#BROTP: Kristoff and Snowgies

[lelitachay]

Frozen fanfiction: Søsken

Summary: Even though Anna loved her sister-in-law, she couldn’t help but notice there was something peculiar about Elsa. Everything starts to make sense after an accident and a forced family reunion.

Modern AU. Kristanna - Frohana - Kristoff & Elsa BrOTP.

Chapters 1 to 10 - Here  

Chapters 11 to 20 - Here

-

What to do

It was already dark by the time Elsa and Marshall arrived at the mountaineer’s cottage. Early Spring was a beautiful time to enjoy the North mountain during the day, but the last vestiges of Winter made evenings too dark and cool to enjoy a walk in the woods — at least for Marshmallow who easily chilled to the bone.

As soon as Marshall entered his house, he started a small fire to warm the place, and asked Elsa if she wanted to join him in the kitchen. In no time, he had began cutting and preparing all the ingredients he needed for their dinner. 

Elsa was surprised to see him move with so much ease around the kitchen. He made the process look simpler than it probably was. And she couldn't help but compare her cooking skills with his. It didn’t matter how hard she tried, she always found the way to either burn her meals or undercook them. Both results being just as disappointing. 

Thinking it was a good opportunity to learn a thing or two, she got closer to him and said, "I didn't know you were a good cook."

"I'm not sure I’d consider myself good," he answered, as he put another log in the stove. "But I do enjoy it." 

"I wish I could say the same. I don't enjoy it. Probably because I burn everything I cook."

"What about cold meals?"

"They end up tasting awful."

He laughed at her downcast expression. "It's a matter of practice. Trial and error." 

“That’s what Kristoff tells me, I’m still waiting for the day I cook something edible.” 

What she wasn’t telling Marshall was that her powers usually interfered in her work. She always ended cooking with more heat than necessary to undermine the cold temperature of her hands. However, at some point in the process she always ended up controlling her powers unconsciously, and forgetting about the heat. Thus, resulting in her food burning. 

“Why don’t you help me? I could give you a few tips along the way,” he offered. “Why don't you stir the meat and onions for a few minutes? I need to do something.” 

“Sure.” At least that she could do. Curious to know what was missing for the recipe, since everything he had mentioned was on the counter already, she asked, “What do you need to do?”

“Drink some beer.” He raised the can he had just picked up from the fridge and laughed at her expression.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s the important thing you have to do? You’re aware you’re compromising our dinner, right?”

He nodded and took a sip before saying, “You can’t possibly ruin our dinner that fast. But just to be sure…” standing close to her, he pretended to pay a look at what she was doing. “Do you want some? It's from that place you like in town. I went there yesterday.”

She shook her head. She rarely drink alcohol in front of people different than her brother. Even if her powers had never done anything under the effects of a few beers, she thought it was best not to find out in front of Marshall. “Did you spend the night in Trolheim?”

“I did. My mother was complaining I don't visit often, so I spent the day there. I came back this morning.”

At that moment, Elsa realised it was the first time since she had met him, he mentioned his mother. Or any family member for that matter. “You rarely talk about your family.”

“I rarely talk in general,” he answered with a shrug. 

“You know what I mean…”  

Noticing she was in fact wanting him to elaborate, he explained, “I guess there isn't much to say about my family.”

She tried to give the man some time to continue, but he stayed silent watching the pot in front of them. It was strange to think how her conversations with Marshall always forced her to be the talkative one. It was as if he couldn’t talk unless he was following a questionnaire. 

The idea of him reading a set of questions made her chuckle, instantly calling his attention.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just a silly thought.” she said shaking her head. “Have you got a big family?”

“No. It's just me and my mother.”

“Just the two of you?” That was a peculiar thing. For some reason she had pictured Marshall as the guy who had several siblings. 

“We used to live with my grandfather in this house.” He chopped some onions and  added them to the pot, before continuing, “After my grandfather died, we moved to Trolheim.” 

“Did you live in Trolheim many years?” 

“Not really.” Silently asking for the spoon, he continued with the process. “I was sixteen or seventeen when we moved, and I came back once I finished studying.”

