25 Days of PolarBear and Camie

Day 24 - Chestnuts

Wednesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve

"Leeds, West Yorkshire, England…"

The S-1 was hovering above the small town, elves dropping down to deliver gifts. Arthur descended very carefully from a rope, as well, Merida holding his hand as he tried not to hyperventilate. They had about ten minutes, and luckily Arthur and Merida had been assigned to one building this time.

"At least there aren't as many," Merida said, hopping onto the roof. "Almost didn't make it back in Copenhagen."

"Right." Arthur pulled his jumper tighter around him. "And there are actual steps this time around."

Merida giggled, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. "Let's get to it then, Mr. Claus."

They started at the top, using their HoHos to creep in and place gifts under trees and in stockings. Steve had fashioned a special bow so Merida could put her archer skills to use. She moved much faster than most elves, and had gotten her assignment done with about five minutes to spare.

She waited for Arthur at the last door of the building, wondering if he needed her help. She was about to radio Bryony to check in when something caught her eye. She peered into the nearby window, rubbing the frost away to get a better look.

Inside looked much like the other flats she'd just visited, with the fireplace on and a Christmas tree lit up. A young couple sat on the floor in front of the fire, snuggled together under a wool blanket. There were no children here; the address wasn't marked on the list.

The man had somewhat-messy brown hair and a wide smirk, his arm slung around the woman next to him. She was laughing at something he'd said, looking up at him with bright eyes, her hair looking red in the firelight. He pulled her even closer, giving her a loving kiss and resting their foreheads together.

"You having a good Christmas?" he asked.

"Of course. It's our first real one together." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "And you're sure my family wasn't too overbearing tonight? I know they can get nosy…"

He snorted. "Please. I'm used to it. And I think crab legs is a great Christmas dinner." He chuckled, kissing her again. "Happy Christmas, love."

"Happy Christmas."

"Merida?"

Merida yelped, turning around. "Arthur…hi. Done already?"

"Yep. You ready to head back up?"

Merida hesitated, turning back to the scene framed in the window. "I…suppose."

"Everything alright?"

She nodded. "I just…I wish we could do something for them."

Arthur joined her at the window, looking in. "They don't have kids, do they?"

"No…but…" She looked down at her snow-covered boots, blushing. "Look at them, Arthur. They…they remind me of…"

Arthur's eyes softened, a smile growing on his face. "Yeah…they do." He took her hand, winking. "I think I know exactly what we can do for them."

Jamie and Cathy Bradley had no idea what happened the night of Christmas Eve of their first Christmas as a married couple. They had been sitting in their flat by the fire when they heard a loud thump outside. They went to check what it was, finding nothing and going back in.

When they arrived in the living room, there were chestnuts in a kettle over the fire, crackling and popping, despite the fact that it was electric. And the Christmas tree was now positively radiant, an ethereal glow surrounding it. There was a note on the hearth that read: "Happy First Christmas, may the rest be magical".

While they were certainly alarmed with what had happened, Jamie and Cathy figured they weren't in any real danger, and accepted their gift without asking questions. Arthur and Merida made it back to the S-1 in time, both with matching smiles.