DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GLEE NOR ANYTHING ELSE. THIS STORY IS LOOSELY BASED ON "FRED CLAUS" BUT ADDED WITH MY TOUCH!

ENJOY :)


Mercedes placed her ear muffs on as she wrapped the scarf around her mouth and nose so she wouldn't get sick, looking over at Sam, who was surprisingly not panicking at all, or he was very good at hiding it. This was a new experience for them both and they were actually so enamored but the whole experience already.

Sam couldn't help but look down, seeing the houses with the lights shining so brightly and still in utter disbelief that this was what he was going right now. He hoped Mercedes didn't mind his quietness because was just so amazed that this was even possible right now.

"First stop is 104 Bryers Lane."

"Alright, your first house." Mercedes said giddily after the monitor spoke. They were being directed by Buddy back at headquarters, "Ease into it."

Sam pulled back on the reins gently as they started to descend. He was for one was in shock when they did land because the sound of the reindeer hooves and even the sleigh didn't make a sound on the tin red roof.

"Sound proof installation for landing." Mercedes answered his question that he didn't voice.

"I didn't even know that was a thing." Sam said as he got out and started to make his way to the back, undoing the tie to the bag.

Mercedes smiled behind her scarf, looking down at the screen when Buddy sent the first name, "Mallory Apricot."

Sam opened the bag, finding the girl's box right on top, he raised a brow as he looked at Mercedes, "Are all of these arranged in order?"

"Not at all. The presents transition to the right child when you land on their house."

Sam stared at her around the bag in disbelief, "You're serious?"

"As a heart attack."

Sam took the box and walked carefully on the roof, looking down in the chimney, lucking up with the fireplace not being lit, "So, he really goes down this way?"

"I wouldn't advise going through the front door."

"We're breaking and entering either way." Sam commented as he glanced at the woman with a raised brow again, "And they try to paint me as the troublemaking son."

Mercedes giggled as she pointed to the chimney, "Go Sam. We're on a very tight schedule."

Sam smirked as he backed away from the sleigh, holding the present to his chest before jumping down, stopping himself so he wouldn't make too much noise. He climbed out, looking around downstairs to make sure it was clear before going over and sitting the present underneath the tree. He stood up and looked to side, seeing a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. He leaned over and grabbed one, taking a bite before sitting it down and picking up the glass to take a sip. He turned and crawled back in the fireplace, looking up, "How the hell am I suppose to get back up?"

"The rope, Sam."

Sam saw the rope in front of him that wasn't there when he went down. Tugging on it to make sure it was secure, he grabbed ahold of it and started to climb up. Grunting lowly when he felt the cold air, "Oh God, I'm not going to be able to keep doing this."

Mercedes giggled as she leaned back. Once he finally got back in, he grabbed ahold of the reigns as they went to the next house, which repeated the next couple of hours. What Sam didn't know was that reinforcements were called in. Nicholas knew that he wasn't going to be able do this alone, so he had help already in place. He had a good amount of elves on jets all across the world delivering. This was essentially his plan all along because he just knew that his brother wouldn't agree to this.


As they crossed the Atlantic ocean, which brought a sense of peace and a beautiful scenery, Sam had the urge to open up to Mercedes, "For a long time, I didn't believe, more like I didn't want to believe, that this was real."

Mercedes turned to give him her full attention, watching as his eyes stayed forward once he began to speak again.

"He's my brother and I didn't believe that he was this person who was suppose to do the impossible in one night. Out of all people, why him? I had times where I disliked him and not because of him because he has always been a good brother, it's just our parents, more of my mom made me have this unwanted resentment. So, because of that, as soon as the opportunity opened for me leaving, I headed straight for here."

Mercedes looked ahead at the city lights of New York City then back at him, his words weighing heavily on her heat, "It may be hard at times but at least you have your family."

Sam opened his mouth to apologize but she just shook her head. Damn this mouth of his. Here he was complaining about how bad his family situation was and she didn't have anyone at all, "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to come off as selfish."

"I wasn't saying that to make you feel guilty or bring pity on myself. It's just, as horrible as it may be, you have your brother and that's not all bad. Siblings don't always agree, but you have that special relationship, that not even your parents, could understand. That's something to cherish." Mercedes turned to him, moving the scarf down from her face so she could send him a smile, so he could be reassured that it was okay.

"You're such a positive light and so strong. I don't see how you do it."

"Because as hard as it is, I know that they want me to."

Sam just stared at her, seeing the light shining in her eyes, which showed a little sparkle to them, "Your eyes are beautiful."

"Thank you but Sam, I'm going to need you to watch where you're going."