“So, five or six years?”

“More or less. I never got used to living in the city.”

She could relate to that. The city was too constricting in Elsa’s opinion. “It must have been nice growing up here.”

An big grin appeared on his face, as if the memories were good enough to put him in a good mood. “It was. I think that's why I returned." After asking Elsa to move to the side; he put one more log in the stove and offered Elsa the spoon once again. “You keep stirring while I add some stock and other ingredients.” 

“What are we cooking again?” 

“We?” he said in a mocking tone. “I thought you didn't cook.”

“I could stop helping and start drinking your beer, you know?” 

He laughed and offered her his can. “You can drink all you want, just keep helping me. It’s more fun.”

She took a sip, just to please him. “Fine. But tell me what it is we are cooking.”

“It's Hunter's stew.”

It was clear by her expression she had never heard about the dish before. And Marshall thought it was a good opportunity to teach her a few things about cooking, as well as his favourite dish. 

Elsa realised then, he clearly felt more comfortable talking about food and recipes rather than his family. And so, she dropped the subject, choosing to pay attention to his explanation. 

His eagerness to explain the recipe made her smile. It was one of those rare moments when he allowed himself to talk. Elsa knew she was going to forget half the things he was saying in a few hours; he was going too fast and not being really clear. Jumping from one step to the other without warning. But for some reason, she didn't feel like interrupting him. She enjoyed watching him cook and talk with so much enthusiasm.

--

Once their food was ready, Marshmallow set the small table in the living room for them. Elsa had argued the kitchen was as good as any other place, but he insisted on being more comfortable closer to the fireplace.

They were finally sitting and enjoying their dinner when the clatter of the spoons woke one of the Snowgies sleeping on the armchair across to where Elsa and Marshall were sitting. Wasting no time to make the best of the situation, the cat jumped off the chair and soon rubbed against its owner's leg to beg for some food.

"Someone needs attention," said Elsa as she covered her mouth with a napkin. 

"You already ate," huffed Marshmallow, annoyed by the fact he had just sat down to eat. Wishing to enjoy his food as soon as possible, he picked the cat from the floor and took it to the armchair where the other cats were still napping. "Be like your siblings and go to bed." 

He could hear Elsa's chuckle behind his back. "You're aware it's a cat, right?" 

"Well, I've gotten used to talking to them," he said as he sat down. "I've come to realise they understand more than they let you know."

She smiled, still amused, but soon nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean. At first I wasn't sure if Sven understood the things Kristoff told him. But after the first couple of months living with us, I realised he actually did."

"Don't you miss having your dog around?"

"I do miss him sometimes. I could use his company," she confessed. "But he's not really my dog. Kristoff was the one who adopted Sven. And he's the one who's always taken good care of him." 

"Have you thought about getting your own pet?"

"Actually, I have." She looked at the sleeping cats and smiled. "I could use a Snowgie of my own. The mountain is beautiful, but it can get lonely."

Marshall nodded, knowing exactly what she was talking about. He had kept the cats for the very same reason. Having lived most part of his life in the mountain, he knew long winter nights could get lonely. So much so, he sometimes wondered if it was healthy to live in isolation; but even if it wasn’t, he felt an indescribable urge to return to the mountain whenever he spent more than a few days in the city. 

However, Elsa's comment did make him wonder why a girl like her ended up living in the North mountain alone. The question had crossed his mind multiple times in the past, and he thought it was finally time he asked. "Elsa, I've been meaning to ask you… How did you end up living in the middle of nowhere?"

She glanced at him for a second and then picked the used napkin in front of her to give herself some time to think her answer. She couldn't tell him the real reason. She couldn't openly say it was the only place she could be herself without the constant fear of hurting those she loved. 

Opting to tell him a half truth, she said, "Kai was about to sell the cottage a few years ago. He was getting too old to take care of it. That's when I offered to live here and do it for him."

"Who's Kai, again?" 

"My father."

He nodded. But he still wasn’t sure who she was referring to. "When you say father, you mean…" 

"Adoptive father." 

"Right."

