Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Colin leans back in his chair.

It’s large and ornate, surprisingly not at all comfortable given the large amount of time he has to spend sitting in it. It matches perfectly well with the even larger antique desk that is littered with papers.

He lets out a sigh as he sets his paper down.

Do I really need to check this twice?

The names are truly never ending. Every person on Earth is on this list, and he has to ensure that it is done correctly.

Naughty or nice.

Couldn’t be more simple than that. He’s been Santa Claus now for three years. One would surely think he’d be proficient at the job. Though, admittedly, he was thrust into the position after the prior Santa Claus fell off the roof of Bridgerton House and he’d just happened to put the coat on just in case Gregory and Hyacinth came outside to see what the commotion was.

Anything to not ruin the magic of Christmas for his youngest siblings.

Seriously, how was Colin supposed to know that putting on the coat would lead to him being the new Santa Claus? He definitely had no idea.

The familiar ringing of small bells on boots brings him out of his trance. Colin looks towards the sound to see Charles, the head elf, storming over to the desk.

“Is everything well with you today, Charlie?” Colin asks with a laugh.

“It is Charles, you should know this by now.” Charles answers, crossing his arms. A scowl sets deeply on his face.

“Ouch, I was just trying to lighten the mood. It is Christmas soon after all…what has you coming in here in such a huff?” Colin inquires.

“I have bad news…well, maybe not bad news…maybe medium news? Actually maybe good news—”

“Charles, get on with it please.”

“Yes, of course. There is more to the Santa Clause.” Charles replies with a cower.

Colin sits up in his chair. “I’m sorry. What do you mean—what do you mean there is more?”

“Well, you are already aware that small print can be a real doozy—”

“Charles, please…I’m already Santa Claus; I have left my family for years. What more can there be?”

“You have to get married.” Charles blurts out. Colin notices that Charles has somehow stepped backwards in the midst of their conversation. As if he was afraid of how Colin would respond.

The room goes silent, nothing but the distant hum of machinery from the toy factory on the floor below. Married? How did they not know this years ago? Who would he even marry? He’s been nowhere else but the North Pole for the past three years. He is definitely not going to marry an elf…

“Married? Who would I even marry?” Colin huffs, slumping back into his chair.

“Well sir, that is up to you. According to the fine fine print, you need to find a wife and marry before Christmas Day. If you don’t find someone, you will no longer be able to be Santa Claus. The magic will be gone.”

Colin opens his mouth, then closes, then opens again, but nothing comes out. He had no idea this would ever be an issue but here he is, staring at Charles like he grew a second head. Charles waits for Colin, arms crossed, foot tapping lightly on the floor.

“Okay, wait…the magic…it will just be gone—poof—go away? Just like that?” Colin asks, finally breaking the silence in the room.

“Yes, was I not clear, sir?” Charles answered with a snark.

“You know, Charlie—”

“Charles.”

“Right, Charles…is that it? Get married? Nothing else?” Colin taps his fingers on the desk.

“Yup. That’s it…You know after all these years, you would think that you’d be used to all this fine print. Given that’s how you got here in the first place.” Charles chuckles and shrugs.

“Well, I didn’t expect the fine fine print.” Colin motions down himself, “seriously, how do I find a wife looking like this?”

Becoming Santa has completely changed the way he looks. He easily went from dark brunette heartthrob to a plump jolly silver haired run-of-the-mill Santa Claus. Something that was pointed out to him in the fine print.

Colin sighs. He really has found his purpose being here. Sure, leaving his family wasn’t ideal, but nothing has brought him more joy than spreading holiday cheer. Christmas Day truly is the best day of the year.

“Alright, I’ll do it.” Colin finally agrees.

“Great! Took you long enough. Best we get started now.” Charles nods curtly.

“Now? Seriously Charlie, you’re really not giving me enough time to think.”

“It’s been three years. It’s Charles.”

“Yeah yeah, you’ll come around.” Colin says, waving him off with a chuckle.

“One day, sir…one day…anyways, best to get to it.” Charles walks back over to Colin and hands him a watch. “This is a watch that will monitor how much magic you have left when you go home. You need to be mindful of how much magic is used so you do not run out. Be very very careful.”

“And what happens when it runs out? I just—what—teleport back here or something?” Colin asks; he looks at the watch. It has a small clock and a candy cane shape on the side of the face that meters how much magic is left.

“Actually no. When it runs out, you can not return.”

Colin's head snaps up. “Right…got it…Guess I have to find a wife.” He tries to laugh it off, but his chuckle is barely a wheeze.

Charles rolls his eyes. “I expect to see you back here in 14 days. Preferably with a wife in tow. You’re already changing, you need to act fast.”

Colin looks down to see what was once a very jolly sized belly seemingly deflate right before his eyes.

This can’t be good.

He gets up and walks over to the large mirror on the other side of the room. He considers who to marry as he watches his beard shrink.

“I know who I should ask, but I know she won’t give me the time of day.” Colin says to himself in the mirror.

The only person who came to mind as soon as Charles said the word “marry.” He hasn’t seen her in years, and he wasn’t able to give her a proper goodbye. He is confident this will be an uphill battle.

He needs to find Penelope.

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Chapter Text

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

14 Days until Christmas Day

Seeing the gates of Bridgerton House was not the sight Colin expected to see this holiday season. Charles gave him exactly 20 minutes to pack a change of clothes and get his ass moving back to London. With a shove, simply stated: “You have work to do,” and Colin was on his way.

Benedict texted that he would meet Colin and Eloise here since he’s house sitting for Anthony and no one will be home.

The door opens before Colin can even knock.

“Well well well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” Benedict chuckles, looking at his brother in awe.

“Oh is that right?” Colin laughs; he missed his brother. Last time he saw him was before he took off in the sleigh and didn’t look back.

“You just going to stand there or are you going to hug me brother?” Benedict pulls Colin into a warm embrace. Colin revels in the warmth of his sibling. It feels great to be home.

Benedict pats him on the back. “Okay seriously, why are you here? Three years and nothing from you. They don’t have phones in the North Pole or what?”

Colin shrugs. He already feels terrible having left in such a rush. They definitely do have phones in the North Pole. The long distance call charges are astronomical and he really doesn’t need to hear Charlie scold him about cell phone costs.

