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Up In The Air- Chapter 3

Kristanna Modern AU

Rated T

WC: 2300

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 Chapters- Chapter 1 Chapter 2

“Anna!” The table yelled out in unison, some in the group raising their drinks as they called her name. Camila hadn’t been joking when she said everyone would be out. Most the nurses, techs and doctors who were off were standing or sitting around the three high tops pushed together.

“I saved you a seat,” Camila said as she ran over to meet Anna. Camila led Anna over to the tables to a stool between her and Sue. There was a spread of food already on the tables and Anna quickly filled up a plate. She was famished. Between her morning shift at the hospital and working at the OB’s office, she didn’t find any time to grab lunch.

“So, how was the Dr. Intilli’s,” Camila asked, handing Anna a beer.

Sue leaned in before Anna could answer. “I hope Dr. Intilli is single for the number of hours you’re putting in at his office and how much you talk about him. I’ve never heard him mention anyone, so I’ll remain hopeful.”

“If you must know, his partner helped me find the house I’m renting. They’re a lovely couple. And I like working there when they are short staffed. Gives me something to do.”

“Something to do!” Sue threw her hands up. “Anna, you’ve been here for over a month! Your ‘something to do’ should be filled with getting out and having fun.”

“You sound just like Camila.”

“Good. You should listen to us! Now let me help get you initiated into the club.”

“Sue, stop!” Camila reprimanded.

“Anna’s the one that said she was ready to start dating again. I’m just helping her along.”

Camila shook her head. “What I meant was, she’s not interested in any sailors.”

“Oh please. Was one date really that bad?”

Anna nodded, rolling her eyes as she took a drink from her beer. “I shouldn’t have told you two about that.”

Camila nudged Anna. “Don’t mind her. She’s biased because of her husband.”

Anna’s head swiveled to Sue. “Your husband was in the Navy?”

Sue smiled and winked. “20 years. His last station was Pensacola and we ended up staying. So yes, I’m a little biased, but if you don’t want military let’s see what the options are.” Sue started scanning the bar.

Anna looked at her quizzically. “What do you mean?”

“Sue can spot military from a mile away.” Camila answered.

“They all have a certain look to them,” Sue said as she continued to look around, until she stopped her focus at the back of the bar. “See the group at the back there? All Navy. The two across from us, not. But they don’t look like your type.”

“You know my type too? Anna snorted when she laughed. “Ok. I must know. What is your secret? How do you know who’s who?”

“First and most importantly,” Sue said, holding up her finger. “Years of being around it. And second,” she glanced around until she zeroed in on two men entering the bar. “There it is. See that one, with the brown hair?” Anna looked in the direction Sue was focused on. “The hair usually gives it away- neat and short most of the time. Also, see how he’s walking? It’s too precise. Yeah, that one’s definitely Navy. Although he does have a bit of swager in his step. Probably a fly boy.”

“Fly boy?”

“A pilot.”

“Oh, he’s cute!” Camila added as she looked over and pointed in that direction. “But I like his friend more. Anna what do you think?”

Anna grabbed her hand, shoving it down quicky. “Camila, stop! They’ll see us.”

“That’s the point! Sue what do you make of the other one?”

Sue looked intently for a moment. “You know, I can’t really tell. He’s either a local or an officer. It’s a toss-up, really.”

Anna kept her gaze on the duo until they found a pub table not too far away and started talking. She had to agree with Camila. Both men were good looking, but something drew her more to the second one. Anna didn’t realize she was staring until one of the doctors asked her a question and pulled her back into the conversation with the group.

Five minutes later, Sue was sliding off her pub chair. “Ok, here we go ladies.”

Anna shot a look at Sue. “Where are you going?”

Sue had a laser focus on the bar. “To gather intel. I’ll be back soon.”

Anna could only watch as Sue sauntered up to the bar right next to one of the men from the table. She hid her face in her hands. “Oh, this isn’t going to go well.”

“Relax,” Camila said then got distracted. She held up a sheet of paper from the table. “Oh, look. They have karaoke tonight. Fun!”

“Wait,what?”

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

“Hey Svenny,” Sue heard the bartender say as she watched him put both hands on the edge of the bar. “Sorry for the wait. I’m down two wait staff tonight.” He handed over two bottles of beer. “Great to see you again! How you’ve been doing, bud? I see you managed to get Kris out.”

The man turned and looked behind him. “Miracles do happen.”

“Well, I can’t speak for my brother, but I’m sure Cliff is appreciative.”

“I’m always up for dragging his ass out and making him live a little.”

The bartender chuckled as he glanced over to the table then turned his attention back to Sven. “How long are you in town?’

“Just a few more days. I’ve got a few weeks of leave before I report to my new assignment, and we wanted to see Kris. It’s been too long.”

“I heard you’re reassigned to the States now that your deployment is over. Congrats! Where are you going?”

“Virginia Beach. And thanks. Finally. Hopefully we should be back for a long time.”

“Good to hear. How’s the wife doing?”

Sue heard a sigh, and she already knew where the conversation was going. She listened to them talk before she couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Want some unsolicited advice from a wife of a 20-year naval veteran?”

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

“What’s going on now?” Anna asked, not able to look over at the bar.

Camila was watching Sue’s every move. “She’s talking to them. He’s giving her a look. Oh wait! He’s smiling at her!”

“That can’t be good.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.” Camila hopped off the chair with the paper in hand. “I’ll be back in a minute. I’m going to put our names on the list for karaoke.”

A few minutes later, Sue was bouncing back to the table, drinks in hand and smiling like a Cheshire cat.

“What was that about?” Anna asked, crossing her arms and squinting her eyes at Sue.

