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lukin08 · 7 days

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Up In The Air Chapter 7

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC 2559

Summary: Tired of her nomad lifestyle, traveling nurse Anna Arendelle on a whim picks Pensacola Florida as her new town to try find a sense of home. Meanwhile, Navy Pilot Kristoff Bjorgman has accepted a dream position at the Naval station in the same town. After a chance encounter goes south, the two of them find their lives entwined, with neither of them all that happy about it!

Also Available on AO3

Previous Chapter

Thanks for picking me up, again,” Sven said as he hopped into the Jeep.

“No problem.”

“What do we have on the docket…wait, why are you wearing your khakis?” Sven gave Kristoff a full scan of his uniform.

“I have a meeting before practice.”

“With who?”

“Shashaty and Kesselring.”

“No fucking way! For what?”

Kristoff didn’t really know what to say to Sven. While he had his suspicions, Kristoff wasn’t given the full details of the meeting. He knew it had to do with the new pilot training at the base, but there was more to it to be meeting with both men. Kristoff answered nonchalantly, hoping Sven would drop it. “Just some stuff about the flight instruction program I’ve been helping with during the offseason.”

“That can’t be all.” Sven squinted his eyes and studied Kristoff. He was quiet for a minute before stating confidently, “I know what this is about. They’re looking to move you up.”

Kristoff scoffed at Sven’s words. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“That’s it. I know it.” Sven sat back in his seat, crossing his arms.

“It’s just a meeting.”

Sven instantly leaned forward and turned to face Kristoff. “The head of the base doesn’t want to just talk to you about the program. They have their eye on you. Just tell me I’m right. Come on, you know.”

“I don’t know anything. “

“Blink twice for yes. Kris, please. You know I won’t say anything.”

Kristoff shook his head. “I don’t even have enough years in for board review to move to Commander.”

Sven held his finger out. “One, you will next year. And two, your work on the flight instructions makes total sense to help you move up. So, there you have it. Done deal.”

The thought had crossed Kristoff’s mind, but he had been trying to ignore that. His year in Pensacola had brought up an urge to stay longer and he wasn’t really sure how to handle these new desires. But flight instruction was a means to possibly stay, and Kristoff had thrown himself into the program, finding ways to improve it. He found the work more enjoyable than he thought he would. Assisting on the program could give Kristoff an advantage to being re-assigned at Pensacola. Throw in a commander rank and he might have a shot when his time in the Blues was over to at least stay a few more years. But he didn’t want to have that conversation with Sven on the drive to work and needed to change the subject.

“You know what I think?”

“What?”

“That you should spend less time worrying about me and more about focusing on yourself and getting moved up to LT. commander. I’m sure the pay jump will help especially now for you and Nic.”

Sven was sitting back again in his seat. He turned away to look out the window, letting out a deep breath. “I know. I slacked and you were right to push me like you did even if I didn’t appreciate it before. But you know I recommitted to it. I’ve been working my ass off like you’ve been on me to, and I got the highest marks after my last deployment.”

Kristoff smiled at that. He felt guilty pushing Sven as much as he did over the years. Sven wasn’t behind in his promotions as far as the Navy viewed it, but Kristoff knew the potential Sven had and how he could be farther ahead in his career. It didn’t help that Sven sometimes compared himself to Kristoff and perceived he was lacking. It was quite the opposite. Sven had proved himself by applying to the Blue Angels. Kristoff had no influence if he would make it or not. Sven stood in front of the sixteen officers that interview day and everyday leading up to that and was accepted into the team on his own merit. A pilot was only accepted by a unanimous vote. Sometimes it would take long hours into the night to get everyone to approve a pilot. Sven was voted in within ten minutes of the discussion starting. Kristoff couldn’t wait to tell Sven that fact next year when it was Sven’s turn to take part in the voting.

If anything, Kristoff felt Sven had a healthier view of his career and more importantly what was outside of it. Sven had a wife, a family, things that Kristoff never thought he’d get to experience. The idea almost felt foreign to him now. Kristoff had pushed that yearning down so far for so many years that he almost believed that he didn’t want that anymore.

