Latest Posts by sunflowers-and-sandwiches - Page 2

Sketch edition — because I’m not sure which one I like more, but always yes to her wearing his sweater 🩵❄️

Looks Better On You

Yesterday I could smell that delicious aroma of fresh bread baking and thought of the adorable, fun and sexy Kristanna fanfic ‘Yeah, Just Like That’ by the amazing @firawren ! Thought I was hungry, turned out it was the perfect time for some overdue fanart of Anna wearing Kristoff’s sweater! You knead to read it! Rated E, 5048 words.

Frozen (c) Disney — Art by @sunflowers-and-sandwiches. Please do not repost or use my work for any purpose without permission :)

Looks Better On You

Yesterday I could smell that delicious aroma of fresh bread baking and thought of the adorable, fun and sexy Kristanna fanfic ‘Yeah, Just Like That’ by the amazing @firawren ! Thought I was hungry, turned out it was the perfect time for some overdue fanart of Anna wearing Kristoff’s sweater! You knead to read it! Rated E, 5048 words.

Frozen (c) Disney — Art by @sunflowers-and-sandwiches. Please do not repost or use my work for any purpose without permission :)

Daily sketch challenge and I’m “rollin with” more Kristoff 🩵❄️

Frozen (c) Disney — Art by @sunflowers-and-sandwiches, please do not post or reuse my work without permission.

A Kristoff a day keeps reality away! ❄️🩵

Looks like I’m playing the Kiss Game! @firawren asked for a Kristanna #11 (a kiss to the neck) — I was going to draw but then this idea came to mind (I might still get the pencil out). I hope you like it, teehee.

Icecream, of course

The agitated thrum of cicadas was almost deafening as the heat rose off the path in distorted, shimmering waves. Kristoff ran his hand down the back of his neck to wipe off the sheen of sweat and wiped his hand along his pants leg. The shade from the towering tree above their bench provided little relief.

As always Anna had turned to food to displace her discomfort — icecream, of course. She ran her tongue around the top of the cone and sighed with pleasure as the frozen treat melted in her mouth, soothing her from the inside out.

Maybe it was the heat making Kristoff delirious but suddenly the thick air around him felt ice cold compared to the burning of his cheeks. He gulped down the rest of his icecream to soothe his dry throat but it just didn’t seem enough.

He stole a sideways glance at Anna only to notice that the weather was melting her icecream as quickly as it was thawing his resolve — a stream of creamy chocolate trickled from the corner of her lips and down past her chin into the depths of the neckline of her dress.

With a shriek of surprise Anna was knocked out of her icecream dream as something hot, wet and moving trailed along her collarbone! Kristoff’s golden hair skimmed her bare skin as he chased the drip up her neck, his humid breath tickled her ears and she erupted into a fit of giggles. Suddenly he was laughing too and peppered kisses back down and across her shoulder, attending every freckle.

Anna’s nose wrinkled as she booped his with what was left of her treat and promptly licked it off in one fell swoop.

“Agh!” he scrunched up his eyes and brushed off her saliva with the back of his hand before being hit with a firm kiss to the mouth. His eyes and mouth burst open in bewilderment but before he could lick his lips and return the affection Anna was tugging him by the hand into the hot sunshine.

“C’mon! I want more icecream!”

🩷🍦 🩷 🍦 🩷 🍦 🩷 🍦 🩷 🍦 🩷 🍦 🩷

Please do not use or repost my work without express permission. Frozen (c) Disney

It’s True Love!

A dorky Valentine’s Day scribble and nudge to share the love! Don’t forget to hit the ❤️ to kudos/like works that you enjoy and encourage authors and artists to keep creating! Even better leave a comment and tell them why! It doesn’t have to be perfect — throw a little love their way and you’ll bring out their best!

Please don’t use or repost my art without express permission. Frozen (c) Disney.

I love this adorable Kristanna snippet on-the-fly by the talented @firawren ! Thank you so much 💖 And what a great game to inspire some fun writing!

I’ll take a Kristanna #32 (A kiss while someone watches) please! And happy to return the favour 🩵

Oh fun! Thanks for the ask! Do you mean you'd like to write a snippet too, or are you planning on drawing some kisses? Either way, I'd love you to do #11 for Kristanna!

