Sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up. I really wanted to make it good and angst-y and fluffy! I hope you enjoy it!

There was something about the way he doubled over in grief that made her react – something about the loss of a sister. Elsa lurched forward before she could think, and in an instant her arms were around his torso and he held onto her for dear life. She felt him shudder underneath her gentle hold and a pang of empathy resonated through her. She knew what it felt like to lose a sibling. Whether it be by distance or death. She was lucky enough to have magic on her side… Hans had nothing of the sort. All he had was the undeniable proof that Heidi was dead. She felt him cling to her tighter as his sobs became more violent and audible. She suddenly felt guilty for not being able to do anything. Heidi would still be alive if her powers were just a bit stronger. She would still be alive and… Hans wouldn't be…

Why are you doing this?

I can't let him suffer alone.

He's evil.

He's not!

How do you know?

Because evil does not have a heart.

He doesn't.

He does. I know that now.

So you're going to let him in? What if it's all a lie?

I'm willing to take that risk.

He suddenly pushed away from her and stood, Elsa following suit. He looked frantic and broken and he ran his hand through his hair as he breathed raggedly, trying to compose himself. The dark of night had engulfed the room and she watched his silhouette pace the cell's length before lashing out angrily against the hard metal bars.

"I promised her freedom!" he laughed maniacally, bitter tears running down his face, "I promised her a life! I lied to the one person who…" his voice trailed off to a meek whisper that earned him a sympathetic gaze from Elsa.

"This wasn't your fault. There was no way you could have helped her," she consoled.

"But it was me who gave her hope! I gave her hope when I knew that it was all a lie… I lied to her…"

"Don't forget who the real enemy is – your brothers. It's always been them. Do not blame yourself."

"I'm going to kill him… I am going to make him suffer until he wishes for death. He will bleed." There was a cold darkness in his eyes that scared Elsa and she knew he was losing himself.

"Don't! Please," she whined, tears springing to her own eyes, "Don't do this again. Don't go back there. Be the brother Heidi loved. Please… don't be a monster. I know you're not."

"How do you know what the hell I am Elsa?" his voice was harsh, but his eyes were uncertain, "You don't know anything about the man I was."

"I know enough to know that we are more alike than either wants to admit," she sighed shakily, letting a few tears escape her crystal blue orbs, "We both shut people out because we know it's easier than dealing with the pain of loneliness. We both act before we think, hurting the people around us whether it is our intention or not. We both act indifferent just to protect ourselves from getting hurt… again," Elsa closed her eyes swallowing back a new wave of tears, "So please don't be a monster… because that would make me one too."

Hans stared at her, processing all she said. He cringed at the realization before turning his head to see the bloody pool surrounding the once lively girl he called his little sister. He felt his anger falter, allowing sorrow to pierce his heart. It was a feeling he was familiar with. He shifted his gaze back to Elsa, who looked about as vulnerable as he felt. He stepped towards her and his hands hovered over her shoulders before finishing the action.

"You could never be a monster," he said hesitantly, his voice cracking, "You… you're perfect."

There was nothing she could say to respond to that. And she knew actions spoke louder than words. Need and desperation flowed through her as she leaned forward and kissed him. It was different from any of the others they had shared for there was no aggression or uncertainty – in this kiss, there was only burning lust and passion. It blinded them from their inner turmoil as the only thing the felt was undeniable want and hunger. Hans nipped Elsa's bottom lip as they tentatively broke apart, only as far as resting his forehead on hers. She closed her eyes as a small broken smile tugged at her lips and the feeling of his hand on her back sent a shudder down her spine.

"Elsa… I am quite certain now that… I love you," Hans spoke hoarsely, a sincerity in his voice that tugged at her heart. She – in that moment – could see his every insecurity and fear and she realized that he actually trusted her with his heart. She knew how guarded she was, and she knew his walls were built even higher. So to see him throw his every shield that he had, away, she knew had to be brave enough to do the same. It was love, wasn't it – that warm feeling mellowing out the cold? She would never know if she didn't try.

Don't do this. You'll never be able to come back if you do.

I need him.

Don't give him the power to break you.

I already have.

He slid his hands down her arms until he found her own hands and squeezed them tenderly. He began to turn away from her when she realized that he interpreted her prolonged silence as rejection.

"Hans," she spoke finally, "I love you too."

And maybe it was too soon to truly tell. And maybe they were just acting on impulse. But when he pulled her body flush up to his, and he felt her cold flesh against the warmth of his, they both knew that it was real. And for the first time in forever, they stopped thinking about the pain of the past, or the uncertainty of the future – they were lost in the now, and that's where they wanted to stay. Because they knew, that it wouldn't last forever. And it would be a very long four days before that ship to Arendelle was ready to depart.

Now we're getting somewhere, eh!? Reviews are my life blood! :D