“Good lord! Look at this jolly old man. Need to lay off the Christmas biscuits.” A sharp feminine voice bellows from the hall.

“Eloise!” She pushes Benedict to the side and allows Colin to engulf her in a big bear hug.

“I’ve missed you brother! How’s the pole? Cold? Boring? Please come in, unlike you, we’re not used to the arctic tundra.” Eloise pokes Colin in the belly, then frowns. “Wait, I thought you looked a bit different, where’s your jolly ol’ tum?”

He runs his hand over his stomach; he misses that big belly that came with being Santa. He sighs. “Listen, I have a lot to tell you both.”

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

“Married?!”

The sound of their harmony echoing off the walls of the living room.

“You can’t be serious—” Eloise shouted.

“But why—” Benedict questioned.

“One at a time, please—Yes, you heard me. Married.” Colin sighs. “You know all you both have done is interrogate me I need solutions here.”

He needs advice.
He needs to find Penelope.

He hasn’t seen his friend in years, and he just knows she will not be happy to see him. If there is one thing about Penelope, it’s that she has a head strong attitude, and him leaving with no note, no goodbye, that is not working in his favor.

“Helloooo, Colin! Are you with us?” Eloise snaps her fingers in Colin’s face.

He waves her off. “Yes, sorry, I’m just in my head.”

“Well, get on with it. We don't have all night.” Benedict calls from the bar cart. “Did you need a drink?”

“No, I’m okay. Thanks. But anyways, yes, married. I have about two weeks to find a wife, and I really need some help. You two are the only ones who know I’m Santa Claus.” Colin slumps back. His loud sigh is all he hears along with the soft clink of ice in Benedict’s glass.

All Colin feels is the shocked stares from both of his siblings. This Santa gig was all fun and games until Charles thrust this fine print onto him.

He has absolutely no logical plan in place. Only thing he thought of was her, and how he can manage to convince her to uproot her entire life and maybe become Mrs. Claus. Yeah sure, maybe all will work out and she won’t be mad at all right? What are the chances of that happening?

Colin is so deep-seated in his trance he barely notices when Eloise jumps to her feet and shouts: “What about Penelope?”

His head snaps in her direction. He has no idea what their conversation is even about. “Erm, wha—what about Penelope?”

“Oh, Ben and I were talking about the Christmas party. Mom’s throwing a soiree and texted asking if we have more people we needed to invite. In all honesty, I’m a little peeved Pen wasn’t already on the guest list, but you know old age I guess.” Eloise shrugs; she doesn’t even bother to look up from the phone she’s furiously typing on. Benedict, on the other hand, is looking at Colin with a ferocious stare.

“You good, brother?”

“Uhm, yeah, perfectly well.”

“You don’t seem well…a bit…jumpy?” Benedict chuckles.

“I do not know what you’re talking about…” Colin slumps down further into his seat. Damn it all, of course he noticed.

“You know exactly what I am talking about.”

“What are you going on about?” Eloise asks suspiciously.

“Oh nothing. Just noticed Colin here is a bit jumpy at a certain mention of a certain someone.”

The wiggle of Benedict’s eyebrows almost make Colin’s eye roll completely out of his head. “I am not jumpy. You are a menace.”

“Are you talking about Penelope?” Eloise questions.

Colin’s eyes widen. “Er, what about her?”

“See! He did it again.” Benedict laughs.

“What do you mean ‘what about her?’ Don’t be rude.” Eloise huffs.

“Jumpy jumpy boy.”

“I feel like we have lost the plot here.” Colin sighs.

“Have we though?” Benedict asks as he gets himself a drink. “I’m having loads of fun.”

“Yes. I need help, not to be clowned. I simply—”

“Simply what? Remembered your friend’s existence?” Eloise interrupted.

“Erm, what? I did not forget about her! You know exactly how that night went down. Plus, Charlie is a real stickler for international cal—”

“Ah yes, the Santa Incident.” Benedict says from the bar cart.

“Oh yes, do go on about this Charlie person and his running the North Pole with an Iron fist, yeah totally.” Eloise rolls her eyes. “Penelope was devastated.”

“First of all, Charlie does run that place like a machine, okay? Second of all, given that the two of you both made me put the coat on, how would I have known how the consequences played out—actually, what do you mean devastated?” Colin sits up abruptly. He had no idea Penelope felt anything towards his disappearance.

Well, obviously she would. He left in the literal middle of the night and did not return. It wasn’t entirely his fault. How could anyone truly anticipate the actual Santa Claus falling off the roof?

God forbid, you follow where the bump in the night is.

“Yeah, she really liked you man, how did you not see that?” Benedict says into his glass.

“Wait—wait, what?” Colin runs a hand through his hair. “What do you mean she liked me?”

“Benedict!” Eloise slaps Benedict on the shoulder.

“What the hell—” Benedict chokes out.

“That was a secret.”

“Did I evaporate? Am I still here? What do you both mean? She liked me? A secret?” Colin starts to pace. He knows he came here with the intention of asking her to maybe consider being his wife; it seems so out of the blue, but now he’s sure that maybe he has a chance.

He slowly starts to spiral as he paces back and forth. He starts to think about that night and how he can resolve his friendship with Penelope. Eloise is right, he left with absolutely no notice. He got swept up in the magic of becoming Santa, he had no idea how he glazed right past the one thing that mattered.

Charlie didn’t even give Colin the chance to process that he was only in town for three days prior to putting on the coat. A part of his Christmas gift to Penelope was going to be a confession.

She was the only person that would reach out consistently while he traveled for work, and he truly let her down. Through all the messages, emails, and face times, he was slowly realizing that she was definitely more than just Eloise or his best friend—he was in love with her.

He bought her a gorgeous leather-bound journal from Italy, and placed a heartfelt note inside, detailing how he wanted more.

He never got the chance to give it to her.
He never knew how she felt about him.
He never even bothered to call after he left.

Charlie be damned, it was the one thing Colin should’ve considered.
Hell, he hasn’t even spoken to his own mother consistently.

Colin cannot help but feel he has made the wrong choice, simply because he felt spreading joy was much more important.