Sam broke contact, eyes going wide as he jerked the reins to the left to avoid running straight into the Statue of Liberty, "Shit."

"Yeah." Mercedes glanced to the side, thankful that her teasing smirk was now hidden again with her scarf, "I'd like to get home in one piece."


About two hours later, Sam was so exhausted, he couldn't even function anymore. His legs were hurting from jumping down so much and he thought he would eventually throw up from how tight his stomach was from all the milk and cookies. He couldn't even keep up with the number of houses that he did but he for sure knew that he wasn't done by a long shot because he wasn't even done with the state of New York. However, when he looked to his side, he couldn't help but smile at the woman who was sound asleep on his shoulder. He was glad that she was by his side. She was a trooper and she kept him on his p's and q's when he needed it. He couldn't explain it but this connection that he felt with her was unlike anything in this world. He has never been the type that wanted to settle down and have a serious relationship, but he really could see himself doing that with her.

"Paging in Sam."

Sam came out of his thoughts when he heard the monitor, "Go ahead."

"You can let go of the reins and get some rest. You both will be guided back safely."

"Guided back where? I'm done?"

"Yes, you've successfully completed your duties, congratulations!"

Sam was confused but that didn't stop him from wrapping his arm Mercedes, prompting her snuggle closer to him as the warmth of each other melted into one. He closed his eyes and was out instantly. Whether he believe he was done and trusted the reindeer or not, he was too tired to even have a second thought about it. He would question all this after some sleep.


Sam was snoring loudly when he heard the cheering going on. Groggily waking up out of his sleep, he saw that it was after nine, the cheering only getting louder and louder. He looked around and saw that he was in his room, "How did I get here?" He questioned as he sat up, hair all over the place before looking down, seeing that he was in his pajamas, "How did I get in these?" He got up and looked out the window, seeing the streets full of excited elves, dancing, singing and walking in the streets. He decided to get himself dressed in some clothes, so he could head out and see what all the commotion was about.

As he was coming down his steps minutes later, he started to make his way across street to catch up with Mercedes when he spotted her leaving her house but was stopped when Buddy came and told him to come with him. Being pulled without an answer, he was taken aback at the strength of the man as they maneuvered through the crowd and made their way into headquarters. In the middle of HQ was a big ball like thingy where kids from all over the world was showing their excitement as they woke up to the presents. He stopped and was amazed at the sight before him. Seeing the smiling faces brought one to his own and made him feel so...happy.

"This was all because of you, Sam."

"Not all me." He said as he looked at the man, "Y'all did the hard part." He smiled before patting him on the shoulder before walking away and heading out. In all honesty, it was overwhelming for him to be praised and for the simple fact that he didn't want to be.


About an hour later, Sam had found Mercedes in the restaurant, quietly in the corner away from everyone that was celebrating, with a plate of breakfast food in front of her. He had something to give to her and she hoped that she liked it. He smiled as he made his way over, taking a seat right beside her.

Mercedes looked up at him and gave him a smile of her own, "Finally managed to get away I see."

"Only cause I have one more present to deliver."

Mercedes sat the cup down and watched as he reached in a bag that he had brought along with him, sure enough pulling a box out and handing it to her, "For me?"

"For you."

Mercedes grabbed the small box from him, unwrapping the paper. Her eyes went to his briefly before opening it. The last gift. The gift that broke her heart, yet made it whole again. A gasp found its way out as she ran her finger across the heart pendent with the inscription Forever In My Heart, brown eyes filling with tears because she had an idea on what was in the inside. As soon as she opened it, the tears gradually rolled down her cheeks as she stared at the engraved names of her family.

Sam watched her silently. He wanted to give her something special and something that meant the world to her. I mean, he's only known her for three weeks, but in those three weeks, he knew more about her, sad to say, than his own parents. Watching her wipe her tears, and place the necklace on before he could offer his help, her eyes met his, prompting him to give her a small smile, "I hope you like it, I made it my..." His words drifted off when she leaned over and pressed her lips against his. It was too short, but long enough for him to be dazed by it, "self."

Mercedes gazed at him, feeling the heat spread over her face as she moved back, "I love it, thank you."

Sam couldn't do anything but nod. Before he could respond, he heard over the mic that he and Mercedes were being summons to his brother's home.

Mercedes stood up and put her coat on, wiping her face with her hands as she sniffled, raising her eyes to look back at Sam.

"Shall we?" Sam asked as he offered his arm to her, sending her a warm smile and getting one in return when she linked her arm with his.

The two headed to Nicholas and Annette's home in a comfortable silence. Their thoughts and feelings were unknowingly both on the moment that they shared. There was undoubtedly a shift that happened between them that needed acknowledging. After opening the already opened door, the two walked up the stairs towards the couple's bedroom, seeing Annette come out and greet them.

