Kringletheelf04 - Kringle The Elf

The list and wrapping duty

(Chapter 7 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

It's been a week since Bernard showed up in the bakery. Dad is officially on thin ice. He showed up at Charlie's soccer game and apparently all the children lined up to sit on his lap. And he let them! I'm driving home from work and as I pull up the delivery man pulls up as well. I get out and go up to the truck.

"S.c?" The delivery man asks.

"My dad. I'll sign for it though." I say, initialing the papers.

"All right, I'll get your packages." The guy says, unloading multiple large boxes.

"Packages?" I ask, scrunching my nose slightly.

"Yes, there's many of them here." The man says.

I quickly go unlock the front door, propping it open so he can set them inside.

After over ten minutes the man finally hands the last package directly to me. I shut the door with my hip and set down the package onto the kitchen table. I get a knife and cut the package open. Inside is a list long enough to wrap around the house.

"What's this?" I mumble.

"The list." I hear a voice behind me call out.

Turning around I see Bernard standing there with several rolls of wrapping paper and a roll of ribbon. He sets them down, leaning them against the wall.

" I can see that. Why's it here?" I gesture to the multiple boxes scattered through the walkway.

"Your dad has to check them. Remember, p for present and c for coal." Bernard nods.

"What's that for?" I ask, pointing  to the wrapping paper.

"Training. Remember when I said your part is harder than your dads. Today we will be tackling wrapping." He picks up the now empty box that carried one part of 'the list'.

" Ok, I guess. But let's move to my room. I don't want my dad having a heart attack when he gets home. I don't think he'll believe you're real even if he sees you." I say taking the paper and ushering Bernard up the stairs.

I open my bedroom door and pull Bernard in, shutting and locking it behind me.

"Dad's got no sense of privacy so I'm gonna have to keep the door locked. Otherwise he'd come in and see, well, you, I guess." I explain.

"Has the santafacation process begun yet? It usually only takes three three months to be complete." Bernard asks, sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Santafacation? You mean my dad growing a beard that can't be shaved off, his hair turning white, and him gaining 150 pounds? If so than yes." I turn back to him.

"Oh good. I was afraid that the unwillingness would effect it." Bernard sighs.

"So wrapping and ribbon tying?" I ask.

"Yes, two very important parts of Christmas. We will practice until you get it just right." He pulls out tape and scissors and sets them next to the paper.

This is gonna be a long time.

(TIME SKIP BROUGHT TO YOU BY FED EX)

It's been over three hours wrapping. I finally got it just right. I've been fumbling over the ribbon tying though. I can't seem to get it right.

"Christmas Eve I believe it was 1955, Dubuque Iowa. Santa's making his way down a very dusty chimney when, CRASH- BOOM-ZING! A bow catches a rusty nail and rips off. Santa loses his footing and plummets all the way down through the chimney mr gets wedged between brick and cement and can't move. Now we don't want that to happen again do we?" Bernard monologues.

"That might be a little funny seeing my dad fall. But seeing as falling 20 feet instantly kills Santa's, maybe that's a bad idea." I look up at him.

"Is this one good enough yet?" I ask him handing the box to him.

"Exemplary, actually! I knew you could do it (y/n)!" He praises.

My cheeks heat up slightly. Somehow his praise makes me act different than others.

"Now, next time I see you we will work on placing the presents under the tree." Bernard stands.

"We don't have a tree. Mom used to buy us a real one each year, but after she passed we never bought one again." I get up off my knees.

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." He shakes his head.

"Can you stay? Dad won't be home for a couple hours!" I ask him.

"Well, I don't feel great leaving Curtis in charge for too long." He rubs his arm.

"Please??? Just a little bit longer surly won't hurt!" I practically beg.

He sighs. "I guess half an hour more won't hurt."

I jump up, wrapping him in a tight hug. We nearly fall onto my bed with the amount of force I put into the hug.

" I like you, ya know?" I whisper to him.

"I kinda got that when you kissed me." He whispers back.

I snort and place a kiss on his cheek. Suddenly my ears start to feel like they are on fire.

"Ow!" I say, hand going up to rub my ear.

"What's wrong?" Bernard's face shows concern.

"My ears have been killing me lately. I don't know why though." I sit on my bed, legs crossed.