“Earth to Colin!” Eloise’s voice brings him out of his spiral. “Are you okay? You paced and then just…stopped..”

“I’m—I’m sorry, I lost my mind for a second there. I feel like I made a mistake. A huge mistake. I need to speak with Penelope.” Colin says. He starts to pace again. Eloise and Benedict look at each other; their expressions showing nothing but confusion.

“Brother, I usually am not, but I am concerned…a mistake? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Benedict eyes Colin. “Also, where did this urgency with Penelope come from?”

“Perhaps from the fact that you both have one, implied that she liked me, and two, confirmed she did like me. How do I handle that?” Colin stops pacing, he throws himself onto the couch.

“Well, Colin, I hate to say this, you might want to put a handle on that very soon.” Eloise suggests.

“And now why should I do that?” Colin snaps back. Blood running cold, he can’t anticipate what she could have possibly meant by that.

“Well, becau—” Eloise is interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing.

“Wonder who that could be.” Benedict smiles into his cup as he takes a drink. “Almost like God—no wait—Santa knew what you were thinking.”

“Colin, I’m sorry, you didn’t answer when I asked and—” Eloise starts.

“Asked what?” Colin spits out. “I do not recall you asking any—”

“Colin?” Her voice cuts through the room, interrupting him. “What the fuck?”

He turns to face the voice head on. It’s Penelope.

He locks onto her beautiful blue eyes, completely frozen, as if he never left.

Benedict raises his glass, then makes his way back to the bar cart. “Well well. This is going to be one long night.”

Colin runs a hand through his hair.

Fuck.

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Chapter Text

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Three Years Earlier…

“I can’t believe all Anthony could get us was—wait, hold on.” Benedict says as he climbs up to stand on the couch to imitate Anthony. “‘These are donations on your behalf to fund the arts of the National Theatre. It would do this family good to support them.’”

“Oh? Anthony, is that you?” Colin bellows. “It’s like he’s in the room with us now!” His ribs hurt from laughing so hard.

“It’s like the man forgets I’m a literal artist. Does that mean nothing? Sorry I paint and I do not act—actually that’s false, I acted like I gave a damn about that gift!” Benedict tumbles back onto the couch. “Would’ve much rather had socks from Primark than whatever that was.”

“Ben! Cut it out, you’re going to wake up the young ones!” Eloise scolds. “God forbid they still believe in Santa Claus at their ages.”

“Come off it, no they don’t…wait do they?” Benedict laughs; his head hangs precariously off the side of the couch.

“Yes! And we shouldn’t ruin it for them because we decided to get drunk and loud.” She says as she grabs another drink from the cart.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Er, what the fuck was that?” Colin sits up from his spot on the floor.

All three of them stop in their tracks and stare at the ceiling. They stay frozen in their positions for a few minutes until they hear another few thumps.

“Let’s go check it out.” Benedict suggests.

“Brother, no way. That’s some alien shit.” Colin shakes his head, sets his drink onto the coffee table.

“Don't be a coward, let’s go.”

“Have fun boys. I’m staying here where it’s warm.” Eloise says as she sits down with her glass.

Benedict yanks the glass from her hand. “Get up, we’re all going!”

“Hey! That was unnecessary!” Eloise retorts. She crosses her arms and pouts.

He shakes the glass at her and starts heading backwards out the door. “I’ll give it back if you come with us. Up—Colin, you’re not getting out of this.”

“You’re lucky that I’m curious.” Colin sighs as he hoists himself up and towards the door.

“Please, that’s the only thing you’re curious about? As if you don’t have something to be curious about in that friend you both share…” Benedict scoffs, already heading out the door. Colin and Eloise following close behind him.

“Wait, what the hell is that supposed to me—” Colin stops short of crashing into Benedict’s back. They all look up and see what is real, in the flesh, reindeer and a red polished sleigh on the roof of Bridgerton House.

There’s no way I’m that drunk right now. Colin cannot believe what he is seeing. There’s no chance that Santa Claus exists. He truly cannot believe it.

“Are we all seeing the same thing? Is this a joint hallucination? Should I call 999? Have us committed or something?” Eloise asks.

“Oi! What the hell are you doing on the roof?” Benedict shouts at the large man that steps out of the sleigh. “You can’t just be on people’s roofs! That’s very inconsiderate.”

“Benedict! What the hell! You’re going to wake up the whole house.” Eloise slaps Benedict on the arm.

“Don’t you think the question we should be asking is how he got all that on the roof?” Colin is genuinely in awe. He is still struggling to believe any of this is real.

“Sir! I beg. Get off our roof!” Benedict’s shout causes the strange man to look over at the trio. He squints and leans forward a bit to seemingly get a better look. Colin notices the man start to take a step forward.

“Oh! Watch out!” Colin shouts running forward. The man missteps and tumbles forward, sliding off the roof.

The three of them drunkenly run over to attempt to save this man from his demise. Of course, there is only so much three drunk siblings can do.

The man tumbles right off the roof and hard onto the ground below.

They stop short of where he fell. Colin slowly steps forward. He eyes the man. He’s wearing a thick red velvet coat and pants, with a fluffy white trim, and a large black belt.

No, this can’t be.

This man is very clearly Santa Claus.

“Holy shit.” Benedict laughs, out of breath from the jog over to Colin. “It’s fucking Santa Claus.”

“Oh my god! Did we just kill him?” Eloise screams. “What do we do? Do we call someone? Is there some type of protocol? Ben? Col? Please.”

Benedict waves off Eloise. “Keep your voice down. And please, sister, do not cry. We don’t even know the man is dead. Haven’t even checked for a pulse.”

“Okay, but like if we touch him and he is dead…then what?” Colin asks. His heartbeat starts to pick up; he is terrified that they may have done serious damage.

“Benedict, this is YOUR fault!” Eloise shouts, tears falling down her cheeks. “You shouted at him!”

“I did not!”

“Yes, you did! It literally just happened, no one else is here!”

“Guys, I think he’s trying to say something?” Colin says suspiciously. He swears he hears something coming from the man.

“El, stop your crying, we are all at fault here.” Benedict rolls his eyes.

“How dare you! I’m not the nitwit who is shouting at the roof in the middle of Mayfair!” Eloise continues to shout.