Mercedes smiled at the woman once she wrapped her arm around her, the two glancing at the brothers as they stood by the door.

Nicholas was sitting on his bed, dressed in his red and white pajamas with a smile sporting his face when his brother came in his line of sight, "You did it."

"I'm aware that I had a lot of help." He gave him a knowing look, watching as the man tried to give him a confused look but failed, "But I would do it over in a heartbeat."

"I'm so proud of you, Sam. You have no idea how much it meant to me that you stepped up to not only help me, but to make sure that the children of this world wouldn't be let down."

Sam smiled at his brother as he leaned down and hugged him, "That's all I ever wanted was for you to be proud of me."

Nicholas nodded his head against him, feeling the stinging of tears forming in his eyes. He patted his back before they broke apart, his eyes going to Mercedes, "I'm very proud of you too."

Mercedes smiled at the man as she came over, switching spots with Sam and bumping her fist against Nicholas with a giggle when he held his out, "Thank you for letting me go."

"Thank you for keeping him in line."

"He's not so bad when you get use to him." Mercedes looked back at Sam and sent him a wink before looking back at Nicholas, whispering, "He really wanted to make you proud."

"He did that and more."

Annette could sense the vibe between the two and she had to admit she loved it. Looking over at her brother in law, who had a dopey smile on his face as he stared at her, "You know, her face is still going to be there, you don't have to stare so hard."

Sam came out of his daze as he looked at Annette, chuckling a bit, "Sorry."

"Don't be." She smiled as she turned to him, continuing to speak lowly, "You should ask her out."

"Not much of a long distance fan...hell, even a relationship one but she's different. But, I wouldn't do that to her. She deserves someone who has their sh-stuff together."

This was a first. In all her years of knowing him, she has never once heard him sound so defeated and even give up so easily, "I know we've given you a lot of grief and I don't regret it because I honestly want you to do good in life Sam and I believe you can. With that being said, you should think about staying here."

"Here? As in the North Pole?"

"Yes." Annette glanced over and saw that the two were still in a deep conversation before pulling her brother in law to the side, "Nicholas and I have talked, and we want you to live here."

Sam pursed his lips, "So y'all can keep an eye out and make sure I don't spiral again."

"Of course." She said honestly, "But also because we both want you here. That city is only going to continue to lead you down the wrong path and we don't want to see that. Just think about it."

Sam watched as she walked away and went to sit beside his brother on the bed. His eyes followed as Mercedes excused herself, giving his arm a squeeze before walking out of the room. It shouldn't seem like it, but he had a lot to think about.


Later that evening, Mercedes was on her couch enjoying her popcorn as she watched the movie displaying on the screen. On Christmas Day, they always partied throughout the day and night to celebrate the successful deliveries. Mercedes had opted out and decided to stay in this year. She was just about to take it in to her bed before she heard the knocking on her door. Getting up from the couch, she made her way to the front door, opening and smiling when she saw who it was, "Hi."

"Hey." Sam greeted back as he held up the bag in his hand, "I brought you some food from the party that I couldn't escape for the longest."

Mercedes giggled as she grabbed the bag from him, stepping aside, "How sweet, thank you. Come in, it's freezing."

Sam didn't think twice as he entered the house, taking off his jacket and hanging on the coat rack. He rubbed his hands together as he followed her behind to the living room.

After sitting her bag down on the table, Mercedes swaddled herself back in her blanket as she turned back to him, "Did you come here to say goodbye? Are you heading back to New York after tonight?"

"Honestly..." He said as he stood in front of her, instantly warming up as they settled right in front of the fireplace, "I was thinking about sticking around."

Mercedes was shocked to hear that but it didn't stop her eyes from lighting up at his words, "Really?"

"Yeah. My brother has a job for me."

"Doing what?"

"Your assistant actually and I want to take it." He admitted as he stared at her, watching as a smile was threatening to come across her lips, "Being surrounded by family, nice people and having a positive and nice living area, is the stability I need."

Mercedes couldn't do anything but smile at him. He had done a complete turn around since the first day she met him. She really watched him not only grow as a person, but as a man too.

"There's one more reason I'm staying too."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." He smiled down as he placed his hand on her cheek, "There's this woman, super beautiful, a complete sweetheart, really cool and definitely smart. I'd love to take her out on a date if she'll let me."

Mercedes bit down on her bottom lip as she gazed up at him, "I think she'll like that."

Sam smiled as he bent down, pausing and leaving enough space as he waited for permission. He was granted when she leaned up and kissed him, prompting him to wrap his arms around her. She was apart of his new beginning and he was so happy about it.