They stayed in silence for a while finishing their food after that. Both of them lost in their own thoughts.

Marshall pondered if it was okay for him to ask about her family. He wasn’t sure it was something she was willing to talk about, since not once had she mentioned her biological family to him before. And he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

Before Marshall could even make up his mind, Elsa said, "I recently found out who my birth parents are…" 

For a moment, he wondered if he had said anything at loud, or Elsa was capable of reading his mind. It was one of those odd coincidences he couldn't really explain. 

He focused his attention on Elsa's body language then. Something told him she hadn't said it as just another topic of conversation. She was looking a little downcast. Probably finding her birth parents hadn’t been what she had hoped for. "I guess they weren't the people you expected them to be."

"Not in the least." 

Not knowing if it was safe to ask why, he asked the next thing that came to mind, "were you looking for them?" 

"No."

"How did you find them?" 

"Do you remember Anna?" 

"Kristoff's girlfriend?" 

She nodded. “A couple of months ago her parents invited me to a family dinner. A simple way of thanking me for helping Anna that day in the slope. At some point, her father became interested in knowing more about my childhood. He kept asking questions… He wasn't making much sense."

Knowing he was probably jumping to ridiculous conclusions, he said, "He isn’t your father, is he?"

The incredulous tone in his voice made her think about the day the Arendelles had showed up with her birth certificate. She had tried to come up with any reason to believe they weren’t her parents that day. So, she wasn’t surprised to see a similar reaction in Marshall. "They are. They showed me my birth certificate.”

"Wait,” he said, trying to make sense of what he heard. “Doesn't that make Anna your sister?"

"Yes. As strange as it sounds, my sister-in-law is my biological sister." It felt odd for Elsa admit it. But she guessed she needed to get used to the idea.

"It doesn't make sense. Why would they abandon you if they were able to raise Anna perfectly fine a couple of years later?" 

It hurt to know he didn't see reason behind their actions either. It only proved Elsa was right, their only logical reason was not wanting to take care of an abnormal baby.

She shook her head and tried to get rid of those thoughts. The whole idea of opening up to Marshall was to hear his opinion. Not to open up old wounds.

It hurt. Of course it did. Part of her believed there was always going to be a subtle pain inside her chest. And it was best to accepted it already.

Not knowing what else to say, she answered, "I don't know." 

"Did they say why they left you in the orphanage?" 

"No," she said looking at her hands. "I didn't give them the chance."

"I don't understand. Don't you want to know?"

There it was, the question she had been asking herself since she found out the truth. Did she want to know? She wasn't sure. She wondered if the pain of meeting them, or reading Idunn's letters, was justified. She was pretty sure what the answer was. "I have an idea why they did it. I guess I’m just not ready to listen to them now." 

"Isn’t it worse?" 

"What?" 

"To live like this…" In Marshall’s opinion, it didn't matter how hard she tried to hide it. The pain and sadness in her face were crystal clear. "Avoiding the truth, I mean." 

"I'm not avoiding the truth. I'm just-" She sighed. She had no idea what she was doing.

"You're just…?" He tried to help her open up; but his bluntness had the opposite effect.

"I don't know." She blinked her tears away. "I don't know what I'm doing…” She felt stupid for thinking she could talk about her problems when she couldn’t even tell him the truth. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I'm sorry I brought this up."

She had felt that sharing more about her life with Marshmallow could help. Talking to someone who could give an unbiased opinion about her life had felt like the right thing to do. She had hoped his opinion could help her find some clarity. But after his questions, she wasn't so sure she was ready to talk about it. 

"Hey," he said, as he left his bowl on the table and turned to look at her. “I think it does matter. There’s a reason you brought it up. And I think you should talk about it.” Once again he scratched his beard trying to find the right words. “If not with me, with your family or Anna. They could help.” 

“Whatever I choose to do affects my whole family. I can't expect them to be impartial. That’s why I haven’t talked to them.”

“Then, try to talk to me.” He offered with a half smile. “I’m terrible at this, but maybe I could help."