“How dare I? Come off it! We are all complicit.”

“Guys—”

“Please, I hold not one ounce of complicity, I will be the one here with the truth—”

“Oh yeah? The truth? Tell me how you’re going to tell Anthony about this one? I am second eldest. I can do no wrong.” Benedict turns his head up smugly.

“Seriously, GUYS!” Colin shouts.

“WHAT?” Eloise and Benedict retort in unison.

There is a strange dust in the air, almost glittery with the hint of the scent of sugar. Colin points to the Santa Claus on the floor. The pair turn just in time to watch the man vanish completely. The suit simply crumples to the ground, the velvet shining in the dim light from the street lamp nearby.

“Holy shit.” Benedict snorts.

“Oh my fucking god, this cannot be real.” Eloise says, wiping a few left over tears from her cheeks.

Colin is in absolute awe. He cannot begin to comprehend what he just witnessed. His sibling’s bickering fades into the background as he thinks of his best course of action.

Santa Claus just disappeared right before their eyes. How do they explain this to others? Did this single-handedly ruin Christmas? Will there be people out in the world who do not get their Christmas magic because they shouted the man off the roof to his death?

A light turns on above them. It’s Hyacinth and Gregory’s shared bathroom. It snaps Colin out of his momentary panic.

“Hey! Someone is awake, look!” Colin interrupts. “We have to think fast, seriously.”

“Oh shit, Greg and Hy are going to see us! We can’t fuck this up for them. Ben put the suit on! We’ll wave if they peek out the window.” Eloise says.

“God no, I will not put that suit on!” Benedict crosses his arms. “It very clearly will not fit.”

Eloise rolls her eyes. “It’s not about it fitting, Ben. The point is do we really want to explain how we killed Santa Claus to our still believing siblings? You prepared for those tears? For the yelling Anthony is going to do?”

“Fuck, not really…but seriously, I am not putting that on.” Benedict turns to Colin. “You’re tall enough, why don’t you give it a go?”

“Me? Why me?” Colin questions.

“I’m really freaking out. Please can one of you put on the suit!” Eloise shouts through a new wave of tears. Colin can see another light turn on above them. There is no doubt now that both of his youngest siblings are awake.

Benedict shrugs. He moves the pant leg around with his foot. Colin can’t take it anymore, all the stalling is driving him mad.

“Fuck. Okay. I’ll put it on. But let’s hurry, I really don’t want to be responsible for this childhood trauma.” Colin sighs, picking up the pants of the suit.

He hurriedly puts the large pants on and buckles the belt. He chuckles at the sheer size and weight of the one piece of clothing he has on.

Maybe that’s how he stays so warm.

He grabs the coat and throws it on, shrugging it into place.

A strange feeling washes over him as he notices the suit start to fit him better.

“Oi, what the actual fuck is happening to you!”

Eloise shouts.

Benedict stares at Colin in awe. He opens his mouth, and when it seems like he is going to say something, nothing comes out.

Colin starts the panic again. “What—what is it? Is something wrong?”

They both just stare in silence. He has no idea what is going on. He turns toward the house again to look up.

Colin notices the movement of the curtains, and two shadows of heads peering down at them. Thank god he put the suit on in time. He feels grateful having avoided that potential crisis.

He waves and smiles until the curtains shut and the lights turn off. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the kids rush down the grand staircase to the tree.

“Alright, let’s get this of—” Colin starts but stops dead in his tracks. He caught sight of his reflection in the window in front of him.

He doesn’t recognize the person looking back at him. He also just now realizes, his siblings have not moved from their trances.

“What the fuck?” Colin touches his face. “Why didn't you guys say I have white hair and a beard?” He looks down at his belly. “Where did thi—where did this stomach come from? What is going on?”

Colin is in a full panic. Right before his eyes he has completely transformed. He has no idea what to do or how to fix it.

“Okay, hold on. Take a breath.” Benedict says snapping out of his shock. “We got to figure this out.”

“No shit! What the hell happened to me?” Colin snaps.

“Hey! Whoa. Don’t shoot the helper brother!”

“Maybe there is something in the pockets? A clue or something?” Eloise finally says. She rushes over to Colin. The three of them start fumbling around with the coat and pants pockets, desperate for answers.

“Now, what makes you think Santa Claus just carries around some type of explanation—” Benedict starts.

“Got it!” Eloise shouts, interrupting Benedict’s question. She triumphantly holds up a small embossed business card.

“What the hell is that?” Colin asks. “Give it here!”

He yanks the card out of Eloise’s hand. “Hey! Rude.” She shouts at him.

The card is a plain white with Santa Claus, North Pole written on the front. It almost feels fake, like a joke. He flips the card over and reads the ornate red print: If something should happen to me, put on the suit. The reindeer will know what to do.

“Well…I already put on the suit. So what now?” Colin asks.

“Clearly, Colin, it says the reindeer will know.” Benedict snorts.

“I really don’t need the sarcasm, help me get on the roof, and sober up will you.” Colin slaps Benedict on the arm. And the trio make their way to the backyard.

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Thirty minutes of bickering, a clueless search for a ladder that Benedict swears up and down was “right here, I saw it last night,” and lots more tripping over hidden rocks in the snow, Colin finally made it onto the roof.

“How’s the weather up there, Santa?” Benedict snickers.

Eloise slaps his arm. “Cut it out! Or you’re going with him.”

Colin can barely hear them from how high up he is. He carefully tiptoes over to the sleigh.

He is in absolute awe of how beautiful the reindeer are. Their crimson harnesses are made of smooth leather. The creatures look happy and comfortable. He pets the one closest to the sleigh.

“The card said you know what to do?” Colin asks softly.

The creature nods towards the sleigh, and Colin moves towards it, oddly knowing exactly what was being communicated.

The sleigh is gorgeous up close; it is a dark red lacquer that shines brightly under the moonlight. He climbs in carefully and the moment he sits into the seat, he feels a buzz in the air—a feeling of magic overwhelms him. He revels in the feeling.

Colin calls down to his siblings. “Hey! This is actually really nice!”

His smile is beaming. He hasn’t felt this happy in such a long time.

The reindeer stamp their hooves on the roof, ready for takeoff.