32. A kiss while someone watches

Kristoff had never expected there to be hundreds of people watching him on his wedding day. Of course, he'd never expected to be marrying the Queen of Arendelle.

The second they were pronounced husband and wife, all he wanted was to run off with her, away from all those eyes, to have Anna to himself in private, showing his wife just how happy he was to be her husband. But everyone was watching them.

Anna wasn't as concerned about privacy. The second they got out of the church, she grabbed his face and kissed him, hard. A wild cheer rose up from the crowd, everyone hooting and laughing as they watched their fiery queen kiss her consort as if none of them were there.

Kristoff circled his arms around Anna's waist and tuned them all out as he smiled against her lips and kissed her back.

Written for the kiss ask game

Read all of these kiss fic snippets at the tag #kiss snippet. Read all of my stuff at the tag #my writing.

Stunning snow sisters 🩵❄️ I love the way this artists captures so much with just a few thoughtful lines and splashes of colour.

Mari got style! Had to share all these gorgeous snowflakes of course ❄️

pastel winter themed dividers:

please like and credit if you use, reblogs are appreciated! thank you! 💕

Always so much thought put into those little details! I love the foam and light on the sea.

Look at him chilling.

Love Will Save You

Fanart for ‘Love Will Save You’ by @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots !

This is a great read with generous servings of fluff and wit, but also an inspiring story of the power of unconditional love and removing the stigma of mental health challenges. But really, she had me at Firefighter Kristoff and Anna has her own bakery - called Sprinkles!

The window design is inspired by the lighthouse scene in ‘Love is An Open Door’. I hope you like it!

Please do not repost or use my art for any purpose without express permission.

So many favourites in here and few I haven’t read yet. But the thing with reading fics by @annas-hair-donut, you can’t stop at just one. A binge reading master list!

Show some love with kudos and comments!

First Line Tag Game

feat Rules: List the first lines of the last ten (10) stories you published. Look to see any patterns you notice yourself and see if anyone else notices any. Then tag some friends.

No one tagged me, but @kristannafever and @justfrozenthings said this would be fun, so here we go!

1. "Hey, Anna, looks like you got a package," Ryder said as he all but dropped the box on her desk. (Good Vibrations)

2. "Once upon a time, there was a grumpy ice harvester-" (How You Kiss an Arendellian Princess)

3. I want Kristoff to drool, so I need to find the perfect dress. (All Tied Up)

4. Anna's Husband Kristoff was going to be furious when he found out that instead of going to school, Elsa had been spending her days in the woods foraging for mushrooms, talking to butterflies, and skipping stones. (Good Cop, Bad Coop)

5. Kristoff twists his hands on the steering wheel as he glares at the hearts and cupids sprinkled across the brightly colored Oaken's Bath & Sauna Works signs. (She Holds a Candle)

6. Come on, sis! We're gonna be late!" says Elsa. (Sophisticated Grace)

7. Anna stares at the picture of her and her sister on the wall above the steamer, kisses her hand, and touches it to Elsa's face. (Flour in Her Hair)

8. Anna's alarm rang, and the hit the snooze button. (Better Half)

9. "When will we get to Living Rock Township?" (Bundle Up, Scooch In)

10. Kristoff sighs as balances three pizzas in the palm of his hand and shuts the trunk of his 15-year-old Camaro. (Pizza My Heart)

Wow, this was fun! Something interesting: these are all Kristanna fics. If I went to 11, I would have pulled in a Wednesday/Tyler fic!

Tagging anyone who wants to join in all the fun. But I'll just tag @sunflowers-and-sandwiches, @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots and @bad-at-names-and-faces. No pressure!

Ooh I wanna read all of these! If only I were a cat with 8 more lives to read All. The. Fanfic!

Love this author - please apply kudos liberally!

First Line Game

feat Rules: List the first lines of the last ten (10) stories you published. Look to see any patterns you notice yourself and see if anyone else notices any. Then tag some friends.

