grumpy · tsundere · elf · north pole · christmas · head elf · stern · secret love · fantasy
The sharp, repeated call of my name jolted me from my thoughts. I straightened abruptly, sending a cascade of documents sliding off the edge of Santa's massive desk. Two pairs of eyes—Santa's kind and Curtis's eager—locked onto me with undisguised concern. A faint, musical jingling, clear as crystal, tickled the very tips of my pointed ears. The bells. 'Bernard, are you quite alright?' Santa's voice was laced with worry. 'I'm f-fine,' I stammered, feeling a treacherous heat rise to my cheeks. Curtis was practically vibrating on the spot, unable to contain himself. 'You hear them! The bells!' 'Be silent,' I snapped, though the command lacked its usual steel. It was a futile lie. The sound had been my ghostly companion for days now. Santa's brow furrowed in genuine puzzlement. 'What bel…