“Keep grinding it out and you’ll be in good shape to move up at the next boards.”

Sven grinned. “I hope so. It would be the best news to tell Nikki.”

“Speaking of Nic, how’s she doing?”

The smile was back on Sven’s face. “Better. She hasn’t been feeling as sick lately, thank goodness. She’s set up with a good doctor now and I’m starting to be able to breathe again. I’m glad you’re here with me. I know we told you early, but I needed someone I could trust to talk to. You’ve been a lifesaver.”

“Any time. I hate to ask this, but are you set for when we leave for El Centro? That’s going to be a long stretch with you gone.”

Sven nodded. “We’re going to tell Boss’s wife and a few others about the pregnancy so Nikki will have a support system while I’m gone. She’s starting to make some other friends too outside of the Blue’s family. You know Nikki. She’s strong. She’ll be good.”

“And how about you?” Kristoff asked, glancing at Sven from the side of his eyes.

“Don’t worry. I’m good. Focused. I’ll huddle up in our cocoon out in the desert and be 100 percent in. I’ve been away from her before. I can manage a couple months.”

Kristoff nodded. He needed Sven’s head in the game when they went to winter training. And while he trusted Sven, he was still going to have to keep an extra eye on him.

Sven managed to stay quiet for a few minutes. Then if on cue, he started up again. “So, are you working on the instruction program for any other reason?”

“You know that’s where I want to focus on after this is over.”

“And?”

So much for not talking about it. Kristoff silently swore at Sven. It was like the man had radar to focus in on exactly any topic he’d rather avoid. “…and it’s been nice being home. I wouldn’t mind if I happened to get stationed here as an instructor. I have zero say where the Navy sends me.”

“But a nudge from the base commander wouldn’t hurt when the time comes. I get it.” Kristoff was a little surprised Sven didn’t push more. Instead, he sat there in contemplation for a moment before shifting the conversation. “I’d give anything to be assigned to the states after this,”

“Really?”

“I just want to be done with all the long deployments. I know you do too no matter what you say. We aren’t supposed to live for months on end on the carriers anymore. That’s for the younger guys. We’ve been living like this since we were what? 22, 23? It’s time for us to come on the carriers for shorter stints and patrol domestically.”

“You almost sound like you don’t want to fly anymore.”

“Hell yeah I want to fly.” The look on Sven’s face was pure indignancy. “I want to every day! But you know the optimal age for a dog fight.”

“30.”

“Well, we have started that downhill trajectory my friend. And going out on patrol to hunt for subs is for the newbies anyway. That’s not our role anymore. We should be working on projects and training and going out and leading squadrons when there is a conflict, and you know it.”

“I’m not arguing with you.”

“Sorry bud. I just get myself worked up sometimes thinking about what’s best for my family.”

Hearing Sven talk about his family sent a knot in Kristoff’s stomach. So many things were changing, and it was the first time in a long time that Kristoff wasn’t 100 percent sure where the next step in his life would take him. He reminded himself that the next two seasons were devoted to the Blue Angels. Talk about next positions and assignments were distractions he shouldn’t be fixating on. He’d cross that bridge when this run was over.

They made it to the base. Kristoff pulled into his parking spot and went inside.

Kristoff stopped before heading to his office. “Remember not a word.”

“Roger. I’m going to go over the flight map of El Centro before our briefing. Anything else you want me to look at?”

“The inverted to inverted roll. I want to work on that today when we’re up.”

“Got it. Good luck,” Sven said before saluting Kristoff and heading over to his desk and parting ways with Kristoff.

******************************

“So how did it go?”

Sven was sitting across from Kristoff in his office, tossing a baseball in the air. They had just finished the team debrief and were going over some of the solo flight details for the next day.

“It was…fine.”

“What was Boss’s and Shashaty’s feedback?”

Before Kristoff could say anything, there was swift knock on the door. Kristoff looked up. “Come in.”