I was tagged by @annaofthenorthernlights. Thank you so much love!<3 Some of these were from multi-chapter fics and wasn’t sure if I was supposed to take the first line from the most recent chapter or not, so ended up doing the first line from the first one. Some of these are very short and are all Kristanna fics except the least one. I was surprised to see how far back these went date wise. I really have been writing as much as I used to. :(

1. Anna shivered as she stuffed her hands in the pocket of the towering blonde beside her, thankful that the world had blessed her with a boyfriend who had body heat like a furnace. (A Season to Hold Close)

2. The bell chimed, signaling that someone had entered the door of the quaint little coffee shop that sat nestled in the corner of Arendelle University. (I Like You a Latte)

3. Kristoff sat on a lava rock as he gazed across the expanse of the crystal blue waters of the ocean. (The Sea Nymph)

4. Anna just finished wiping off the last of her makeup with a wet rag, before her fiancé came up to wrap his broad arms around her lithe waist, his chest pressing behind the small of her back. (Steam that Lingers)

5. “Come on Kristoff,” Elsa pleaded “It won’t be the same without you there. (Is it Too Late to Say I Love You?)

6. He tried to stop it. (Season of the Witch)

7. Anna’s hand trembled as she held up the small test stick in her hand. (When Worries Turn Into Elations )

8. Five years. (Before She Goes)

9. “I’m here, aren’t I?” Anna stormed over to where Kristoff was now standing on their bedroom balcony. (Promise Me)

10. “Because you’re a jinx!” (Just a Jinx)

I’m not sure who all has been tagged besides the others from the post I was tagged in haha so I apologize if I tag you and you already had been previously.

I tag: @emsprovisions @sunflower-sonder @sunflowers-and-sandwiches @kristannafever

Stunning art! Stunning story! And reassures me that black line art is totally valid.

Second chapter of my fic, out today!

Of the Southern Isles

Eyes - dreamy.

Favourite food - sandwiches.

Best friend’s name - probably John.

Foot size - doesn’t matter.

Something for my Frozen Friend @pirate-of-the-southern-isles. Go check out her amazing art and writing!

Please do not repost or use my art for any purpose without express permission. Thanks!

Im totally convinced about plural Kristoff. Go smother this cutie with kudos and comments!

How You Kiss an Arendellian Princess

Chapters: 1/5 Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Anna/Kristoff, Kristoff & Trolls, Bulda & Kristoff Characters: Kristoff, Anna, Trolls, Bulda Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Song: Fixer Upper (Maia Wilson & Cast of Frozen), There Was Only One Bed, Snowed In, Sunshine x grumpy dynamic, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Multiplicity/Plurality, Kristoff Needs a Hug (Disney), Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting Series: Part 2 of Kristoff and the Seven Trolls Summary:

The Arendellian princess will die in the eternal winter if she doesn’t stay the night in Kristoff’s cabin, and all Kristoff has to do is get through one night without falling for her. It would be much easier if there weren't just one stack of hay to lay on, one blanket to share, and seven rock trolls living in his head who keep trying to fix him up with a woman who’s engaged to someone else.

Or, an alternate meet cute where Anna wanders into Kristoff's cabin instead of Oaken's and the Valley of the Living Rock is inside Kristoff's head, where the rock trolls live.

Written for the Frozen x BATB Yuletide Exchange 2024.

More great sports romance from @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots !!

Chapter: 15/??

Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies)

Rating: Explicit

Relationships: Anna/Kristoff

Characters: Anna, Kristoff, Elsa, Ryder, Gaston, Belle,

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hockey AU, College AU, Ice Skating, Masturbation, Grinding

Summary:

Ice dancer Anna Andersen meets hockey goalie Kristoff Bjorgman at Arendelle University and there's an instant attraction.

Chapter 15

Can’t wait to read this, because guys who wear hats, ride steeds and play guitar, yeah!!

Chapter: 1/??

Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies)

Rating: Explicit

Relationships: Anna/Kristoff

Characters: Anna, Kristoff, Ryder, Elsa,

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Farmer!Kristoff, Musician!Kristoff

Summary:

Horse farmer and trainer by day and musician by night, Kristoff Bjorgman, meets Anna Andersen, a city girl, when he's playing at a country bar during her bachelorette party. But she's taken, so nothing can happen, right?

Chapter 1: The Bachelorette Party

A new instalment in one of my very favourite Kristanna series, Bandana AU by @annas-hair-donut! A powerful (sexy!) series of acceptance and empowerment, featuring cocky but perceptive Kristoff and Anna discovering her personal power - both learning to genuinely love and live ❤️

I highly recommend going back to read the other fics in the series too - get ready for your new fanfic obsession.

