Love at the North Pole - (Steve Claus x Fem Reader)

Part 5: What have we done?

The sleigh's GPS chimed with a cheerful monotone: "Descend 1,000 feet. You are at your destination."

Arthur punched the air triumphantly, nearly leaping out of his seat. "Yes! We did it! We did it!" His voice brimmed with relief, a grin stretched from ear to ear.

As the sleigh began to lower through the clouds, the faint glow of a sleeping town came into view below. The ride grew smoother, the gentle hum of the sleigh filling the silence.

"In 100 yards, turn left. Straight ahead, left, right. You are at your client's dwelling," the GPS chirped, its mechanical cheer at odds with the tension in the sleigh.

The vehicle dipped between two houses, narrowly missing some overhanging branches. The branches scratched against the sides, and Arthur let out a startled yelp, gripping his seat with white-knuckled intensity.

"Hey, steady!" he shouted, his voice climbing a pitch higher.

Finally, with a soft thud, the sleigh landed. Arthur let out a shaky laugh, tossing off his seatbelt. "We made it. I survived!" He stumbled out, clutching the bike tightly as if it was the only thing grounding him. "I'll walk home! I'll get a boat! But I am never getting back in that flying death trap again!"

Grandsanta didn't budge, still seated with his arms crossed and an unimpressed expression. "Go on. Get it over with. I want my bed."

Arthur spun back, his disbelief clear. "What? You're not coming? You have to deliver the present! You've got your special coat on!"

Bryony jumped down, her wide eyes gleaming with determination. "You're our Santa!"

Grandsanta snorted. "I said me and Evie could get here, and we did. The rest is elf work. Go on, Festive Freddie, sling your hook."

Arthur's shoulders sagged as he dragged the bike toward the house. I stepped down from the sleigh, shooting Grandsanta a sad look. Bryony trotted up beside us, her energy never faltering.

Arthur's voice was low as we approached the house. "I wish Dad could see this. It'd take such a load off his mind."

Bryony sidled closer. "So, what's the plan? You're a Claus. You give the orders."

Arthur blinked at her, caught off guard. "Do I? I'm fine, just being an elf, really. You know, part of the team."

Bryony grinned. "Okay, then. Want to order me to go through the cat flap?"

Arthur brightened. "Yes! Great idea."

"And let you in after?"

Arthur nodded eagerly. "Brilliant. Thank you, Bryony."

"And do you want to-" Bryony's voice faltered as she pointed to a blinking alarm on the wall. "Quick!"

Arthur froze. "The alarm?" Definitely, yes."

We crept into the house, every step slower than the last as the faint glow of Christmas lights spilled from the living room. My heart pounded in time with Arthur's shaky breathing. Lingering by the doorway, I gave him an encouraging smile. "This is your moment. I'll keep watch."

Arthur hesitated, offering me a small, grateful smile before moving toward the tree with Bryony. Together, they carefully placed the wrapped bicycle beneath it. Arthur's hands trembled, and Bryony whispered, "First time?"

Arthur nodded, his nervous excitement showing. But the moment froze in place as we all noticed it-a second bicycle, already sitting under the tree.

Arthur's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. "But-"