An ensign came saluted and handed Kristoff a folder. He already knew what this was for and quickly opened it and signed his name. Kristoff handed the folder back and dismissed the junior officer.

“What was that?”

Kristoff looked up and saw Sven eyeing him. For a half second, he thought about reprimanding Sven for stepping out of line and asking about the file. But they were in private, and Kristoff allowed a more informal environment when it was just the two of them. There wasn’t anything classified in the file anyway and Sven was bound to find out sooner than later.

“Re-evaluation orders for a group of flight trainees.”

Sven raised an eyebrow. “You ordered that?”

“Sure did.”

“So that’s how it went today,” Sven said with a knowing look. “Masters is going to be pissed you are questioning his team’s flight evaluations and recommendations.”

“I’d be surprised if he wasn’t. And I’m not questioning them. I’m questioning the process. They are passing up on some top tier candidates for the fighter jet pipeline.”

“Good luck with that one.” Sven let out a whistle and shook his head.

Kristoff started pulling out his bag and checked his watch for the time. “You got a ride home? I’m going to the hospital as soon as I get changed back into my Khakis.”

“All set.” The grin was back on Sven’s face. Kristoff knew instantly where this conversation was headed. He didn’t like it one bit. “So, are you going to see the red head today? What’s her name again?”

Kristoff’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Sven. “Anna. Why are you bringing her up?”

“Just getting ahead of you before you start complaining about her. Do you actually get anything done in these meetings or do you just fight with her all the time?”

“I don’t fight with her. She fights with me and I correct her.”

“Right. Cause you never rub people the wrong way. Are you sure you can’t smooth things over with her. Apologize and move-“

Kristoff cut Sven off. “I don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“Doubtful. But think about it. Maybe you two could get on a better standing.”

Kristoff leaned forward, putting both hands on his desk to get his head lower and more in line to where Sven was sitting. He stared directly into Sven’s eye to emphasize his point. “She called me a liar and said she didn’t have any respect for me. I know exactly where I stand with her. And I’m just fine with that.”

“She really gets under your skin doesn’t she? I think I could like her.” Sven started laughing to himself. “Man, I wish I could remember what she looked like from the bar.”

Kristoff stood back up. “And I wish you would stop bringing that up.”

“Hey, great idea. Take me with you next time. I’m dying to see this war between the two of you play out in live action.”

Sven was laughing again. Kristoff picked up his bag. “Absolutely not,” he barked before walking out and leaving Sven as fast as he could.

******************************

“Why are you always so late!”

Anna chastised herself looking at the time on her phone again. She knew she was running late, but she really wanted to get changed out of her scrubs before leaving the hospital. The drive took longer than she thought and she wasn’t that familiar with downtown Pensacola. Between finding parking and walking in the wrong direction twice, she was running over fifteen minutes late.

“Oh, that’s cute!” Anna slowed for a second to admire a dress in a boutique’s window before catching herself and walking again at a brisk pace. “Focus!” She made a mental note to come back to this area soon.

She made it to the restaurant and found the hand waving to her across the room. Anna quickly dodged around the tables to get to her seat.

“I am so sorry I’m late!”

“Oh, my goodness do not worry about it. I’ve been living on this bread. It’s so good. I’m on my second basket.”

“Nicole!”

“What? The baby’s hungry.”

Both women burst into a fit of giggles. Anna looked over at her new friend. She was so happy they hit it off. From that first day they met when Nicole came in alone to her appointment, they had become fast friends. Anna was the nurse that day and stayed with Nicole her whole appointment after finding out Nicole’s husband had just been deployed out of state and would be gone for several months. They cliqued immediately and Anna was grateful for this new friendship.

“I saw some baby shops on my walk here, we should check them out some day.” Anna hesitated. “Unless you rather go with your husband.”

Nicole waived her off. “Are you kidding me? Sven does not need to go baby clothes shopping with me. I’m terrified of what he’d pick out. I’d rather go with you.”