Good Vibrations

Words: 5488 (one-shot) Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Anna/Kristoff Characters: Anna, Kristoff Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff and Smut, P*rn with Feelings, S*x Toys, Accidental Voyeurism, Light Angst, Self-Love, Clothed S*x, against a door, Mutual Pining, Dirty Talk, Self-Indulgent Series: Bandana AU Summary:

It's been six months since Anna's divorce. Six months since she hooked up with KB and friend-zoned him because she wasn't ready. And six months since she started working for him. And after six months of self-deprivation and KB's ass being right in front of her all day long, she's pretty hard up. So she orders something to help relieve her frustration, and accidentally sends the discrete package to KB's Auto Shop instead of her apartment. KB figures out what's in the package when he accidentally walks in on her. Maybe it's the most mortifying moment of Anna's life. Or maybe she's finally ready for some good vibrations.

Bandana AU

Sun Sneezes Anna emerges from the courthouse happily single and ready to seize the day, but gets derailed by sun sneezes, a good Samaritan's bandana, and a really nice ass. (T)

Rain Check Newly divorced Anna goes for a walk to work off some pent-up energy, but gets derailed by rain, a good Samaritan’s garage, and some really great D. (E)

Here Comes the Sun Anna 2.0 is earthy, technicolor, alive, and ready to find her place in the sun but gets derailed by a flat tire, a phone call with a good Samaritan, and another really great ass. But maybe it’s time for a fresh start. (E)

Adorable Kristanna art by @sunflowers-and-sandwiches. Please do not reuse/repost without permission!!!

Do You Wanna Decorate A Christmas Tree?

Additional art for Under the Winter Moon, my contribution to the Frozen x Beauty & the Beast 2024 Yuletide Gift Exchange. Created for @true--north.

Christmas can be a wonderful time of celebration and giving, but sometimes gifts aren’t the only things that come unwrapped. Will Elsa and Anna get their hearts’ true Christmas wishes? Rated T, 3412 words.

Also thank you to @lovewillthaw-j. I used your amazing analysis of the Arendelle castle library extensively to plan the above illustration.

Please do not post or use my work for any purpose without express permission.

It’s by @annaofthenorthernlights so you know its awesome ❤️🎅

The kristanna fanart in the middle of the cover moodboard was kindly provided by the wonderful @upthenorthmountain!

This is my contribution for Yuletide fic exchange 2024 on the "Frozen Hearts worth melting for" Discord server. For @99goosebumps