“Uh, are they taking you?” Eloise shouts at Colin.

“I don’t think so?” Colin grabs the reins, gives them a little shake. The reindeer nod, and start to run forward.

Colin shoots back into his seat and grips harder on the reins. “Shit!”

He can hear Eloise and Benedict calling out to him but can’t make out what they’re saying.

“I promise I’ll be home soon! Tell everyone I’ll be back tomorrow!” Colin shouts towards his siblings, but he can’t be too sure they even heard him. He holds hope everything will be alright as he and the reindeer shoot high into the sky.

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

“Welcome back Santa! We’ve been preparing all night for your arrival—wait, who the hell are you?” Charlie starts. Colin peers out of the sleigh.

“Uh, hello. I’m Colin.”

“Colin? What happened to the other Santa?” Charlie squints at Colin. “Let me guess, fell off the roof?”

“Whoa, how did you know that?” Colin is shocked he didn’t have to relive watching that man fall off the roof.

“Yeah, he was a klutz, but all is well, we have work to do. Out of the sleigh please.” Charlie waves Colin over and starts to walk away.

Colin scrambles out of the sleigh. He stops for a second and truly takes in his surroundings.

Words can’t even begin to describe the whimsy that the factory holds. High ceilings decorated with yards of garland, Christmas lights twinkle in every color imaginable, and the tinsel shines bright against all the red and green walls.

“Hello? Uh—Colin, let’s get a move on!” Charlie shouts at him from down the hall.

“Right! Sorry there.” Colin jogs over to where Charlie is. “Wait, I don’t even know your name!”

“Charles.”

“Oh, cool.” Colin nods and follows Charlie as they make their way down the hall. “Does anyone call you Charlie? Can I call you that?”

“No.” Charlie shoots him a dirty look. “Okay, so we have to get you loose ends tied up. This is your room and office, you’ll find clothes in the closet.” Charlie points to the other end of the room. “And I assume you read the fine print before we really dive into this?”

“I’m sorry…the what?” Colin didn’t even catch of what Charlie said. He was completely distracted by the sheer size of the room. He’s never seen so much Christmas in one place. “Say Charlie, where are we?”

“Charles.”

“Yeah, right sorry. Anyway, where are we and what fine print?”

“North Pole.” Charlie rolls his eyes. “Do you still have the card?”

“Of course.” Colin scrambles to find the small business card in his pocket. “Here it is.”

Charlie snatches it from Colin’s hand. He walks over to a strange device that looks like a gigantic magnifying glass.

“Come here, take a look.” Charlie nods toward the device. “This is the fine print.”

Colin walks over to Charlie slowly. He is a bit scared to find out what this fine print is about.

He leans over to look through the glass and reads: By putting on the suit, the wearer waives all rights to their previous identity and permanently accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus until unable to do so.

Colin steps back; he doesn’t know what to say. He opens his mouth and nothing comes out.

Until this point, Colin wasn’t entirely convinced that where he was and who he was talking to wasn’t a part of this large fantastical dream. That he would wake up and all this wouldn’t be real anymore. But he just spent the better part of 6 hours actually delivering presents to every home in the world. The joy he felt was immense and he was exhilarated the entire night.

Charlie pointing out this fine print has done nothing but sober Colin from the adrenaline he felt when he arrived at the North Pole.

“Wait—that’s it? I can’t go home? Say goodbye?” Colin is panicking. He didn’t know saving his siblings from not believing in Santa would lead him to giving up himself.

“Well, from my knowledge you did say goodbye.” Charlie nods. Colin is shocked with how little this elf seems to care.

“I don’t even know if they heard!” Colin shouts.

“Listen—Colin, right?—your family will be well taken care of. I’ll make sure of it. Already have people on the way to the house with your goodbyes.”

“That’s it? I’m just going to be Santa Claus until I…what? Fall off a roof?”

“If that’s how you want to go, sure!” Charlie chuckles.

Colin rolls his eyes. He doesn’t want to accept just staying here and not seeing anyone again. “Do I at least get to call them?”

“International calls are a bit wonky here…we’ll go over it in training.” Charlie crosses his arms. “Are you ready to be Santa? You’ve done a great job so far.”

“Thanks…but yeah, let’s get this show on the road.”

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Chapter Text

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Present Day
14 days…Actually—now—13 days until Christmas Day

“What the fuck? What. The. Fuck.”

Penelope is pacing the length of the living room. Colin is sitting on the couch with Eloise and Benedict.

“Penelope, please let me—” Colin starts.

“No!” Penelope shouts. “What makes you think I want to hear anything you have to say?”

“Well—”

“No! I don’t want to hear it! You left Colin!”

“Can you please give me like five minutes to explain?” Colin pleads. He turns his head to look at his siblings one at a time. “Clearly you want to know, or you would’ve left.”

“Do not get snarky with me. You don’t know what I want.” Penelope cries. Colin sees a few tears lining her cheeks.

He hates seeing her like this. He knows he left in such a rush, but he had very little control. He just wants her to give him one chance.

“Pen, bestie, give him some time,” Eloise says.

“I’ve already said no, and the fact that you’re on his side! I thought you were my friend.” Penelope stops her pacing for a moment. Colin can feel the gears turning in her head. She’s planning her next move and he needs to navigate carefully.

“Pen—Penelope, if you give me one chance, I promise it’ll explain everything.” Colin states. He stands up, attempting to approach Penelope as if she’s going to bolt in an instant.

“I want to…I really do, but you disappeared for like…three years? No note, no phone call, and absolutely no visits. It’s unlike you. I was hurt that not even your mother got a full explanation! No one did.” Penelope’s face starts to show more tears streaming down her face. Colin watches as she looks him up and down, then spies his siblings shifting on the sofa.

He knows for a fact she’s trying to piece it all together. It's one of his favorite things about her: how inquisitive she is.

Even though she is so frustrated with him, he can’t help but feel himself swoon. He notices the shine of her smooth waved red hair, the twinkle of her large blue eyes, and the perfect pout of her full pink lips. He kicked himself every day because he didn’t pester Charlie more to let him call her.

“The thing about being Santa Claus is no one can know. You already have two people in the know, let’s keep it that way.” Charlie said one day when walking the factory that first year. Colin did nothing but take that little elf serious. He had worked there for well over a century before Colin even got there.