Thinking about his initial reaction. Elsa wondered why it was so hard for him to believe she hadn’t given her parents a chance. "Would you give them a chance if you were me?" she asked. He didn't seem to understand her point of view. So, maybe hearing his could help her see things in a different way. 

"I can't say I understand exactly what you're going through… But, yes, I would."

"Even if the things they've got to say only caused you pain?"

"Yes," he answered with resolution.

"Why?"

He averted his eyes for a moment, trying to find the right words. He could talk about giving people second chances and all that jazz he was sure she had heard before. Or he could be honest and tell Elsa the real reason. “If my father showed up at my door, I’d like to hear him out."

"Your father?"

"I've never met the guy. He took off just before I was born. I guess he wasn't the family type," he said with a dry laugh. 

"I'm sorry." What else could she say. He too had had his share of pain. Just like Kristoff and herself. 

"Don't worry. I never needed him in my life." His mother had shouldered the responsibility on her own, making sure he had everything he needed. And even if he had resented his father as a young boy; as the years went by, he learnt to let go of that bitterness, accepting the two of them didn't really need him. However, there were still a few questions he wanted to ask the man if he ever had the chance. "But that doesn't mean I wouldn't like the chance to talk to him just once… I guess that’s why." 

He watched her nod her head just once, her mind lost in thought. As if his words made sense but they weren’t exactly what she was hoping to hear.

“You can do whatever you want, you know?” He moved his arm from the back of the couch where it had been resting during their conversation, and let it rest on her shoulder instead, giving Elsa a reassuring side hug. “Just because I would, doesn’t mean you should.”

“I don’t really know what to do,” she said, shrugging. “I can't make up my mind. My childhood was…" How was she supposed to explain in a few words the things she'd lived. "Hard. For lack of better words. I'm not sure I'd be able to forgive them."

“You could just listen to them, find the answers to your questions, and that’s it. You don’t have to forgive them.”

“But I can't just pretend they don't exist. They are Anna's parents. Kristoff’s in-laws…”

“So?”

“Wouldn’t I be turning my back on Anna if I chose not to forgive them? Wouldn’t I be making things twice as hard for Kristoff than they already are?” She turned to look at him, hoping he had an answer that could help her move forward.

He saw so much worry behind those blue eyes of hers, Marshall wished he could say the right thing for once. “Sometimes you've got to be selfish, Elsa.” 

By the way she looked at him, he noticed that was not the right thing — not even close — and tried again, “I’m sure Anna will love you regardless. She really cares about you. And Kristoff's a tough guy. He won't let this bring him down. If they love each other they'll learn to compromise."

If she thought about it, he was right. Anna and Kristoff did love each other. Their relationship reminded her of what Kai and Gerda had, and a bond like that wouldn't falter so easily. And Anna had proved to her she cared enough to respect her wishes. Maybe she should try and do exactly what she felt.

"Sometimes, I think life could have dealt me a better hand," said Elsa trying to lighten the mood.

"The whole, your sister-in-law is your sister is not a good card. I'll give you that." He said, adding with a chuckle.

Maybe he struggled with words at times, and maybe the conversation had been ten times more awkward for him than he let on. But still, Elsa felt he had said what she needed to hear. She still had no idea what to do, that much was obvious. However, talking with Marshall had helped. And she couldn't be more thankful for his comforting presence and warm embrace. "Thanks for listening, Marshmallow." 

Tightening his arm around her, he answered, "I'm glad I can help."

Before Elsa could say something in return, he let go of her and walked to the TV stand, which was on the other side of the room. A dim blue light lit his features when he turned it on. And he then handed Elsa an old box full of videotapes. "Why don't we watch a film? They are quite old but I guess we can enjoy one nonetheless."

Elsa smiled feeling grateful for his company and the fact he hadn't let the gloomy atmosphere ruin their evening.

She searched in the box for something both of them could enjoy. She hadn't seen many films in her life, so she didn't have a problem finding something entertaining. But most of the VHS tapes were worn out, as if they had been watched multiple times before.

She had made a small pile with the best options, when an old video tape without a box or a label called her attention. "What's this one about?"

It only took one look for Marshall’s blood to rush to his face. "Nothin- It's nothing."

