Bernard x Oc

Christmastime

Alfina waited by the head elf's side since Krampus attacked. After bringing Bernard into the elfirmiry, the medical doctors had to cut the torn and bloody pant leg and start stitching up the deep cut on the elf's lower leg. Santa joined seconds after the doctors put Bernard under the anesthetized medicine while they worked.

"Will he be alright?" Santa moved to the sleeping elf's side and worryingly watched his face slightly twist in pain as the doctor cleaned and tightened the stitches. Alfina held the elf's hand, watching closely, "He's going to be fine, Scott," She answered calmly, refusing to tear her gaze away from him. Charlie steps up to the hospital doors and stares at his father, "Dad?"

Santa turns his attention to Charlie, "Charlie, call your mom and tell her you're alright. But don't tell her what you witnessed. Okay?"

"Okay, Dad." Charlie spins on his heel and heads to the workshop. Santa watches his son leave, then peers over at Alfina, "Alfina, you should probably get some rest." He advised. The pre-teen shook her head, "No," She gravely stated, "I'm not leaving his side." Santa frowns at her stubbornness. Alfina rubs Bernard's hand, watching him whimper slightly from the sting of the disinfectant.

Santa addresses to Dr. Hismus, who is cleaning the head elf's leg, "What other injuries does he have?"

The doctor raked his eyes over to Bernard's chest, "He grabbed the left side of his chest when he landed on the floor. I would have to check to see if there is only bruising. Or if he broke a rib." The doctor stated but seemed hesitant in his last statement.

"Do what you can," Alfina uttered, rubbing circles on the head elf's hand. Santa snapped his eyes to Bernard's chest, "Perhaps I could assist by getting his sweater off while you work on his leg?" He offered. The doctor nodded his head and waved his hand to Santa.

"Alfina, perhaps you could help me?"

Alfina releases the elf's hand, slowly slides the sweater up Bernard's chest, and Santa slides the sleeves off of his arms. Finally, Santa manages to get the shirt off his head and gasps. Alfina felt tears form; however, she refused to sob. Bernard's left side was bruising, and his neck was turning a dark purple from Krampus's tight grip.

The doctor leans forward and lightly presses the sleeping elf's chest; Bernard flinches but makes no struggle as the doctor operates. Alfina and Santa watched closely. "No broken bones. Nothing is punctured. Bernard has bruising on the neck and chest. However, he might be sore, but nothing serious to worry about." The doctor concluded. Alfina sighs and gently brushes Bernard's hair from his face. Santa watched her and took a deep breath, "Once he is able to get back on his feet, I will let you stay with him."

"Thank you, Scott."

------------------------------------------------------------

Five officers sat at the dining table with Neil and Laura in the Millers' house. An officer observed a photo of Charlie, "Is this the most current photo you have?"

RING!

"Hold on." The officers connected the phone to their tracker and gestured to Laura to answer.

"Hello?"

"Mom."

"Oh, Charlie. Oh, my God. Honey, how are you? Are you-are- where are you? Are you okay?" The worried mother gasps and rests her hand on her chest.

"I'm fine. We're up at the North Pole."

"Charlie, are you sure you're okay?" Laura glances at an officer as he gestures to her to keep talking.

"I'm terrific! I'm helping the elves build a new sleigh. We're trying for a vertical takeoff. Well, gotta go. The elves need me."

"No, Charlie, wait. No, don't hang up the phone, honey." Laura sprints to the tracker.