Rated: Explicit Words: 5227

~~~

Dec 23rd, early afternoon...

"It's so nice of you to take the children overnight."

Anna beamed at her sister as she packed a few games and things for them so that Elsa would have no trouble keeping them entertained. The older sister pursed her lips and leaned over the kitchen counter, playing one-handed with the ice skater figurine that adorned the etagere.

"I'm not that curious, you know that. But may I ask why Kristoff wants the house to yourselves tonight?"

Her voice suggested innocent questioning, but her sparkling eyes betrayed Ela's cluelessness. Anna squirmed and shrugged, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ears.

"Oh, well... he just wanted us to have a romantic dinner at home. Just the two of us, before Christmas Eve. It's sort of his gift to me this year.

Read on AO3

Under the Winter Moon

My contribution to the Frozen x Beauty & the Beast Yuletide Gift Exchange 2024 created for @true--north.

Christmas can be a wonderful time of celebration and giving, but sometimes gifts aren’t the only things that come unwrapped. Will Elsa and Anna get their hearts’ true Christmas wishes? Rated T.

Shout out! The dividers in the work were created by the amazing @strangergraphics! Thank you 🩵

Please do not post or use my work for any purpose without express permission.

This one is going to be a blast!

How You Kiss an Arendellian Princess

Chapters: 1/5 Fandom: Frozen (Disney Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Anna/Kristoff, Kristoff & Trolls, Bulda & Kristoff Characters: Kristoff, Anna, Trolls, Bulda Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Song: Fixer Upper (Maia Wilson & Cast of Frozen), There Was Only One Bed, Snowed In, Sunshine x grumpy dynamic, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Multiplicity/Plurality, Kristoff Needs a Hug (Disney), Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting Series: Part 2 of Kristoff and the Seven Trolls Summary:

The Arendellian princess will die in the eternal winter if she doesn’t stay the night in Kristoff’s cabin, and all Kristoff has to do is get through one night without falling for her. It would be much easier if there weren't just one stack of hay to lay on, one blanket to share, and seven rock trolls living in his head who keep trying to fix him up with a woman who’s engaged to someone else.

Or, an alternate meet cute where Anna wanders into Kristoff's cabin instead of Oaken's and the Valley of the Living Rock is inside Kristoff's head, where the rock trolls live.

Written for the Frozen x BATB Yuletide Exchange 2024.

Frozen x BATB Yuletide Exchange 2024 Master List

This year, we have 12 fanfics and one piece of fan art for the exchange! You can find the entire collection here. Links to individual fics with descriptions are below.

Frozen

A little expertise @lyricalark (@snowberriesromanoff)

(Anna/Kristoff, E)

Kristoff is a wedding planner who took over his mom Bulda's business when she retired. She's always said she'll come out of retirement to plan his wedding but he's not holding his breath. Anna is a bride-to-be like any other, except she's clearly not happy and her fiancé Hans doesn't see or doesn't care to see. And Kristoff is starting to care. Or, the Kristanna Wedding Planner AU

Fir-needles and Crocuses @be_my_druidess (@true--north)

(Anna & Elsa; Anna/Kristoff, T)

Anna and Elsa invite Kristoff to spend Christmas with them.

How You Kiss an Arendellian Princess [not yet posted] @annas-hair-donut

(Anna/Kristoff; Kristoff & the Trolls, M)

The Arendellian princess will die in the eternal winter if she doesn’t stay the night in Kristoff’s cabin. All Kristoff has to do is get through one night without falling for her. It would be easier if there weren’t just one stack of hay, one blanket, and seven rock trolls living in his head who keep trying to fix him up with a woman who’s engaged to someone else. Or, an alternate meet cute where Anna wanders into Kristoff's cabin instead of Oaken's and the rock trolls live in Kristoff’s head instead of the Valley of the Living Rock.

Snowed In With Open Doors @chibiotaku4life

(Anna/Hans, G)

Hans has a special surprise for Anna this year when they are snowed in during her favorite holiday.

Under the Winter Moon @sunflowers-and-sandwiches

(Anna/Kristoff; Anna & Elsa, T)

Christmas can be a wonderful time of celebration and giving, but sometimes gifts aren’t the only things that come unwrapped. Will Elsa and Anna get their hearts’ true Christmas wishes?

Valiant, pungent, Santa baby! @annaorthenorthernlights

(Anna/Kristoff, E)

Kristoff has planned a special Christmas surprise for Anna...

You'll Never be Alone @flowerinherhair (@glassslippers-n-cowboyboots)

(Elsa/Hans, T)

Hans Westergaard is in a friendly little competition with Elsa Arendelle for the top spot in the law school class. Maybe Hans wants more than for things to be friendly between them though.

Beauty & the Beast

Hidden Desires Seeking Satisfaction @biblioscribler (@99goosebumps)

(Belle/Beast, E)

Belle plays a naughty game of hide and seek with Beast.

Something sweet @firawren

(Beast/Belle, M)

Belle challenges her grumpy roommate Adam to take part in her Christmas tradition of doing acts of service for people. He thinks it’s ridiculous. Everyone knows Christmas is just about selling shit and families fighting. But as he starts to give it a try, he discovers that maybe he kind of likes being nice. And maybe he really likes Belle, too.

