Disclaimer: All characters you recognize in this story are the property of Disney and their likenesses are only used for fan related purposes.

A/N: This story was written for the TNC as a Christmas gift. I am just getting round to posting it.


Silver Bells


Snitch sat on the bottom step of the wooden staircase of the boarding house, taking his hat off and running his fingers through his hair. Skittery was standing by the door in silence, looking out at the ever-darkening sky.

"I'm sure he's fine Skitts," Snitch said, rolling his cap and hitting it against his knee.

Skittery had been standing in the same place for ten minutes now, watching the other boys running by and up the stairs to their bunks. It was Christmas Eve and, despite the hour not being too late, everyone was rushing home to finish their gifts for the others.

"He should be back now," he replied, looking away from the sky for a couple of seconds to glare at Snitch. "He's never late."

"Ten minutes ain't even..."

"He's never late."

At that point Mush and Blink ran through the door. Sensing the tension in the room, they glanced at one another and made their way quickly up the stairs. Snitch moved slightly to the side to let them pass.

"Skittery," he said, shifting back into his original position, "He's small but he ain't stupid. He'll be with the others."

Just then, there was laughter from outside. They both recognised one laugh immediately. Poor little Blanket had a unique laugh.

Within seconds Snitch had sprung to his feet and followed Skittery out of the door, into the snow.

"Blanket," Skittery shouted, making the small boy jump. "Where's Tumbler?"

Blanket skidded to a stop and Patrick collided with him. Getting to his feet, Blanket looked around before turning to Skittery with a confused look on his face.

"He was right behind us." He paused when he saw the look on Skittery's face. "We were only tryin' to get things for tomorrow."

Skittery didn't say a word. He hurried away down the street leaving them even more nervous than they already were. Snitch sighed, running to catch up with the now frantic Skittery.

By the time he'd caught up with the older boy, Skittery was nearing the corner of the street.

Out of the alley to their right came a shout and a tiny figure ran towards them out of the darkness. "Skittery!"

Skittery had no time to brace himself as the figure collided with him, sending him sprawling in the snow.

"Skitts," said a very wet Tumbler, grinning widely, "Look what I got."

Snitch laughed, lifting the small boy to his feet before offering a hand to Skittery.

Skittery took it quickly and once he was on his feet again he turned to the youngster, all traces of worry now starting to vanish.

"What happened to you, kid?"

Tumbler looked up at him. "I fell over, but look what I found when I landed. It was just lying there in the snow, all shiny."

He held out his hand and resting in his palm was a silver dollar.

"It's a whole dollar," he continued proudly.

"I can see that Tumbler." Skittery laughed, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What're you gonna do with it?"

The smallest boy shrugged. He hadn't really thought about it.

"I s'pose I could use it for the others?"

"That's your choice, kid." Skittery smiled, placing his hand on his cheek. "But let's go inside, huh? It's freezing out here."

With a smile they turned and headed back towards the boarding house. Snitch followed suit, but not before reaching down to scoop up some snow. Skittery's back was already soaked. Surely a little more water wouldn't matter.