"I didn't think it'd happen this quickly. I guess I should have warned you." He grimaces, sitting down next to me.

"Warned me what?!" I ask, face full of worry.

"Well, uh, you're ears are changing." He takes my hands into his.

"Changing?" I ask, baffled.

"You know how your dad's changing. You're changing too. Just not as much. You've already got the power to talk to animals, but now your ears are going to become pointed. Your ears are going to hurt until they have fully transformed." Bernard discloses.

"Ugh," I groan. "how long will that take?"

"Actually I don't think you'll have to worry about that anymore." Bernard bites his thumb.

"What does that mean?" I ask.

"You might want to look in the mirror." Bernard says, like the fox caught in the henhouse.

I rush to my bathroom. Looking in the mirror I can see that my ears are now pointed. How am I gonna be able to walk around like this. Good thing that hat has ear flaps.

I walk out of the bathroom, cheeks red from partial embarrassment. Bernard's got the same look in his eyes when we kissed last.

"I love you." He blurts out, hand quickly covering is mouth and eyes going wide.

"I think I love you too Bernard." I swallow.

I walk over to him, pulling him onto the bed with me. His eyes dart from mine to my lips. I reach up and brush the hair from his face. Even sitting down, he's taller than me. He kisses me, one hand on my back and the other entwined writhing my own hand. This is different from before. More passionate. Our lips clash against each other. Suddenly a knock at my door pulls us away from each other.

"Honey! I'm back from work! I was wondering if you wanted to order pizza for dinner tonight!" My dads voice snaps is out of it.

"We'll talk later. I'm sorry we got interrupted." I whisper into his neck.

"It's fine. We will have plenty of time in ten months or so." He whispers back, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

I get up and walk to the door. I turn around and see Bernard gone.

"Yeah! Pizza sounds awesome! Can we get a veggie lovers one this time though?" I ask, unlocking the door.

I swing the door open and see my dad standing there. It seems like he's gotten bigger if possible. His eyes go to my ears and I subconsciously go to cover them.

"What the hell is this (y/n)? What's up with your ears?" He says pulling on one of them.

"First off, ow. Secondly, it's part of my transformation. Like you gained weight and grew a beard. I grew pointed ears." I explain.

"This is crazy! That was just a dream!" He says, trying to convince himself more than me.

"It wasn't a dream dad!" I argue with him.

"How do you know that?" He asks.

"Because my soulmate has been visiting me when your at work! That's how!" I burst at him without thinking.

"What? Soulmate?!" Dad stands confused.

"Yes! Bernard ended up being my soulmate. That's why I was born with a tattoo! Because it's not a tattoo, but a way of knowing who your soulmate is!" I seeth.

"Why that's wonderful!" Dad squeezes me.

"Too tight dad!" I choke out.

" I guess I knew that that night was real, but logic stopped me from realizing it." He let's me go.

"I love you dad." I hug him.

"I love you too honey." He hugs me back.

fanfic speedrun: write the scene you want to write and skip the rest of the fic

(same goes on the reader side of things)

This is crazy (chapter 6)

It's been over a week. A lot has happened already. First Charlie took dad to career day at school and blabbed that dads Santa and I'm the spirit of Christmas. Now he's under evaluation and Laura is threatening dad to take away custody. Currently I'm in the kitchen of my bakery rolling out sugar cookie dough.

The sound of music fills the bakery. The song Quiet, Heavy dreams by Zach Bryan bounces off the walls. I sing along to the lyrics

"How's a man get so homesick for a face he's never seen?"

"Yah know, I always thought that. Now I've met you I don't think I'll be able to stay away." A familiar voice snaps me out of my tranquility.

Turning around, I raise my rolling pin, ready to beat senseless whoever broke into my locked bakery.

I am met with a pair of coffee colored eyes. They shimmer with fondness I've seen only once before. It's Bernard!

"What the fuck dude! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" I berate him, setting the rolling pin onto the counter and pause the speaker.

"First off, language. If you're gonna be the face of Christmas spirit you're gonna have to change that. Also I told you I'd be seeing you soon (y/n)." Bernard grimaces.

"This is crazy! That was just some silly dream!" I say as I pace the floor.