It was strange to see the usually stoic man turn beetroot red all of a sudden. For a moment she wondered if what she was holding was a blue film or something of the sort. It wouldn't be strange for him to own one. But his embarrassment was reason enough for her to tease him. "Oh, I see… Something indecent, perhaps?”

“What?! No. That's not it.”

She tried her best to stay serious but his embarrassment was funnier than she imagined. She laughed out loud at his expression and said, “It's fine, Marshmallow. I’m just messing up with you.” 

“All the same,” he said taking the tape from her hand. “It's a childhood video. Nothing to do with what you’re thinking.”

“No! Are you serious?” She stood up trying to retrieve the VHS. “A little Marshmallow? I have to see this.”

“No, no.” He was grateful for his height at that very moment. There was no way she could reach his arm. “We are not watching this.”

“You said I could pick anything from the box.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Okay… Maybe you didn’t. But it was implied when you handed me the box.”

“It’s just me chopping some wood — or trying to,” he clarified. “Nothing interesting to see.”

“It’s interesting to me.” Taking advantage of their conversation, she stepped on the small table when he was distracted and grabbed the tape. She hurried to the VCR and put it in before he could stop her. “I can’t imagine there was a time you weren’t two metres tall.”

He laughed at that and accepted his defeat when she pressed play. “It’s the last time in my life I let you pick anything.”

--

Kristoff’s truck coming to a full stop in front of her house made Anna come out of her trance. She had been lost in her memories in the way back from Kristoff's apartment, so it came to a surprise they were already there.

On the way home, her mind had drifted to the simpler days. Days when Kristoff would take her home and come out of the car to enjoy a cup of coffee with her parents after dinner. She missed those days. Just as much as she missed her family's happiness.

Looking at Kristoff, she thought it wouldn’t hurt to try one last time. "Would you like to come inside?"

Adverting her eyes, he answered, "I'm sorry, Anna. I want for things to go back to normal as much as you do but-" 

"But you still want to punch my father in the face," she interrupted with downcast eyes. 

"I don't want to punch him." Not anymore, he clarified in his mind. "I want things to work out between both families. It's best if I talk to them after Elsa has figured out the way she feels about them."

"Right…" Anna didn't fully believe in his reasons. It was true he wanted the best for both families, but she wasn't sure he was waiting for Elsa. Kristoff's trust in her parents had broken the day he found out the truth, and she believed he was still trying to find the way to trust them once again.

She kissed him goodbye and stepped out of the vehicle. Once she was standing on the door, she waved her boyfriend goodbye and entered her house.

As she hung her jacket, she wondered if it was a good idea to talk to her parents about the Bjorgmans that night. She was certain the conversation was going to be awkward and set a strange mood in the house, and she wasn't sure she wanted that. After all, there was an ever-present gloomy atmosphere in the place of late; she didn't need to contribute to that. 

Her train of thought was interrupted by the voice of her father coming from the living room. He was on the phone and his voice sounded tired, almost defeated, something that instantly called Anna's attention. 

"I understand, Kai," he said. "I was actually going to call you and ask about that." There was a silence before he continued, "thank you for letting us know. And of course, I understand it’s best for her. I guess we’ll see each other when she agrees to it. Thanks again for giving us a chance." 

He was talking to Kai about a certain she. It didn't take a genius to guess they were talking about Elsa.

Anna couldn't say she knew what the conversation was about, but the fact they were still arranging things behind Elsa's back made her blood boil.

Not caring about anything else, Anna entered the living room ready to get some answers "Who was that?" 

"Anna." Surprised to see his daughter already home, Agdar tried to pretend it was just another boring call. "It was just business. Nothing important."

Another lie. And another and another. Fueled by anger she challenged her father. "You’re either lying to me or Elsa really means nothing to you."

"Don’t say she means nothing to me!" he countered. Realising his mistake a second too late, he sighed and tried to apologise for lying to her face. "I’m sorry." 

