him. Don't be rational. Tell her!
His palms are beginning to slick. He can feel sweat bead at his forehead, his lip, his armpits. His overheating. She looks so cute. So innocent waiting patiently for him to finish what he has to say.
He likes her. But what if she doesn't like him back? He can't live with that.
"I think you're going to be late."
Anna frowned and looked at her wrist watch. He even had her schedule memorized. He's such a creep.
Anna gasped and grabbed her bag. "Shit! You're right. I gotta go. See you later Kristoff." She sprinted to her first class.
Kristoff hung his head.
Coward.
Yep, that he is.
/
They're dating?!
"Yep."
"Since when?!" Kristoff whispered harshly. Is this some kind of an elaborate prank?
Jack closed his notes. It's examination week. They're reviewing in the library.
"We had our first date last week. We met for pasta at that Italian restaurant down the block. They're carbonara is divine." He pressed his fingers together in a circular form put it on his lips and kissing it then moving it away abruptly opening his palms. Like a stereotype Italian pizza cook.
"What game are you playing, Frost?!" Kristoff hissed. He can't believe it!
Jack frowned at him. Kristoff wanted to punch him so badly. Or maybe tie him on a train track like the in the old West.
"I'm not playing any game, Kristoff."
"Like hell you are! Anna is a nice girl!"
"Yes, I'm aware of that."
"Then why are you doing this?! She's had enough heartbreak. She doesn't need this one."
"Kristoff, I'm not doing anything wrong."
"We're already graduating in three weeks! She's just going in her second year here. What are you gonna do about that, Frost!"
"Woah! Calm down, man." Jack looked at the students around staring at their table. Kristoff couldn't care less. Jealousy is fueling his anger. And right it's focus on the man in front of him.
"What if you want to break up but she doesn't? Are you a heart breaker now, Jack?!"
"First of all, Kristoff. Calm down. You're making a scene." Kristoff saw the librarian staring. Waiting for him to cause bodily harm. Kristoff reluctantly sat down but his anger is still intact and simmering.
"You're a good friend. You're really concerned about her well being. Besides, she's like a kindred spirit to me."
Kristoff's anger gave way to curiosity. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, she and I were like, I don't know we just click. It's like, it's so normal to be with her. I feel like I've known her for a long time. Hell, I felt like it was longer than Elsa." Jack chuckled. He gathered his papers and put them in a neat pile before placing it in his bag.
"So what?" Kristoff calmed down but the jealousy is still there.
"So I think it's not gonna be short-lived. It's not gonna end just because I already graduated." Jack stood up and slung his bag over his shoulder.
"So you're rest assured that I won't break her heart. Because I think it's going to be indefinite and because I don't want you to kick my ass. Damn, Kristoff. Welp, gotta go! Lab exam in chemistry!" He went to the entrance without glancing back.
Kristoff was left to ponder. They're dating. And it might be indefinite. He put his hands on his face. Indefinite. Serves you right for not confessing. Now, sleep on your bed!
Now that he thought about it. He saw how Jack handled his past relationships. He always breaks it clean. He never saw one girl cry. Not even one tear was shed. Mostly because they're the ones who ended the relationship. He saw Jack cry once or twice over a girl.
They both got hurt twice by their supposedly significant others.
He won't hurt her.
Kristoff went back to his book. He has an exam in an hour.
Why do he feel so down and tired and stupid?
Kristoff rubbed his chest. He can feel his heart twinge
/
"Alright, smile for the camera!" His mother said as the flash of the camera momentarily blinded him.
He made it. Graduation day. He glanced at his diploma. Bulda and Pabbie is there to witness him in a toga and a cap accept his diploma. The smile on his mother's face. His the first in his family to graduate in college.
Eugene pulled through and also got his diploma. The lucky bastard. And his at the other side of the auditorium taking pictures with Rapunzel.
Jack's a Suma cumlaude. Motherfucker. Elsa is also a Suma. They both have speeches, both have been regarded in a high manner and both got their pictures taken by Anna.
Both Emma and Anna scrambled in front to take his picture when his name was called.
The ceremony is already over. "I'm so proud of you, dear!" His mother hugged him again. Pabbie kept patting his back. He's his first grandson to ever really get a job without relying heavily on manual labor.
"Kristoff!" He saw Jack making his way to them.
"And you must be Kristoff's mom. Hi, Jack. Jack Frost. Nice to meet you Mrs. Byorgman." His mother giggled. Really? His own mother is not immune to this bloke's charm.
"Hello, Jack. My Kristoff you didn't tell me about your friend."
"Speaking of which can I borrow your son for a while?" Kristoff rolled his eyes.
"Sure, sure." Jack grabbed his arm and they went over the other side of the auditorium. Jack's mom and Emma is there. So is Eugene, Rapunzel, Elsa and... Anna. She has her hair in an intricate bun. She's beaming and holding a camera.
His heart skipped a beat. Jack went over to her and pecked her lips. Jealousy stabbed at him like a a thousand cold knives. He looked over at Elsa. She's having a conversation with Rapunzel about something.
"Come on, guys! One last picture!" Eugene grabbed him and he was sandwiched between Anna and Eugene. While Jack is between the Winterhaven sisters. Does Jack know? About the other one? Like Kristoff? Who's pining?
He didn't register the cheese. He's too busy having to feel Anna beside him.
After the picture taking. He went back to where his mother and grandfather is but not without saying goodbye. He stared at Anna one last time.
Jack has his arm around her. They're talking to Jack's mother. He landed his gaze on Elsa. And saw...nothing. She's elegant and formal as always. How does she hide it so well.
Bulda was talking about a celebration later in the house. His last view of Anna is her lips locked with Jack. Kristoff closed his eyes and tried to swallow the lump in his throat.
There's an accepted saying in science about love. A wounded heart never heals. It only scars. It either lives on to tell the tall or die. So which one will Kristoff have?
AN: If you feel like it's rushed, it is. I think it's high time that I post this chapter. So reviews would be highly appreciated. No flames. I did warn didn't I?