Anna smiled at that. “So, what is the countdown at?”

“Three weeks. Right before we find out if it’s a boy or girl.”

“I’m so glad he’ll be back for that.”

Nicole nodded. “Me too. And I can’t wait for you to meet Sven. You’re going to love him. We’ll have you over when he gets back, maybe with a few other friends.”

Anna squinted her eyes at Nicole. “You mean Navy guys, don’t you?”

“And their significant others…at least some of them. Relax Anna. I promise we only know the good ones. I’ve already vetted any of the single ones.”

“Why don’t I trust you?”

Nicole purposely ignored Anna. “It’s set. I’ll get a date when he’s back and we’ll have some people over. It will be fun.”

“I don’t have a choice in this do I?”

Nicole grinned over at Anna. “Absolutely not.”

#up in the air #Kristanna #Edin what did you write #frozen #up in the air chapter 7 #frozen 2 #I meant to have this out earlier but I had to travel for work and I forgot my laptop #tw: pregnancy

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lukin08 · 1 month

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Up In The Air Chapter 5

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC 2164

Also Available on AO3

Previous Chapter

“I forgot to mention,” Cliff said as he jotted down a measurement. “I stopped by Uncle Craig’s the other day.”

Kristoff looked up at his dad. “How’s he doing?”

“Good. The business is doing well. Your cousin coming on board has re-energized him and the business.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Yeah. He was asking me if you were still seeing the girl you were with last time you were at the bar.”

Kristoff froze. He had done everything he could to block out the memory of that night a few months ago.

“Last time I was at the bar I was with Sven,” Kristoff said as uninterested as he could sound. He kept his head down, focusing on the piece of tile he was laying.

“Craig said you were with someone after Sven left. Something you want to tell me?”

“Nothing to tell.” Kristoff chanced a glance at his dad and knew he wouldn’t get off that easy. Reluctantly, he answered. “The bar was short staffed, so I leant a hand after Sven left. There was a girl that spilt all her drinks. I helped her with it and talked with her for a while after. That’s it.”

Cliff went back to writing in his notebook. “Funny. Uncle Craig described it differently.”

“Yeah? Tell Uncle Craig he has a bad memory.”

Cliff held up his hands when Kristoff shot him a look. “Whoa, did I strike a nerve? I was just curious.”

“Dad, I left for El Centro right after Sven went home. I’ve been gone for over two months. When do you think I’d have the time to see anyone? Assuming I’d even want to.”

“You’ve been back for two weeks. Plenty of time.”

“Dad. There isn’t anyone. The end.”

“Got it. No one.” Cliff went to step out of the bathroom. “I’m going to cut the rest of the tiles. Try to get this group laid before I’m back.”

They made quick work of the rest of the bathroom floor. Thankfully, Cliff didn’t press for more information and Kristoff pushed the memory of that night back out of his head. Instead, he focused on being with his dad. They hadn’t had this much time together since before Kristoff graduated from the Naval Academy and he was enjoying this. He still wasn’t used to his parents being a ten-minute drive away. The idea of being able to see them whenever he wanted felt strangely foreign to him.

“I’ll do the grout when you’re away this weekend,” Cliff said as they put away the last of the supplies. “It’s a good house. Starting to shape up nicely. It will be great for a family once you get all the work done.”

“Good time to sell it then.”

“You sure about that?”

“It’s just a house. I’ll find somewhere else to live.”

“Well, hopefully you can enjoy it for a little bit before you do anything.”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. It still needs a lot of work, and my schedule is busy, so it’s going to take a while.”

“Promise me you’ll at least take some things out of boxes. It will be good for you to make this place feel more permanent. Plus, its driving your mother crazy. If you aren’t careful, one day you’re going to come home from a show and everything will be out.”

“She wouldn’t do that?” Kristoff looked at his dad. “Oh… yes, she really would. Fine. I promise. One picture.”

Cliff patted Kristoff on the back. “That’s the spirit.”

**********

“Lt. Cmdr. Bjorgman?”