"Why didn’t you tell me you’ve been meeting with the Bjorgmans? I can't believe you'd meet behind our backs." Not giving her father enough time to answer, she continued, "And do you know what's worse? I’ve been telling you everything about her life. I'm pretty sure I've been betraying her trust just to let you into her life. And all because a stupid part of me still believes you deserve a second chance!" 

"What's going on here?" asked Idunn, surprised to see her daughter raising her voice at her father like that.

"Anna, please, calm down." Agdar tried in vain.

"I’ve been trying to make you part of her world. I even delivered letters for you. And yet, you still choose to lie and keep information from me? There's nothing I want more than for Elsa to give you a chance, but sometimes I wonder if she should!"

Even if Idunn knew Anna had a tendency to say things without thinking when she was upset, her daughter's words cut deep into the bone. "Anna, what happened?" 

"I found out you and dad have been meeting the Bjorgmans," she said looking at her mother. "I tried not to think too much of it. I wanted to understand and justify your reasons, but it's hard to do so when dad lies straight to my face."

“We didn’t want to worry you. Kai and Gerda weren’t really accepting of us at the beginning.” Agdar needed Anna to understand. “What were we supposed to tell you? 'Anna we are meeting your in-laws today. They'll probably close the door in our face.' How would that have helped?”

“But they didn't.” Even if Gerda and Kai had kicked them out of the house, she felt she had the right to know. They were Kristoff’s family. “Kai and Gerda gave you a chance. Kai was even willing to include you in his ridiculous idea of opening Elsa's case once again. You had more than enough time to mention it.”

Agdar opened his eyes in surprise. "You know about that?"

"Elsa found out a few days ago."

Idunn looked at her family confused. Anna and Agdar seemed to know exactly what was going on but she couldn’t follow their conversation. "What are you talking about?"

"Kai wrote a petition to open Elsa's case again. I told him he could count on me for anything he needed," confessed Agdar to his wife. 

Idunn couldn't believe what she was hearing. Gerda had insisted the idea was bad. Terrible. She was about to ask her husband what they had been thinking when they agreed to it, but Anna's remark stopped her. 

"Stupid idea if you ask me," she scoffed. "She had a mental breakdown just by reading it."

"What?"

Not wanting to worry her mother further, she clarified, "she's okay now. Kristoff helped her talk to Kai about it."

Agdar nodded his head. "Kai just called. He decided not to reopen the case because of it." He took a deep breath and explained the other important thing he had informed him. "He also said they won’t be meeting us again. At least not until Elsa agrees to it." 

"They won't?" asked Idunn, still confused by everything that was going on around her. 

"Elsa's well-being is their main concern," he explained. "And… they don't want to lose her trust."

“Wise choice,” said Anna bitterly, and with that she left room. She hated seeing sadness in her mother's eyes, but she was getting tired of the lies.

She closed her bedroom door and lay in bed, hoping to fall asleep and forget about her worries for a couple of hours. She was tired. So very tired.

--

After Anna left the room, Idunn sat down on the couch, not really knowing what to say or do. She was still trying to comprehend everything that had happened in mere minutes.

Anna was losing her trust in them all over again, and everything because they had been stupid enough to think they could solve things on their own. And what was worse, everything they had done had only caused Elsa suffering. If they hadn’t visited the Bjorgmans, maybe Kai wouldn’t have written that petition.

It didn’t matter what they did, they kept ruining their girls' lives in the process.

"I guess that means we're back to square one.” She spoke in a monotone when Agdar sat down by her side. “But I can't blame Kai and Gerda. They are doing what’s best for their family." 

"I know." 

"Agdar… we can’t keep doing this." 

"What?" 

"Making things worse every time we try to do things right." Looking at her hands in shame she said, "maybe Anna's right, maybe we don't deserve a second chance." 

“Idunn, I’m sure there’s a way. There must be something we can do to make things right. We only need to-”

“No, Agdar.” She interrupted. “I'm sorry, but I'm sick of your business-like reasoning. Everything we do ends up hurting one of our daughters. We are going to lose them both if we don't what's right for once."

It didn’t matter how much he wanted to deny it. Deep down he knew she was right. They had failed over and over again throughout the years. And the sad truth was they always hurt their daughters in the process. "What do we do then?"