He’s so deep in his trance when he hears. “Okay, well Sophie and the boys need me. I’ll see you all later. Colin, you’re fine to stay here.” Benedict says as he’s half way out the door. “Cheerio!”

Colin barely has the chance to say anything before Penelope announces. “You know what, it’s best that I leave too. I’m sorry I cannot be around you right now. You appeared out of thin air after years and look completely different. It's weird…”

Penelope turns toward the door, she wipes a tear from her cheek. “Benedict, can you walk me to the station?”

“Of course, I'd be happy to. Perhaps we can have a little chat on the way.” Benedict nods.

“Maybe you can tell me more about why he looks like that?” Penelope says to Benedict as they walk out the door together.

Colin watches them walk away through the window. The pain of Penelope leaving really settles into his chest. He slumps into the chair, utterly defeated.

“Kind of fucked that one, didn’t you?” Eloise scoffs.

Colin shoots her a death stare. “Yeah…I wonder why she was even here.”

Eloise holds her hands up in surrender. “Whoa! You’re the one that didn’t say no to inviting her. Thought it was going to be fun.”

“‘Thought it was going to be fun.’” Colin mocks Eloise.

“Hey! Very mature, Santa Claus.” Eloise rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“In all seriousness, Colin, I am sorry. I expected that to go way different.”

“It’s alright, I guess I didn’t realize how much an impact me leaving would actually have.” Colin slumps further into his seat and melts onto the floor. He stares up at the ceiling and can’t help but wonder how he can possibly fix the mess of this night.

Eloise shrugs. “Maybe Pen wasn’t entirely truthful with me. Hopefully Ben can get some more secrets out of her. Something I don’t already know.”

Colin’s head darts up. “What do you mean?”

“Well, she was pretty devastated when you ‘disappeared’ but didn’t really tell me why. Just said you were rude for not saying bye to us, but let’s be honest, just the family? Why would she care so much about just us? It was kind of odd.”

“I don’t think that’s odd…she’s definitely a part of the family in someway, right?”

“Yeah, but she’s just my best friend; her reaction was very big. I did end up asking if it was mostly about you and she might’ve mentioned something…”

Colin watches Eloise as she paces the living room. She's giving off a nervous energy he can’t quite pinpoint. He wonders if she is not admitting more than she lets on.

“Eloise?”

“Mhm, yeah?”

“You know something don’t you?”

“Wh—what? I don’t know anything!” Eloise shouts shakily.

Colin squints at her. “Yeah…that was very convincing.”

“I don’t know what you could possibly be talking about.” She rolls her eyes, and Colin laughs.

“How about we make a deal? You tell me your secret and I’ll tell you mine. There’s no other siblings here and we can, I don’t know, swear on it or something?”

“How do I know I can trust you? You have been gone so long, better safe than sorry.” Eloise eyes Colin inquisitively as she continues to pace.

“Well, if I find a wife then I’ll literally be in the North Pole with very minimal conversation…who would I tell? The elves?”

Eloise stops her pacing and crosses her arms. She seems to take what he said into deep consideration. After a few minutes she finally says, “Deal. But you first.”

“What if we say it on three?”

“Wouldn’t we just talk over each other?”

“Does it matter? Please, you barely trust me.” Colin chuckles.

“I guess that’s true.” Eloise scoffs.

“Okay…on three…” Colin sits up higher. “One…two…three.”

“Penelope was in love with you”

“I’m in love with Penelope.”

“Wait, WHAT?” They both shout at each other and point.

“Was?” Colin questions.

“You are?” Eloise asks at the same time.

“Holy shit.” Colin is in disbelief. He expected Eloise to come up with some fanciful lie to get out of spilling and get him to be truthful instead. He never expected a Bridgerton standoff to actually work...

He slumps back and completely melts onto the floor this time. His back flat against the ground, he can feel the cool of the hardwood.

“I really need to speak with her.”

“Yeah…she’s miffed at me more than you right now, so I’m not much help.” Eloise shrugs again. “Like I said, maybe Ben can help.”

“How could he possibly help? He’s the main reason I’m literally Santa Claus.”

“Yeah…that was a fun night.” Eloise laughs to herself.

“Oh definitely! I love being a big fluffy, white haired Santa Claus.” Colin rolls his eyes and laughs with Eloise.

“You know, good thing that Charlie gave you a phone finally. You can keep in contact with me and Ben. Everyone else went to the Ski Lodge. We were supposed to meet them there until you rang…well I guess Sophie being overly pregnant doesn’t make Ben want to actually travel so—”

“Hold on, I’ve heard that name twice now? Who the hell is Soph—” Colin starts, he’s interrupted by three distinct dings coming from his North Pole sanctioned cell phone.

On the notification screen, Colin reads the preview to text he just got.

Ben: Incoming, thank me later.

Colin furrows his brows. “What does this even mean?”

He flips the phone around and shows Eloise. Just as she bends over to read the text, another three dings ring out.

Unknown: ben gave me your number. i’m not ready to talk, give me some time. it’s penelope

Holy shit.

He has no idea how to react, but he is over the moon. It’s like he’s been given a second chance he doesn’t deserve and he’s very grateful.

“Well, would you look at that. Ben finally did something helpful!” Eloise claps her hands together excitedly.

“Yeah, thank god. I had immediately lost hope of finding a wife.”

“WAIT. You came here with the intention of making Penelope your wife?” Eloise asks.

“Was that not clear?” Colin scowls at Eloise.

“Uhm—No! Or else I’d already be plotting with Ben!”

“I beg you, please don’t. You guys have been extremely unhelpful.” Colin motions up and down his body with his free hand. “Have you seen what I am?”

“Yeah yeah, whatever. I need to call Ben!” Eloise scrambles for her phone. “And while we’re at it, we can rope in Sophie and then you’ll finally get to meet her! You’re going to love her!”

“Perfect, more people.” Colin rolls his eyes playfully. “This should be fun.”

Eloise lets out an excited squeal and starts to phone Benedict. Colin feels a warmth wash over him. Not just because he has a chance with Penelope, but because he’s happy his siblings want to help. He’s missed them dearly.

