AN: just a little of my fave thief and my fave elf :).
It was a snowy Christmas Eve some 15 years ago. New York City usually was noisy all the time but this one particular street wasn't. Behind all the toy stores and Macy's and holiday attractions were a series of allies. Usually you'd see the few homeless who hadn't gone to shelters. But tonight the snowbanks were only illuminated by street lamps.
"Christmas Eve, our busiest, night and you send me down here? Why, sir? Aren't all believers at home waiting for you?" The tall, skinny man muttered as he trudged through the slush. He was used to the cold but up in the North Pole it was a bit different. All was lit with bright lights and cheery music, people rushing to finish toys before liftoff.
Don't get him wrong, he loved Christmas, he was head of the operation after all. But he could be a bit grumpy. He was very busy and just could not afford a side job right now. Pulling his green hat over his ears more, the man continued on. Soon he came to the right place. A dark alley which seemed empty, but his highly trained sense of hearing picked up movement. A small "oomf" sounded from the human in the dark as he watched it hide behind a dumpster.
"There you are," he whispered. The boss assured him this could be one of the most important things he did, he just hoped he was right. Heading in further he called out. "It's alright, little one. I'm not here to hurt you. Big Guy sent me. He said you were having trouble believing in him?"
The small human seemed to draw in a breath and listened to the man as he continued to coax her out. Suddenly, a flashlight shown brightly in his eyes. "Who are you? I'll scream. I'm very fast, I can run if you try to take me!" The voice was strong and defiant but high-pitched, almost like his friends. It belonged to a child no more of 12! Her long blonde hair was dirty but her blue eyes were clear and tough.
"Oh, I know you are, Parker. We've been looking for you," he chuckled.
Adopting a defensive stance the little girl barked, "who are you, why do you know my name!"
"We elves at the North Pole know everyone. I'm Bernard, nice to meet ya."
The child then gulped, shining her light in his eyes once more and getting a good look at him. Green beret over long braids, brown eyes that were cheerful despite the serious look on his face. And to top it off; his clothes were festive with a red and gold uniform and bag. His cheeks seemed to glitter. If she didn't know better, she'd place him at no older than 16. But the wiseness in his stance and tone spoke of older.
"Oh, my -" Bernard jumped forward to catch the girl as the words left her mouth and she fainted.
"Great, just what I need to make this more difficult. Most children are excited when they see Santa or an Elf," he grumbled.
AN: more soon.