"Apologise to Anna and stop keeping information from her. That'd be good start. And maybe…" she knew her husband was not going to like her next suggestion. "Accept Elsa will probably never give us a chance." 

"Idunn…" 

"Elsa's an adult. She knows where to find us if she changes her mind." It felt strange to be the one saying it. But they couldn't keep pushing Elsa to her limits. "We should be thankful the girls found each other, Agdar. Let's not ruin that for them..."

--

The smell of coffee was the first thing Elsa became aware of when she regained her senses. In her drowsiness, she wondered why her brother was making coffee early in the morning, since he usually preferred something to eat instead of the typical beverage. It wasn't until she became more aware of her surroundings that she realised Kristoff hadn't stayed the night.

She sat up in the bed. Only to find herself on a couch, in a house that wasn't her own. 

She was trying to make sense of where she was, when the voice of Marshmallow called her attention. 

"Good to see you're up."

She turned her head and found him standing near the kitchen door with a mug in his hand.

"Marshmallow?"

He smiled at her puzzled expression and disappeared inside the kitchen, only to return a few seconds later with a steaming mug for her, which she gladly accepted.

She had spent the night in Marshmallow's cottage, that much was obvious. She offered a sheepish smile and said, "I guess I fell asleep last night, didn't I?" 

She remembered watching Marshmallow's childhood video and a film the previous night. But she didn't remember staying. And, if she was honest, she didn't remember much about the plot of the movie either.

He chuckled and sat down on the coffee table in front of her. "We both did. I dare say the movie wasn't as interesting as I imagined."

"We slept together?" Realising how weird the question was, she clarified, "I mean… Did we sleep on the couch?" 

"I woke up in the middle of the night to the static sound of the TV and a stiff back," he said with a nod. "You were sleeping like a log. So, I thought it was best to help you lie down and give you a blanket. There was no point in waking you up." 

'That explains the warm blanket and pillow then,' she thought. She had slept so comfortably, it was strange to think she had spent half the night sleeping in a sitting position. 

She had been tired, practically exhausted the previous days. So it came to no surprise to find out she hadn't woken up during the night. But still, she couldn't believe she had let her guard down like that. She didn't think he was capable of doing anything to her, on the contrary. Instead, her concern came from the fact she wasn't sure she could trust her powers around him. He had no idea what she was capable of, and the mere thought of Marshall finding out terrified her.

Her sudden concerned face worried Marshall, who wondered if he had done the wrong thing by not waking her up. "Hey, I'm sorry I didn't wake you up last night. I honestly thought it was best to let you sleep. I went to my own bed right after, I swear."

"It's fine, Marshmallow. I trust you. I just feel bad for falling asleep like that," she lied. There was no way she could explain what really was in her mind. "I guess I was more tired than I thought."

"I guess you were. You didn't even stirr when my boss called me an hour or so ago."

"Wait. Your boss? What time is it? Should you be at work right now?"

"Calm down. It's only 8.30 am. And no, today is a national holiday, remember? Technically, I shouldn't go to work."

"Technically?"

"Something broke down and he's too useless to fix it himself, and for some reason it can’t wait until my shift tomorrow. Idiot," he said, annoyed. "He wants me to be there in an hour."

"I can see he still respects your days off. I thought you said you'd talk to him about this." After they'd started spending more time together, Marshall had began sharing more about his work-related problems with her. And she couldn't help but notice he was failing his own promises. 

He loved being a ski instructor. But year after year his boss was taking more and more advantage of his good predisposition. He would call him at any time, for any kind of job, for the only reason Marshall was quite skillful. But the man rarely valued the things he did. Resulting in Marshall working more hours than average and still earning a dime. 

"I told him I didn't want to be the one repairing things at the resort anymore, but he still calls me. And for some reason, I'm stupid enough to say yes." 

"At least it's extra money, isn't it? 

"Yes and no." He massaged his neck, as he tried to find the best way to explain his problem. "He hasn't been really fair with the guys and me lately. We've been working our asses off for him and he still hasn't paid us what he owns us." 

"What?"