Stories @flowerinherhair @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots)

(Adam/Belle, T)

Adam is risking being kicked out of his university program if he doesn't get at least a 75% on his final English essay. He needs a tutor and the one person who can help him is the beautiful, smart, intimidating girl who sits in the front row.

Frozen x BATB Crossovers

Behind the Curtain of Snowfall @chibiotaku4life

(Belle/Ryder Nattura, T)

Belle and Ryder have a terrifying run-in with wolves, and find what's really important in the winter woods.

Books of a Flurry @paigebstorey

(Belle & Elsa, G)

Belle works in the local bookstore cafe, a place of wonder and escape from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. This is the story of how she met her favorite customer.

The Icy Roses @magentacravat

(Belle & Elsa, G)

Belle has rose powers or even plant growth powers that, like Elsa's ice powers, are tied to love. The icy goddess finally meets her counterpart with the power of roses of love.

This year's batch is so great! Here's some quick stats from this year's exchange:

We had 3 Frozen x BATB crossover fics, including 2 Belle/Elsa and the very first fic in the Belle/Ryder Nattura tag. We need more of both ships!

We had 11 fanfics created by 9 writers and 1 piece of fan art, with @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots and @chibiotaku4life both writing pinch hits for the exchange! Thank you so much for showing a little extra love so everyone could participate!

@sunflowers-and-sandwiches created the beautiful banner for this year's exchange. Thank you so much for lending your talents!

@paigebstorey served as our co-mod this year. Thank you so much for your help! Hopefully she'll take over one day.

We had 5 NSFW fics and 8 SFW works this year.

I also want to apologize for posting this so late, especially since some of these are Christmas themed. It's 100% my fault so please go and read those fics anyway!

DM me or @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots if you're interested in joining the Frozen/BATB writing server, Frozen Hearts Worth Melting.

Christmas Wishes, Secret Kisses

All the way back in October I got tagged by the wonderful @firawren in Ficback Friday!

📚 First Bookmark 🔖

Rules: Share (one of) your first Ao3 bookmark(s) then tag others to join!

I thought I might have enough time to get some art in before posting, just in time for Christmas! (But not Friday!)

One of my first bookmarks on AO3 was Secret Santa and the Ugly Sweater Contest by @annas-hair-donut / @loonysama !

Thoughtful, fluffy and funny with just the right amount of seasonal angst, it’s still one of my favourite Kristanna Modern AU stories from one of my favourite authors.

Please don’t post or use my art for any purpose without express permission.

No presh tags @loonysama, @glassslippers-n-cowboyboots, @frenzy5150, @bad-at-names-and-faces, @annaofthenorthernlights

Get booped!! ✨🌈SEND THIS TO OTHER BLOGGERS YOU THINK ARE WONDERFUL. KEEP THE GAME GOING🌈✨

Just so you know ❤

Woah! The boops just keep on coming! Thank you, you made my day 🌈

Get booped!! ✨🌈SEND THIS TO OTHER BLOGGERS YOU THINK ARE WONDERFUL. KEEP THE GAME GOING🌈✨

Just so you know ❤

Nice surprise, thank you! ❄️🩵

Well howdy there little lady. That’s a mighty nice story you’ve got there.

🧡 Cowboy Kristoff! 🧡

Big Sky Ranch

Kristanna Modern AU Rated: M WC: 1829

In the foothills off of the Rocky Mountains, resides a generational Ranch known to all in the area. Kristoff, a humble hand on that ranch, works hard and enjoys his simple existence. It isn't until a new woman starts at the diner that be begins to acknowledge his loneliness and plans to ask her on a date. When his plans are foiled by a rival group of men, it sets events into motion that plunge Anna and Kristoff into getting to know each other through some very unexpected situations and their relationship blossoms as their lives begin to change.

--------------------

A/N: This had been my passion project for over a year, and is the most self-indulgent thing I have ever written. It is inspired by the ranch setting of Yellowstone and the rural area in which I live.

---------------------

Anna had only been working as a waitress at the diner for a week, and she was quickly learning what the biggest perk of the job was. 

It was the cowboys.

She’d moved to the small town only a month prior, desperate to get as far away from the city where her sleazy ex-fiancé was.  It was the fresh start she needed after wallowing about that cheating asshole for months.  Truly dark times they had been.

After finding a basement suite to rent since she wasn’t sure how long she would be there before she moved on again, she got the job at the diner, and was truly starting to enjoy life again.  And that was in large part due to the clientele. 

The town was surrounded by ranchlands.  Large farms spread out in all directions, and the roads were ruled by pick-up trucks and farm equipment.  Many times, Anna had gone for a drive to clear her head and she’d come upon some large tractor-thing, and she’d have to squeeze around the slow-moving vehicle in the wrong lane, or wait until it pulled into a pasture.  Even so, she never minded too much, because she enjoyed the drives and admiring the lovely scenery against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