His grin drops, if only momentarily. It makes me feel bad. I've only spent a couple hours with this guy before and I'm already getting attached. This is such main character bullshit.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. But I'm here to help train you to be the Christmas spirit." Bernard states, hands buried in his pockets.

"How'd you even get in? The doors are all locked and all of our windows are stationary." I query.

"Elf magic." Bernard says peering over my shoulder.

"Well I can't 'train', or whatever right now. I have so many orders that need filled. I'm up to my ears in cookie dough. So unless you're here to help frost over 12 dozen snowflake cookies, then you need to vamoose." I go to wash my hands and continue to roll out the cookie dough.

"I don't think you get this is a big deal (y/n). Even if you're my soulmate I can't let you slack in responsibilities." Bernard walks next to me.

"I can't do this 'responsibilities' bull crap right now. I already have way to much on my plate. I have to make these cookies, pick up Charlie from school, and have dinner in the table by the time dad gets home. I cannot be talking to myself in the back room of my shop. I'm already going crazy talking to animals, not this too!" I rant to Bernard.

"Wait. Did you say talking to animals? When did this start?" Bernard grabs my shoulder and turns me to face him.

"The night that guy fell off our roof. The reindeer talked to me." I say setting down my rolling pin.

"You probably think I'm crazy, then again you're not even real, right!" I nervously chuckle.

"I'm real. Just as real as you are." Bernard states into my eyes

"So if you're real, then why don't you have a last name?" I cross my arms.

"Elves don't. It makes things easier when looking for your soulmate. Normally they are other elves. I've looked into it. You're the first ever human in elven history to have a soulmate." Bernard gets even closer to me.

I start putting the cookie dough back. I can't do this right now. I'll just do it tomorrow. If I get in early enough I'll be ok.

"So what exactly does this mean for me, for us I mean?" I untie my apron and fold it. I set it on the counter and wash my hands of any flour.

"You've got to move to the pole in approximately 10 months and 11 days. From there you will live out the rest of eternity spreading Christmas joy." Bernard explains.

"Christmas joy! That's bullshit." I spit.

" I read a bit about you. I'm sorry that such an experience has ruined so many precious moments for you." Bernard says softly.

"How do you know about my mom?" I ask, tears welling up in the corners of my eyes.

"As your soulmate, I'm required to know. And I'm sorry you had to go through that. It's not fair for any child of any age to lose a parent." Bernard pulls me into a hug.

He's warm, but not too warm. My arms go around his neck and his to the small of my back. If I'm crazy, I like crazy. I like him. He's been nothing but kind to me and now I feel like a jerk.

"I'm such a jerk! I'm so sorry!" I sob.

"It's ok. It's ok. I know you're under a lot of stress." He breaths softly.

I pull back and I'm sure my face is red and tear stained, but he looks at me like I'm the most beautiful person in the galaxy. So much love radiates off of him.

My eyes dart back and forth from his eyes to his lips. I start to subconsciously lean forward. His hand moves from my back to cup my cheek. His thumb brushes my cheek softly. I lean in just enough that our noses brush. I can feel his breath, uneven and heavy. My lips close in on his. His lips catch mine in a soft, yet passionate kiss. I swear I can feel sparks. He tastes of chocolate and a hint of peppermint. Suddenly he separates himself and presses his forehead onto mine. I take his hand into mine and squeeze lightly.

I pull away. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry!"

"It's ok. I'm your soulmate. It's natural to feel a pull to me. I sure feel a pull to you. If I didn't I wouldn't have kissed you back." Bernard pulls me into a embrace.

We are interrupted by the alarm on my phone going off. I grab it and curse.

"Fuck, I gotta pick up Charlie. Dad is supposed to be working late tonight and it's his weekend. I'm sorry to do this, but I have to go." I grab my car keys and turn back to him.

"It's ok. I know you've got a lot to do. I'll be visiting soon again. We got to get you trained. Your dad will fall into it, but you have to know what to do." He smiles and I swear the room brightens.

"I'll see you then!" I start out the door.

"By the way -" I start, turning around. Only to see just a poof of glitter in the air and Bernard nowhere to be seen. I scoff and lock the door behind me.