"Don't look at me like that. I know I’m an idiot for even picking up the phone." 

"I don't think you're an idiot."

"Maybe you don't. But I'm sure he does,” he said, angered by the thought. “I would quit if it wasn't for the fact it's the only resort on the South face of the mountain."

There wasn’t much she could say to make him feel better. She knew better than anyone how hard it was to make a living as an independent instructor. Especially if you went against the big resorts. Marshall was playing safe by staying where he was, and she thought it was for the best. Even if he had to endure an insufferable boss.

"Anyway,” he said, calling her attention. “I was planning on walking you home on my way to work. What do you say?"

"Sounds good."

--

They walked the distance to her cottage at a slow pace. Elsa had tried to hurry so Marshall could get to work on time, but he kept slowing her down. Walking peacefully with hands in his pockets. Not paying attention to time nor his responsibilities. Even taking the time to walk her to her doorsteps. 

"Thank you for the company last night and dinner," Elsa said when they were close enough to her cottage. 

"And breakfast?" 

She smiled. "That too." 

"My pleasure." Hands inside his pockets, he stayed where he was, unmoving.

"You don't want to go to work, do you?" 

He cracked a smile. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yes. Now go," she answered, pushing him slightly. 

“Ugh. Fine."  He turned to leave, but stopped on his tracks after a few steps. "You owe me dinner."

“What?”

“You owe me dinner,” he repeated over his shoulder. “I want to see how awful your cooking skills are.”

Elsa laughed and thought she deserve it. She had forced him to watch his childhood video, he was now forcing her to cook. It was only fair.

"Isn’t it a bit early to be hanging out with a friend?" Surprised to hear the familiar voice, Elsa turned around to see Anna walking towards her with a smirk on her face.

"Anna? What are you doing here?"

"Since today's a holiday I thought I could pay you a visit," she answered matter-of-factly. 

She had woken up early that morning and left her house soon after breakfast. Having no responsibilities nor plans. She had thought it was a good idea to visit Elsa. Spending the day in the mountain was more appealing than staying at home. For sure her sister could help her get her mind off her argument with her parents. 

"Now, seriously, isn’t it a little bit too early?” she insisted. 

“You're here too, aren’t you?” answered Elsa walking past her, towards the door. She was happy Anna decided to pay a visit, but she still considered it was too early for her mockery.

“Yeah, but I just got here.” It was rather strange the way Elsa was avoiding her gaze. “Marsh, on the other hand, was saying goodbye as if you guys-  Oh, boy!”

Elsa already knew she wasn’t going to like whatever idea had crossed her mind. “What?”

Anna put her hand on her shoulders and forced Elsa to look at her. “Did you spend the night together?” 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She cursed the blush spreading across her cheeks. “He- He just stopped by on his way to work.” Elsa felt it was best avoid the fact she had indeed slept in his house, even if nothing had happened. It was a simple white lie that could spare her months of mockery.

Holding an eyebrow high, Anna studied Elsa’s face. There was something there. “Really?

“Of course.” 

Ignoring Anna, she turned to the door once again and tried to open it, but it wouldn't move. She turned the doorknob a few more times, wishing for it to open, but nothing happened. She desperately searched in her pocket but couldn’t find what she was looking for. 

“Everything okay, Elsa?” 

Cursing her bad luck, she hit her head against the wood of the door a few times, before admitting, “I forgot the keys in his house.”

It was the first and last time in her life, she chose to listen to Kai's advice.

--

First of all, I want to apologise for the long hiatus. I think it’s been over a month since the last time I updated. Life, work, that kind of things got in the middle. I can’t promise regular updates, but know that I try to update at least once a month.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this new chapter. It’s a little different than the rest, but I wanted to show the role the big guy plays in this story. As Elsa said, he’s the only true neutral person in all this mess, as well as a trusted friend. Please let me know what you think of it. Feedback always help me find the right path to take in future chapters.

As always, I can’t thank you enough for the support this story has gotten. I read every review and I try to answer to each of you when possible (for those of you who leave Guest reviews, know that I read all of them and I treasure them just as much).

Stay safe!

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