And every day, rain or shine, groups of men came in for breakfast or lunch.  Most of them in the full cowboy outfit; cowboy boots, jeans, roper or plaid shirts, and cowboy hats.  And no matter the size or shape of them, they were all ruggedly handsome in their own ways.

And decent!  Anna had never met so many decent men.  They were all extremely polite and respectful.  They held doors and said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘ma’am’, and they always tipped generously even if they only had a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. 

Anna truly did love her job, even if was a lot harder work than sitting behind a desk all day like she’d been doing when she worked at that insurance company with her ex. 

That asshole could rot in hell.

Now Anna had her eyes open for a cowboy.  A lot of them didn’t wear any wedding rings, but that didn’t mean that they weren’t married.  She’d asked one of the other waitresses and was told they don’t wear them for safety, not wanting them to get caught in ropes or machinery.  And the ones that did wear them, wore those new rubber ones that could break if they got caught in something.   It made perfect sense to Anna.  Although it certainly made it harder to tell who was and wasn’t attached. 

Which was why for the time being she just had her eyes open.  She never outwardly hit on any of them for fear of hitting on a taken man.  She just hoped that one day, one of them might just ask her out.  And until then, she would more than happily take in all the eye candy.

*****

Kristoff yawned as he got out of his truck and stretched out his tired back.  Him and Sven got up extra early and treated themselves to breakfast whenever they could, and right now they had a short break before calving season when their days were a little less long.

The air was still chilly with the last of winter’s tenuous hold, and their breath came out in white vapors as they walked through the parking lot.  At least the snow was mostly all gone, and while that meant that him and Sven’s work load was going to ramp up, it was hard to argue with the sun shining bright after six brutally long months of snow-covered ground.

As soon as they stepped into the diner, Sven gave him a nudge with his elbow.

“New girl,” he said under his breath, and flicked his head in her direction as they walked to a booth along the front windows. 

Kristoff glanced her direction then turned to Sven and gave him a hard stare.  Ever since he got engaged, Sven had been trying mercilessly to set Kristoff up with someone and it was starting to get on his nerves.  The girl was really cute, sure, he just wasn’t interested.  He was too damn set in his ways to be interested.

They sat in their favourite booth, took off their cowboy hats, and set them on the seat beside themselves.  Kristoff ran a hand through his hair a few times, shaking out the hat line, and the new waitress came over straight away and set menus on the table. 

“Morning, gentlemen.”  She smiled brightly.  “What can I start you out with today?”

“Coffee, black, and a water,” Kristoff said.

“Same here,” Sven said, “please.”

“Coming right up.”  She gave them another bright smile and walked away. 

“City girl,” Sven mused.

“Yup.”  He’d heard her accent too.

“She don’t have a ring.”

“Sven-”

“Come on, man.  You livin’ like that ain’t healthy.  All alone in that cabin.  You should move back to one of the main houses.”

“You know I don’t like being around people too much.”

“You like being around me.”

“Yeah, well, you’re the one exception and you know that too.”

“You could make another exception,” Sven flicked his head to the counter where she was pouring them coffee, “for her.”

“If you don’t cut this out, I’m gonna strap you to that nasty old bull out in the east pastures.”

“Ole’ Bruce?”  Sven laughed.  “That bull don’t got any fight left in him.”

“I beg to differ,” Kristoff stated.  It was only a month ago that mean old brute had him scrambling for the fences when he charged Kristoff.  And of course, no one had been around to see it and they all told him he was making shit up.  That bull had it out for him, Kristoff knew it.

The waitress came back with the drinks and they ordered their usual; the cowboy breakfast.  It came with two eggs, three strips of bacon, a pair of sausages, hash browns, beans and two slices of toast.  Both him and Sven would eat it all and be starving by noon. 

They ate quickly and Kristoff pulled his wallet out of his back pocket since it was his turn to pay.  The waitress came back with the bill and a card machine which Kristoff waived off because he always paid with cash.  He gave her a pretty nice tip since she’d kept their water and coffee cups full.  He hated it when he was halfway through his meal and he had nothing to drink because the cups weren’t topped off. 

On the way out, when Sven wasn’t looking, Kristoff glanced in the waitress’s direction.  She had her copper hair in braids, and actually, was very attractive.  He always had been a sucker for freckles.  If he was interested in a relationship, he might ask her out, but he was more than content not having to deal with what came in having that sort of thing.