“Top secret military stuff. But look, he bought us drinks!” Sue sat down and passed Anna’s drink over. “I don’t know what it is, but it looked like it was strong.”

“Sounds like I may need it.”

Sue ignored her and started in. “Here’s the deal. The one at the bar… off the table. Married and from what I could gather, happily. So, hands off. But the blond is definitely single. And the more I get a look at him, fucking hot. I see it as a win-win situation for everyone. So, now you may go talk to him.”

“Just like that?”

“Why not?”

“Because!” Anna threw her face in her hands. “I am going to need a drink for that.”

Sue pushed hers over. “Then you can have mine too. I’m not drinking anymore tonight. Early shift tomorrow.”

Camila was back as soon as Anna finished her drink. Anna grabbed Sue’s when Camila dragged her over by the karaoke.

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

“Cheers,” Sven clinked his beer to Kristoff’s and both men took a swig of their glasses. “Thanks for showing me around today. That was a dream come true.”

Kristoff sat back in thought for a moment. “Yeah, glad we could do that. The team liked you…surprisingly.” A corner of Kristoff's mouth turned up.

“What are you talking about? Everyone loves me. I’m a joy to have in class. Ask my second-grade teacher.”

“And it was all downhill after that. But seriously, it was nice to be able to take someone on base besides my parents to see everything.”

“You ready for El Centro? I can’t believe you leave soon.”

“It’s come up so fast.” Kristoff shook his head. “Everything’s been a blur since July. Between transitioning duties in Norfolk, moving down here, getting in the jets and starting to learn the show, I barely know which way is up. We already started working on the routine.”

“How is it?”

Kristoff let out a high bark of a laugh. “Rough. But the boss wants us to have a basic feel for the show in the air before we leave.”

Sven leaned forward on his elbows, his face turning serious. “Be honest. What’s it like? Flying the jet with the team?”

The grin from Kristoff said it all. “Amazing.”

Sven clapped his hands and leaned back against his chair. He wore a huge smile from ear to ear. “I fucking knew it! What a dream! Now you get 8 weeks in Cali flying with the Angels and you’ll come back a cohesive team!”

“Don’t glamourize it too much. It’s not like I’ll be sitting at the beach. That’s 8 weeks of intense work in the Mohave Desert.”

“I’ll glamorize it all I want! Do you know how many pilots would kill to be in your position?”

“I’m fully aware.”

Sven took another drink of his beer. He sat the bottle down, spinning the bottom edge of the glass on the table. “Remember when we used to talk about trying out for the Angels when we were in the Academy? You actually did it.”

“You could too.”

“Fuck off with that.” Sven shook his head, dismissing the idea.

“Why?”

“Why?!” Sven looked like he could barely contain his laughter at the thought. “Look at you! You’ve done twice the amount of combat deployments as I have, you’ve been to TOPGUN, you’re a full rank above me. Plus, all the shit you’ve been through…”

Kristoff crossed his arms. “So what? None of that gets you in the Blue Angels. You have all the required hours and the rank to apply. There’s a lot of things you have that I don’t that could make you stand out to get on the team.”

“Like what?”

“Like Nic to start.”

“Oh, ok.” Sven rolled his eyes. “That’ll help with getting on a team where you FLY AN F-18.”

“It does. It gives you balance. I don’t have that. It’s why I have all the combat deployments, hours and rank. What else do I have to do?”

Sven tilted his head. “Am I sensing some regret?”

Kristoff’s face remained emotionless. “Absolutely not. I’m just showing the comparison. What I’m saying is you have experiences to bring to the team. Plus, you’re a damn good pilot with a stunning reputation.”

“Who told you that?”

“Word gets around.”

“Was it Pop Tart?”

Kristoff let out a heartly laugh. “Definitely not! I swear how can we both have been deployed with him and you and I never be assigned to the same carrier even once?”

Sven was laughing too. “Both times I had deployment with Pops, he’d complain about you to me whenever he had the chance. He really hates you. I think he’s still angry you gave him that call sign.”

“The guy ate Pop Tarts every meal. He was asking for it! I only came up with it and encouraged the name. The rest of the squad had to agree for it to stick.”

Sven burst into another fit of laughter before calming down and sighing. “It would be a blast flying together.”

“Think about it. Applications are due in the spring if you decide it’s right for you. I can give you some advice, but you’ll have to figure out your path on your own.”

“Thanks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“Any time. Now, how’s Nic really doing? I didn’t want to ask about anything around her.”

Sven blew out a breath. “Better. I was gone for almost 8 months this time. It takes a toll; delays plans we had...” Sven trailed off, lost in thought. Then just as quickly, he snapped out of it and continued. “I think Nicki’s having a tough time believing I should be home now for a few years at least.”

Sven went on to tell Kristoff how they had started couples therapy that was offered on base to help adjust to him being back and how he felt it was a positive thing for them. Kristoff didn’t say anything, knowing Sven needed an ear to listen more than any advice. Not that he would have much to give that would help. Sven and Nicole were a strong couple, and he was happy to hear them address their issues head on. After a while the conversations drifted to their families and a vacation Sven was planning. Sven noticed Kristoff’s attention start to waiver several times, looking over Sven’s shoulder before coming back to the conversation. He asked Kristoff if he was ok, getting only a dismissive ‘yes’.

“What are you looking at?” Sven said after Kristoff got distracted again. He swiveled in the chair to look behind him then back to Kristoff. “Do you want to sing karaoke that bad?”

“What? No!”

Sven gave Kristoff a frustrated look then turned away again. After a few moments, Sven turned back, a shit eating grin on his face. “You’re watching the red head, aren’t you?”

“Fuck off,” Kristoff said. He grabbed his beer and took a long drink, his cheeks flashing red.

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