“Ben! Get Sophie on the phone now! We have work to do.” Eloise shouts into the phone. “Yeah, yeah. I know the kids are asleep but it’s fine, we had a revelation over here!”

Colin laughs at her excitement and the sounds of Benedict’s protesting on the phone.

All he can think is: Here we go.

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Chapter Text

🦌🛷 ⊹˚꙳⁺⋆₊･*❅

Ten Days until Christmas Eve

“I’m sorry, Penelope.” Colin says cheerily, large smile on his face.

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

“I’m truly so very sorry, Penelope.” He says again with a slight frown on his face and his attempt at a more somber tone. “God, I don’t think this is going to work.”

“Yeah, talking to yourself in the mirror is totally the same as saying it to her face.” Eloise laughs.

“Lord, are you trying to send me to the grave? Knock next time, please.” Colin retorts, hand clutching to his chest.

“Pfft, relax, I have some semi-decent news.”

“Semi-decent? I’ll pass.” He says as he waves her off.

Eloise smacks his hand. “Don’t be rude.”

“Oi! That hurt.” Colin pulls his hand back to his chest.

“I came to tell you Penelope will be at the Christmas Market. Now what you do with that information is entirely up to you.”

“Hmm, I guess that is ‘semi-decent.’”

“Yeah, yeah, I gotta go see Phil. We are also going to the Christmas Market, thought I’d stop by and relay the message first—” She starts as she takes a gander around the room. “And can you clean up in here? Anthony is barely letting you stay here as is, don’t want to send him to the grave with your…nastiness. Don’t you have elves or whatever to clean up for you?”

Colin shoots her a look. “How dare you! The elves don’t clean up, they make toys.”

“Semantics.”

“Literally, no.”

“Anyways, bye!” Eloise shouts as she makes her way out of the room.

“Wait, El!”

She turns around and stares at him with a suspicious squint. “Yes?”

“Uhm, thank you for the heads up. I appreciate your help.” Colin nods. He’s happy to receive any help from her at all. Her and Benedict have been notoriously bad with any type of help, but now he thinks they’re actually trying.

“Oh, yeah…you’re welcome! Anything to get on the good list. You know, appease the big guy.” She gives him a really big smile and a wink. “Though I think you should probably thank Ben, who got the information from Mom, who got the information from Portia.”

Colin rolls his eyes. Of course they didn’t do any of the work.

“Wait—big guy? What…God?” Colin asks, confused on who she could possible be speaking of.

“Dude, you’re literally Santa Claus. You control the list.” Eloise rolls her eyes and walks out the door.

Colin shrugs, turns back towards his mirror and pulls out his phone. He has very limited time to formulate a plan to see Penelope and not look like a Grade-A stalker. Lord knows he’s already done enough of that.

After that initial text, he’d sent at least ten back to back in the last three days. Every single one showing the dreadful read receipt as soon as she read it. Every time stamp biting him in the ass.

Friday 10:00 AM
Colin: hey penelope got your text
Colin: i know you need some time and i respect that

Friday 5:00 PM
Colin: is there a way for me to know how much time? i would really like to meet up and talk

Friday 8:00 PM
Colin: maybe a coffee date? on me!
Colin: just text me whenever you can

Yesterday 11:00 AM
Colin: look, i know you don’t owe me anything, i’m the one that left
Colin: maybe just one thumbs up?
Colin: actually that was cringe please ignore me
Colin: maybe not like ignore ignore but you know what i mean

Today 12:00 PM
Colin: i’m sorry for all the texts, and i’m sorry i left and didn’t say anything. cell service was…complicated.
Colin: i’m willing to explain whenever, just let me know when you’re ready.
Colin: happy holidays penelope :)
^{Read at 2:50 PM}

Penelope liked “happy holidays penelope :)”

Colin sighs as he looks at the graveyard of texts he sent to Penelope. All he wants is to apologize to her, make everything right again. He knows leaving the way he did was not very avoidable—thanks to the Santa Clause—but he also knows that she can at least give him maybe the sliver of a chance.

Well, women don’t actually owe men anything, he thinks to himself.

He looks back at his reflection in the mirror. The old version of himself looking back at him. The dark chestnut hair, the trimmed beard, and the weight miraculously gone. He misses this version of himself, but also misses his new version of himself. Who would’ve thought that he would actually enjoy being Santa Claus even after all these years?

The reflection starts to warp the longer Colin stares at himself. He knows his only hope now is to create some Christmas magic and win Penelope’s heart back.

He has to go to that market and find her. He checks his watch and makes his way out.

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The Hyde Park Market is absolute insanity. The excitement buzzes in the air and winds through the park. It is grandiose and Colin realizes he very much forgot how large it actually is.

There is no way I’m going to find Penelope here.

Eloise and Penelope chose the most opportune time to visit this market. Colin feels grateful that he is blessed with height and that Penelope is a fiery red head, because he is sure that he would not have been able to spot her in the crowd.

He sees a flash of red curls in the distance by one of the hot chocolate stands. Pushing and—sort of—shoving through the crowd, Colin makes a beeline towards who he believes is Penelope.

The girl is wearing a long line beige jacket, a white beanie with that cute puff at the top, her curls cascading down her back in an effortless way. He is confident it is her, but he doesn’t want to startle her. Slowing his frantic walk down to a stroll, he starts to slowly realize he has absolutely no idea what he is even going to say to her. Colin’s thoughts start rapid firing.

Do I just walk up and say hi?

Do I bump into her? Say ‘oops fancy seeing you here’?

Walk past her and let her notice me?

Lord, how would she even knows it’s me, last time she saw me I looked like a jolly old man.

Colin rolls his eyes. Get a grip Santa Claus.

Ultimately, he decides it’s best to keep this as a chance encounter. She's already pissed off and doesn’t seem to want to talk to him. Natural is the way to go. Colin steps into the queue for the hot chocolate stall. He figures it’ll make him feel less like a stalker and more like how he wants to feel: nonchalant.

While he waits, he swears he can hear the sound of Penelope’s laugh.

“You’ve truly lost your mind, Bridgerton.” He mutters to himself.

Then he hears it again. He snaps his head in the direction he suspects and doesn’t see any sign of her.

He sighs. Get it together.