*****

Anna watched the pair of cowboy’s head back to their big dually in the parking lot.  They’d been the best-looking ones yet.  Especially that blond with the big nose and the pretty brown eyes.  He was very handsome.  And built!  The guy’s biceps were giving that roper shirt a serious quality control test.  She felt a little flustered to suddenly think about what being with a man like that would be like.  Her ex had been on the skinnier side and nowhere near as tall.  Not to mention never really left her satisfied.  She had a feeling that the handsome blond cowboy sure wouldn’t disappoint. 

He didn’t really say much, he left her a very nice tip, and he did say thank you when she dropped off their breakfast, even if he didn’t say please when he ordered it.  Anna hoped she’d see him again soon and found herself hoping that he was single and looking.

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Sven suggested breakfast again the next morning and Kristoff damn well knew why.  Still, it was hard to argue against a big brekky that he didn’t have to make himself.   They drove to the diner and sure enough, the attractive waitress was working.

They sat in the same booth and she came over a moment later with coffees and waters.  It impressed him a little that they didn’t have to order, even if was presumptuous of her. 

“Same as yesterday, gentlemen?” she asked, after she’d set their drinks on the table.

“You bet,” Sven answered.

“And are we sticking with sunny-side up eggs and rye toast?”  Both men nodded.  “Perfect.  I’ll have that right out to you.”

Kristoff found himself watching her walk away.  She sure had a nice smile.  Very friendly.  Good for getting better tips for sure.   And those eyes were something else.

“You should ask her out,” Sven persisted in a hushed voice.

He turned to Sven and scowled.  “No.”

“Why not?”

Kristoff shrugged and couldn’t really come up with a good answer. 

Sven heaved a big sigh.  “You know what, I give up.  You’re hopeless.”

Kristoff sneered.  “Like you pointed out, she’s a city girl.  Only one way a relationship with her is gonna end up, and that’s me being dumped after a week.”

“Maybe if you would just try-”

“That’s enough,” he said, very serious.  “I’m not in the mood.”

Sven scoffed.  “Fine, whatever.”

Kristoff looked down at his hands and started to dig some dirt out from under his thumbnail.  Sven had no idea what he was talking about.  Kristoff had always tried.  He did his best, even though he was pretty damn clueless about romance.  Which seemed to be why none of the ladies he’d gone out with stuck around long.  He did try, and it was never enough.  It had left him jaded about dating. 

Their meals came out quickly and they ate even quicker to get a head start on their day.  It was going to be another long one, meaning come Friday night, both of them would be more than eager to blow off some steam at the saloon. 

*****

Anna gathered up the tip the other cowboy had left on the table.  It was still very decent even if he wasn’t as generous as the blond.  Neither of the men seemed like they were looking for a date, so Anna gave up on thinking that either of them were single.  Like most of them, they were probably taken, leaving Anna wondered what she had to do to bag herself a cowboy.

Another waitress had been talking about going to a saloon by the highway at the edge of town on Friday evening for some dancing and asked Anna if she wanted to tag along too.  She accepted, giddy at the chance that perhaps she might have her opportunity there to get herself a date, even if she was warned that the crowd could get pretty rowdy. 

--

Next Chapter

I love stumbling across stories that are passionate, insightful and find you discovering something a little unexpected!

Some fan art for All Tied Up by @annas-hair-donut / @loonysama

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Find an old treasure and renew its shine ✨

Let me tell you a short story about how it's never too late to comment on an "old" fic.

When I had one of my babies, a bunch of people brought me food that first week. It was wonderful!

Then, like 3 months later, someone brought me dinner out of the blue. They said they liked to do that because parents need support when their babies are 3 months old just as much as they need it when they're 3 days old. This was so special and appreciated!

This person didn't say to themselves, "It's too late to bring dinner now, it's been 3 months, it would be weird now." Because they knew it is never too late nor weird to be kind.

Let me say that again.

It is never too late nor weird to be kind.

My oldest kid is almost 16 years old now. If someone randomly brought me dinner now so I didn't have to cook tonight, I would worship them just as much as those people who brought me dinner 15 years ago.

Fanfic authors need your support when their fic is 15 years old just as much as they need it when it's 3 months old and just as they need it when it's 3 days old. There is literally never a time when it is too late to comment. Every nice comment is a gift and brings us joy.

So please go comment on someone's old fic today. Or bring someone dinner who's had a baby in the last 20 years. I guarantee neither of these recipients will think you're weird for supporting them.