Kristoff looked over to the entryway to his office and motioned for the volunteer coordinator for the Blue Angels to come in.

“What can I do for you today, Martinez?”

The petty officer stepped inside. “I’ll only be a minute. Just looking to fill in some information. You’re from the area, right?”

“Yes.” Kristoff drew out his answer, wondering where this was leading.

The petty officer checked his notes. “And your father, small business owner. Mother a teacher?”

Kristoff nodded.

“And you attended Gulf Breeze High School, correct?”

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to have me speak there.”

There was a small uptick to the corner of Martinez’s mouth. “No promises.”

The petty officer went through a few more questions, then thanked Kristoff, got up and saluted him. Right before walking out of the office, he mentioned he’d see Kristoff at the team brief. The hint of a smile was back, and it was all it took. Kristoff knew his fate was sealed.

**********

“Bjorgman,” Boss Kesselring called out. “I thought I told you to get a haircut.”

Kristoff bit back a groan. He thought he a skirted by Kesselring noticing during the meeting. “It’s regulation length, sir!”

Kesselring failed to hold back a small laugh as he shook his head. “Humor me and go get it trimmed.”

“Right on it,” Kristoff smirked.

Kesselring tilted his head down and looked directly at Kristoff with a sternness that had earned him his captain rank. “Today. That’s an order.”

“Yes, sir,” Kristoff responded, setting his face to a neutral expression and sitting up as straight as he could.

“Ok, one last topic and we’ll be done for the day,” Boss Kesselring said as he picked up a stack of envelopes from the desk and held them up for the team to see. “Your season’s outreach assignments. It should be straight forward, but I’ll let Petty Officer Martinez discuss in more detail.”

Martinez entered the brief room as Boss Kesselring handed out the envelopes. Kristoff opened his and sure enough, the first assignment listed was for his old high school. He wondered what menacing joy Martinez had sticking him with that. Luckily, it was just for the ROTC and sports program this year, not the entire school. He skipped past the details of that brief, ignoring Martinez droning on and started scanning his other assignments.

**********

“How long are you going to be gone?” Camilla asked. She was leaning over the nurse’s station as Anna scanned the screens on the wall that monitored all the patients’ vitals on the floor.

“The meeting is scheduled for an hour. It’s only supposed to be introducing everyone and going over the goals for the committee.”

“I still don’t know why you want to be part of this. Seems like a lot of time.”

Anna shrugged. She didn’t really want to get into how this just felt right. She wanted to do more around the hospital and community. It was something she enjoyed but didn’t have the time to get involved when she was a traveling nurse.

“It sounds like a smart idea,” Sue chimed in.

Anna looked over at Sue. “You really think so?”

“Of course. The committee reports to the CEO. There’s good visibility being on the committee when you’re looking to move up.”

“Me?”

“Yes you. And don’t give me that face. You’re a natural leader.”

Anna scoffed, making a note on the chart of one of the patients. “I think you have me confused with my sister.”

“No, I’m talking about you. I can see it. You’re already a shift supervisor. Head of the department makes sense for you at some point. You’d be great in management someday too.”

“I like being a nurse.”

“Sure. But that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like doing that either. Plus, selfishly, you’d be a hundred times better than anyone we have in management now.”

Anna got up from her stool at the station. “I have half a mind to check to see if you’re delirious with a fever but thank you.” She grabbed her notepad and a pen. “Well, wish me luck then. I can’t be late to my apparent first step at a promotion.”

One of the lab specialists Anna knew from being on patient interdisciplinary teams together caught up with her on the way over to the meeting. They were also on the committee and Anna was glad to have someone she was familiar with in the group. It also helped take her mind off Sue’s ridiculous comments. Never mind that Anna did have ideas on how the department could improve and maybe some more thoughts on the nursing program at the hospital. But that could wait for another time because she was focused on the outreach committee and that was it.

Anna followed the lab specialist into the conference room, scanning more for open chairs around the large rectangular table than faces. It was the clothes that caught her attention first, standing out from the scrubs, white coats and business attire. When she looked at the face, Anna locked eyes with him, stopping in her tracks as she gasped.