I feel called out 😬

Rescue mission

(Chapter 12 of two souls entwined in the North Pole)

Bernard had finally gotten some time to himself. Pouring himself a cup of bubbling green liquid, he sits at the workshops chemist room. Suddenly, curtis rushes in.

"We've got a problem. Santa was at the Miller's, but he's not responding!" Curtis cries.

"What?!" Bernard jumps out of his seat, nearly shattering his mug in the process.

His soulmate was in danger! He could sense it. What it was, he did not know, but he knew it was bad. Laura had to have something to do with this!

"Do you want us to deploy the e.l.f.s., sir?" Curtis asks, bouncing on his heels.

"Absolutely! I'm coming with them!" Bernard quickly threw on his long coat.

"But sir, you're needed here!" Curtis protests.

"My soulmate is out there! In trouble! As their mate I am required to risk anything and everything to keep them safe! Need I remind you, keeper of the handbook?!" Bernard fights back and Curtis throws his hands up in defense.

"I guess I could take over for you, while you're gone." Curtis suggests.

"As much as I don't want to do that, you'll have to." Bernard rushes off, leaving a concerned Curtis behind.

Rushing to the E.L.F.S department, Bernard curses himself. If only he had gone with,none of this would have happened. If only he didn't agreed to Charlie tagging along, even if he had some good ideas. It was way too risky for him to do. But he couldn't just say no to his soulmates brother.

Making his way to the department, he slams open the door. Several elves jump and one falls out of their seat.

"Santa and the spirit of Christmas are in danger!" Bernard tells them.

"On our way sir!" The head of the department, an elf named Kenny, declares as all of them put on their jet packs.

"I'm coming with you guys." Bernard states, stepping forward slightly.

"If you say so, sir!" Kenny agrees.

Joining hands, they all disappear into a cloud of glitter. They appear on top of Charlie's roof.

As this is happening, a rather different performance is being drawn out in the holding cell with you and Scott.

"Look, I know you're Scott Calvin. You know you're Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. So let's make this simple.  I say, names. You say, Scott Calvin and (y/n) Calvin. " The police officer pressures.

"Name?" He asks Scott.

"Kriss Kringle." Scott says smugly.

"Name?" He turns to you. 

"Christmas cheer." You protest.

"Name." He forces.

"Spirit of Christmas past, present, and future." You push.

"Name?" He asks for a third time, getting frustrated.

"Holiday joy. Festive cheer. Holiday blessings. Yuletide spirit. Festive joy. Joyous Noel.  Christmas spirit." You rattle off, laughing.

"Okay, Calvins. Maybe a couple of hours in the tank will change your mind." The officer growls and stomps out of the room.

Scott turns to you.

"It'll be ok honey," He smiles sadly.

You nod and blink away stray tears.

Meanwhile Bernard and the E.L.F.S. are preparing to rescue Charlie. They land on Charlie's roof where he is sitting.

"Charlie!" Bernard says to catch his attention.

Charlie turns his head and his eyes light up. Rushing over to Bernard he hugs his leg.

"Oh Bernard! They detained (y/n) and dad! They don't believe he's Santa! They think he kidnapped me!" Charlie sobs.

"Don't worry sport. We're here to rescue them." Bernard pats Charlie's head.

"We can't. The police are watching this place." Charlie looks at him.

"Yeah, they probably are. But you see, we weren't figuring on walking out the front door. We find that we can get around a lot faster if we fly. Now... grab hold of my hand. And hold on tight." Bernard presents his hand and Charlie grabs it.

"And Charlie," Bernard starts.

"Yeah?" Charlie inquires.

"Don't ever try this without elf supervision." He finishes.

I'm a split second they are flying through the air. It takes little time to end up at the police station. Landing, they walk into the station.

"We're looking for Santa Claus." Bernard steps forward.

"Go home, kids. Visiting hours are over." The security guard scoffs.

"We're not kids, and we're not visiting." Bernard presses.

"We're here to bust out my dad." Charlie chimes in.

"You're the Calvin boy. Who-- Who are these other kids?" The security guard stutters.

"We're your worst nightmare. Elves with attitude." Kenny glares.

In a split second the guard is tied to his chair with tinsel, unable to move.

"Shouldn't have had that doughnut. Oh! Untie me! I mean it! Untie—" The guard starts but they walk away.

