Northern Dreams (Bernard The Head Elf x FTM!Reader)

Chapter Seven: It's Now or Never, Nope Definitely Never

Bernard paced nervously outside Santa's office. What could they be talking about that he wouldn't be allowed to hear. What if they found out about the mark, of course that's what it was, he was going to kill Curtis. Of course that's only because Bernard knew he'd never live down the embarrassment that his mere presence in front of Santa would bring him from that point on.

Bernards's pacing was brought to a sudden halt when a twisting ache stabbed his back. He gasped and bent over, propping his hand on the wall. That was strange, and very sudden. It wasn't very often Bernard hurt himself, and never had it felt like that.

Before he could think more about it however the door to the office opened, and there stood Curtis looking guilty as ever. He'd certainly told the council.

Bernard straightened himself before practically limping into Santa's office, though he did try to make it look as normal as possible. Apparently it had worked.

Santa looked stressed, and Bernard could guess why.

"Sir, I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen, and if you're ready to take away my title I understand." And although his words were calm his voice had cracked, it was his long life's work after all.

"No, I'm not going to do that. Bernard, you're the best elf there is, and even if I'm awfully confused at the moment I feel that I would trust you with anything, even my son."
The solemn look on Bernard's face lightened, and a somewhat smile appeared.

"You're sure you mean that, Santa?"

At Bernard's surprise Santa smiled. He rose from his large chair and patted Bernard's shoulder, something he'd always done.

"Absolutely positive. Now I think you should get out there and help (Y/N) out." And with that Santa winked and sent Bernard on his way.
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Awkwardly, Bernard made his way to the desk that (Y/N) worked at. And sure enough, there he was, painting away. He looked so concentrated. Bernard took a deep breath and made his resolve, he was going to tell him the truth.

He walked up to the desk as calmly as possible, his hands pressed behind his back. For a moment everything was quiet, and he just watched the boy work.

"You're very good at that, you know."

At the sudden voice (Y/N) jumped out of his seat, almost ruining the brush stroke he'd been gently moving. Though he quickly recovered from the initial shock and broke into a smile when he turned to find Bernard looking back at him.

"T-thank you. I didn't think they were that good in all honesty. But I'm glad you like them."

Bernard took a nesting doll into his hands, it was smoothly painted, much like the rest. It was a classic girl, with delicate features. He couldn't help but think that whoever received it would remember such a gift.

"Actually, Bernard I was just coming to find you. I have something special to show you."

Bernard looked up from the nesting doll, a look that could only be described as confusion contorted his face as he looked toward

"What is it?"

The boy smiled and revealed a canvas, pulled from beneath the desk. The fairly sized frame displayed a painting of the head elf, as well as many others, caught in a wonderful snowball fight. It's colors were bright, and the snow glistened so realistically that one might reach out their hand to touch it. And there, on the other team, sending his cold ammunition in a direct path to Bernard was (Y/N).

Our elf was in such a delightful shock. Not once could he remember such an amazing thing being made especially for him. And to think, he hadn't wanted (Y/N) there in the beginning.

"I know I overdid it, but I wanted to make you something special. For letting me stay here and work and learn and all..."

(Y/N) inwardly grimaced, noticing how flabbergasted our head elf had become. The initial shock was quickly forgotten though. 

"No! No, it's... amazing. It's just, I've never had anyone put so much work into something, and for me." Bernard complimented through his disbelief. 

And what caught him most was the warm feeling in his stomach, as he saw (Y/N) swell with pride. The look on his face, a toothy grin and an astonished look in his eyes, peering past the large glasses perched on his nose. 

"I'm glad you like it. Took quite a long time, I'll have you know!" The teen laughed, grasping the canvas. 

The wonderful look on his face only reminded Bernard of what he'd come to do, to tell him what he'd been feeling, but it also made it that much harder. Simply, he didn't know how. But he couldn't just leave it! He'd been wanting this for so long. 

He cleared his throat, and started the best he knew how. 

"Um...(Y/N) I've been noticing that you've been working so hard and I'd like to thank you. And I'm not thanking you just for that, there's a lot of things you've helped with and... Could you meet me later tonight? In the courtyard?"

(Y/N), stunned by Bernard's proposal, stammered a response. 

"O-of course. When?"

Bernard tucked his hands behind his back and glanced to his shoes. He laughed.

"I'd say, about the time Santa falls asleep tonight." And, in speaking to (Y/N) he'd completely forgotten his other duties when a crash was heard in the distance. "Holy night! I have to go, but I hope I'll see you tonight (Y/N)." And with that final thought, he rushed off in the direction of the sound.

Only, he'd never know that he'd left quite a flustered (Y/N) behind him. Sneaking out late at night to spend time with the head elf. He hardly thought his Dad would like that, but right then he couldn't find himself to care.