While only a split second, the shock was all over his face before he quickly set it back, looked down and pretended to write something on his notepad. Luckily, no one else had noticed when Anna had froze. She looked around and found a seat as far away from him as possible and scrambled over to it.

Anna tried to keep herself busy until the meeting started, pretending to check her emails on her phone and introducing herself to the person next to her. She gave in after a couple minutes and snuck a peek across the table, hoping she didn’t look too flustered. Anna tried her best to set her face with a mix of disapproval, disgust and anger in case he was looking at her. He wasn’t. In fact, he was doing an excellent job at looking occupied, purposely not looking Anna’s way. But the flush in his cheeks was a dead giveaway that he remembered exactly who she was.

**********

“Which one are we talking about again?” Camilla asked.

“The cute one,” Sue answered.

“That doesn’t help.”

“The blond.”

“Ahh, ok. I couldn’t remember which one it was. He was cute!”

“I know!”

“Neither one of you are helping.” Anna was a ball of nervous energy and Sue and Camilla were not making the situation any better. She practically ran out of the conference room when the meeting was over, taking the first set of stairs she could find to avoid having to be anywhere near Kris. Or Kristoff as his name apparently really was. Sue and Camilla were supposed to help her get out of this situation, but they were having entirely too much fun with the information Anna gave them.

“Wait,” Sue said. “I thought he told you he was local.”

“He did.”

Sue chuckled. “I guess technically he wasn’t lying.”

Camilla joined in. “She didn’t get that far in the discussion to find out what he did. Too busy kissing him to ask!”

Both Camilla and Sue burst into a fit of giggles. Anna’s head fell forward, stopping when her forehead met on the top of the station desk. “Don’t remind me of that. I’m glad this is amusing to you two. Any other laughs you’d like at my expense?”

“Did he at least look good in the uniform?”

“Sue!”

“Ok, ok. I’m sorry. I wonder why the Navy would send a representative. Did he say what he does?”

“No, but here.” Anna lifted her head and found a set of papers. “Everyone’s bios are there. “

Anna crossed her arms and chewed at her lower lip as Sue perused the paper.

“Oh wow,” Sue said after a minute.

“That doesn’t sound good. What does it say?”

Sue cleared her throat and started to read aloud. “Ascension welcomes Naval representative Lieutenant Commander Kristoff Bjorgman from NAS Pensacola.”

“Oooh an officer!” Camilla noted. “Impressive.” She nodded her head along with Sue.

Sue started again. “Lt. Cmdr. Bjorgman has over ten years with the Navy… blah, blah, blah…will fill the position for the duration of his assignment at NAS…. blah, blah, blah…. currently serving his first year as a pilot with the Blue Angels demonstration team…. that,” Sue pointed her finger to the paper. “Is impressive. And it explains why he’s on the committee.”

“Explains what?” Sue might as well have been speaking a foreign language. Anna didn’t understand anything Sue had read.

“He’s a Blue Angel.”

“A what?”

Camilla smacked Anna’s shoulder. “You remember. The blue planes!”

“I remember how loud they were.”

Sue went on to explain. “The Blue Angels used to do a lot of PR at the hospital. They must be looking to start that up again. That’s good. They are a hit with the patients.”

“Great. He’s a celebrity.”

Sue shook her head. “Not him. But the suit kind of is.”

“Oh, the suit! I forgot about that!” Camilla exclaimed. “Anna, was he wearing it?”

“He had on a normal plain tan uniform. Why.”

Camilla had an evil grin on her face. “Just wait.”

One of the monitors started beeping and all three women shot up to look at it. Anna was first to respond. “I got this,” she said focusing on the job at hand and trying to remove any more thoughts of Kristoff Bjorgman out of her head.

#Up In The Air #kristanna #Edin What did you write #Frozen #Anna #kristoff #Up In The Air Chapter 5 #frozen 2

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