Finding the holding cell was easy, getting them out might be a bit of a challenge though. Fiddling in his bag, Bernard pulls out an exact copy of the room key.

"Charlie!" "Bernard!" Both you and your dad cry out.

Bernard rushes over to where you are handcuffed to the table and with one touch, the handcuffs break off of you both. Throwing yourself into his arms you sniffle.

"You're really here!" You cry.

"You think I'd let you stay here snowbird?" He caresses your face.

"Never!" You pull him into a quick kiss.

"How'd you distract the guard?" Scott asks.

"Tinsel. Not just for decoration." Kenny places his hands on his hips.

"We gotta get you back sport." You tell Charlie.

He pouts, but eventually nods his head. They all clasp hands and teleport out of the holding cell. Landing at Charlie's house, Charlie opens the door. The ELFS dissipate back to the North Pole leaving Charlie, Scott, and you standing there. You look around for Bernard, but he's nowhere to be found. Sighing you stints the house after Charlie and your dad.

"Mom! Neil! I'm home!" He calls out.

Laura runs in from around the corner and Neil is close behind her. She scoops Charlie into a tight hug.

"Oh! My boy, you're home!" She cries.

"I'm fine, Mom." He says.

"Oh, Charlie. I missed you, honey." She hugs him tighter.

"Mom, I'm fine. It's okay." He reassure her.

"We were so worried about you. Look at you." She gives him a look over.

"Mom, put me down. Stop kissing me!" He pouts.

"We don't have a lot of time Charlie." You say, tapping your imaginary watch.

"Did you leave the gifts I made under the tree?" Charlie asks you.

"You bet we did sport!" You ruffle his hair.

"We better go!" Charlie gets loose from Laura.

"No, Charlie. No, no, no." Your dad stops him.

"No! No, wait, Charlie." Laura calls after him.

"It's ok Laura," You say.

"Actually I- I think its a much better idea" Your dad starts.

"That you stay here with your mom and Neil." You finish.

"But dad, (y/n)!" Charlie pouts.

"No buts, Charlie" dad shushes him.

"We can't be selfish. We can't be with you all the time." You start.

"We're a family. You, me , your mom, your sibling, and Neil." Your dad says.

"And they need to be with you too." You kneel down to him.

"I'll miss you too much." He mopes.

"Come on, listen. There's-- There's a lot of kids out there. Okay? Millions of kids. And they're-- They all-- They all believe in us. They're countin' on us, Charlie. And I-I'm not gonna let them down. We got a lot of work to do." Your dad explains.

"So I can't be selfish either." Charlie says through tears.

"You gave us a wonderful gift, Charlie. Listen, a wonderful gift. You believed in us when nobody else did. You helped make us what we are. Selfish! You're the least selfish person I know." You say, smooshing Charlie into a hug from you and your dad.

"I love you Santa Claus and Christmas spirit!" Charlie sobs out.

"I love you son." Your dad validate his emotions.

"I love you Charlie!" You confirm.

Charlie sobs and your dad gently shushes him. You turn to Laura.

"Yea what do you think? Christmas Eve you spend with Charlie?" You suggest.

"Oh my god!" She says in a hushed whisper, covering her mouth with her hands.

"It's you! It really is you!you really are... Santa Claus and the spirit of Christmas!" She smiles.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Your dad asks rhetorically.

"Oh, my God." Neil sighs.

"And you though I'd never amount to anything." You joke.

Standing up, you both ready yourselves for delivering gifts.

"Wait, don't go yet. I have something for you." Laura says, quickly running out of the room

"Scott." Neil says plainly.

"Neil." He nods back.

Neil steps forward and his eye widen.

"Santa?" He asks, childlike wonder dripping off of his voice.

"It’s ok Neil." Your dad reassures.

Neil steps away, turning around and placing his hands on his head in disbelief. Laura comes walking in with a folder in her hand.

"Here. It's... well it's... it's my Christmas present for you. It's the custody papers." She says setting the folder in the roaring fireplace.

"And I want you two to see Charlie as often as you can." She says softly while picking up Charlie.

"You can count on it," You smile.

"Thanks Laura." Your dad beams.

"Merry Christmas." You grin.