-1Disclaimer: I do not own The Santa Clause.

I've been in love with Bernard since the first movie and I was really disappointed when he wasn't on the third one. Then, this story popped into my head. With a little inspiration from stories like "Bah Humbug" by Quirky Del and "Hope Falls Like The Snow" by JacksTortugaLass, I was able to come up with this fanfic.

Megan smiled. It's only been two days since the elves have started making toys after a month's break and they're making good progress.

Who is Megan you ask? Megan is the Gift Counter (A/N: I know, corny, but it's all I can think of.) She counts all the toys the elves have made for the day and compares it to the year before that. She was chosen for this job because she's quick and smart with numbers. She's beautiful too. She has black hair that's always in a ponytail or a tight bun when she's busy, brown eyes, pink lips and rosy cheeks. Plus, she's one of the tallest elves. That's why nearly every elf in the North Pole in both the workshop and the kitchen has a crush on her.

Now enough about her, let's get back to the story.

Megan made one last note on her report before turning to the elves.

"Great job everybody!" she said. The elves beamed at her. "We made a better progress than last year. I hope you guys continue it. Santa will be so proud of you guys. You can all go home now."

Everyone said good-bye to the Gift Counter and left to go home. Megan, after saying good-bye to a few gift wrappers, went to the Head Elf's office (A/N: I know Bernard doesn't have one but it's my story so deal with it) to give her report. She knocked on the door and waited.

"Come in!" came Number One's stern voice.

Megan opened the door and closed it behind her. Bernard looked up from some other reports to look at her.

"Well?" he asked.

Megan smiled widely.

"Well… We made better progress than last year. We know that there are about 6 billion children all over the world and some are born nearly every second of the day. So far, the elves have made 2000 toys in just two days. That's 500 toys more than last year."

"Only 2000?"

"Um… Yes."

Bernard gave her "the look." It's the look that nearly all the elves in the North Pole are afraid of. But, Megan is not one of them. She didn't even flinch.

"You said so yourself that a new human baby is born nearly every second of the day. So that means we need more than 2000 toys in two days."

"That's good point sir but-"

"I want more than 5000 toys done and wrapped by tomorrow."

"But sir-"

"We don't have much time! Christmas is coming."

Megan could not believe her ears.

"Look Bernard," she said, dropping the respect from her voice. "It's only February. We have 11 months to make more toys. And you, who have been Head Elf for 800 years should know that besides Christmas, Valentine's Day is another occasion we spend here in the North Pole. If you live in the South Pole that's fine since they're no the type who would celebrate these occasions but since we're from the North Pole, so we do. And plus, it's not the elves fault that Cupid keeps on coming inside the workshop and grabbing a dozen elves to help him decorate the ballroom for the Valentine's Night Party. So I would appreciate it if you give the elves a break. Can't you see they've done better than last year?"

Bernard sighed. "Fine. Instead of a thousand, make it 4000."

"But-"

"Four thousand."

"Yes sir," Megan replied, the respect returning in her voice.

She took the report from her clipboard and gave it to the Head Elf and left. Once she's a good distance from the office, she threw her arms up and screamed.

Santa, unfortunately had heard the scream and ran to her side. "Megan! I s anything wrong? Are you hurt? What? Why are you screaming?"

Megan took a deep breath before answering. "It's Bernard."

"What about Bernard?" Santa asked.

"He's just so mean. He wants 4000 toys done by tomorrow."

"Whoa! Four thousand? He cannot be serious."

"Oh, he is serious. He is so mean. Can't he see the elves are working hard. Besides, they're busy for the Valentine's Night Party."

"Now, now Megan. Bernard is just concerned. He just wants to make sure that all the children get their presents. The guy has a soft spot once you get to know him."

"I used to know him," Megan mumbled.

"What's that?"

"Nothing Santa."

"Okay then. I believe all the other elves are home?"

"I guess."

"Then you better go home yourself missy."

"Yes sir. Say hi to Mrs. Clause and Buddy for me."

"Will do."

Not much romance though. Please review.