Colin gets his drink and starts to make his way towards the seating area. Now that he’s calmed down a bit, he is in awe with this market. He hasn’t felt Christmas joy like this since being at the North Pole. It is starting to feel mundane almost, and the thought worries him.

Christmas is supposed to be full of joy and wonder and whimsy. He revels in the feeling ever since he was young and he was ecstatic when the weight of his new “job” finally dawned on him. Santa Claus. He is now the proprietor of that joy he had felt for years and he knows it is what he is meant to be.

“I’m a bit sad it’s not going to snow while we’re here.” He hears her voice. Penelope is near by and she's talking to someone.

Colin stops in his tracks and looks around slowly. He doesn’t want to scare her but he would love to make her happy in any way.

“Pen, this is that global warming I've been telling you to pay attention to. You know as a scholarly woman you would think that—” Colin knows Eloise’s soap box voice anywhere. He rolls his eyes and follows the sound of their voices. He knows once Eloise gets started that she going to take her time explaining until her point has fully come across, no matter how many times you’ve heard the rant before.

He spies the group from afar. He watches Eloise go into “Ted Talk” mode and it’s nothing but a flailing of limbs and drops of hot chocolate unfortunately landing on who he expects is Phillip as she drones on and on to Penelope about global warming. Colin sees the annoyance in Penelope’s eyes, but he knows she loves her friend and she's going to let her drone on no matter what.

He smiles as he watches the group. He misses the camaraderie of his friends and siblings. He wishes that he can feel this feeling all the time. Someone to be with him to gab and laugh. Just as he’s about to get lost in his thoughts again he hears her voice again.

“Is that Colin?”

He cringes a bit. He hadn’t realized he’s awkwardly standing and staring at them as he got lost in his thoughts for the millionth time today.

Eloise stops her flailing. “Oh! I didn’t know he was coming today.”

She waves him over. “Oi! You just gonna stand there or you going to say hi? C’mon, come meet Phillip!”

Colin smirks and shakes his head at her. She’s very good at lying because she’s literally the reason he’s here.

He reaches the group in a few long strides, smile large on his face as he approaches. “Fancy seeing you all here! Thought since I was in town I'd hit one of these markets. I was supposed to meet Ben and —”

“So you picked the biggest and busiest market? The market even Ben said he wouldn’t dare step foot in?” Penelope interjects.

Colin flinches. He didn’t expect such a shrewd reading from her almost immediately.

Phillip lets out a long whistle and extends his hand. “Those are some loaded questions. Anyways, nice to meet you mate, I’m Phillip. You can call me Phil.”

Colin takes Phillip’s hand and shakes it. “Pleasure. Glad to hear you make my sister very happy.”

“So I have heard.” Phillip chuckles.

“Ew, please don’t become best friends. Don’t make Colin two for two on stealing friends.” Eloise scowls playfully. She grabs Phillip’s arm and snuggles against him.

Colin is happy to witness his sibling in love for a split second before Penelope interjects again.

“Two for two? That’s a good joke.” She scoffs.

“Pen, c’mon. It’s Christmas.” Eloise looks at her friend with sad eyes.

“Barely; it’s not even snowing, and my alleged friend shows up after a three year disappearance. No explanation.” Penelope rolls her eyes. She crosses her arms and snuggles her hot chocolate to her chest a bit more.

Her words hurt, Colin can’t deny that. He knows that three year hiatus from his real life did some damage.

Sure, he can blame it on international calling all he wants, but he knows at the end of the day he could’ve done way better.

“Penelope, I know there isn’t a lot I can say to you right now, or even anything that you truly would allow yourself to listen to.” Colin starts. “But that aside, I really only have one question for you.”

She gives him an annoyed look. “And what would that be?”

“Would it make you happy if it snowed right now?”

“Wh—what?” Penelope stutters.

“It is a very serious question.”

Eloise and Phillip give each other a look. She whispers something to him that Colin can’t quite catch. Phillip looks up and starts looking around. Both him and Eloise looking mighty confused.

“Colin…did you buy snow machines or something? I’m sure you heard me going on about global—” Eloise starts.

“Nope.” Colin stops her and doesn’t take his attention away from Penelope, “I want to know Penelope. Would that make you happy?”

This time, she doesn’t react negatively. Her expression softens and she shifts a bit on her feet. Colin can tell that his seriousness is making her a bit uncomfortable. He’s not trying to do anything but make her happy. He waits patiently for her reply.

“Perhaps we can give you both a moment.” Phillip says tugging Eloise away as he shifts in the opposite direction.

“Wait—” Penelope starts but they already walked away. “Look Colin, I’m not ready to talk yet. You left…and…”

Colin looks at her; he knows he has done some irreparable damage to their friendship by not contacting her. He’s sure of it. He takes a deep breath and asks, “with all due respect, before we continue, I’d still like to know the answer to my question.”

“What? Why do you even care?”

“Penelope, I care very deeply. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.” Colin huffs out a large shaky exhale. “I shouldn’t have left without a word. I know this. I remember that day so vividly…Hell I don’t think I’ll ever forget. You were on your way to drink with us…I had a present for you…I can only imagine how you felt, and frankly, I don’t think you’ll ever forgive me. Which is fine! It’s deserved. But, I’m sorry, there is truly only one thing I want to do right now, and that is to give you one moment of happiness.”

“Col—I don’t really know what to say.” Penelope looks up at him with glassy eyes. She looks almost like she regrets the ire that has been throwing at him.

“Just tell me, would the snow make you happy?”

“I mean, it hasn’t snowed like that in such a long time.” Penelope looks around the market. “The market used to be so magical when the snow would fall…now it seems more sleet than anything else.”

“I think that magic can come back.” Colin smiles. She still hasn’t given a direct answer, but he knows in his heart it’s the one thing at this present moment that would bring a smile to her face.

Penelope sighs and waves him off. “Please. With all that ranting Eloise just did about fossil fuels and global warming. I’ll be a pinch happy to see even an inch of fluff on Christmas Day.”

Colin laughs. Eloise will always be a spit fire, passionate about all her beliefs. She makes a compelling argument when she can, but never realizes the small devastation she leaves behind; Penelope looks bothered by her rant, and Colin can tell that she wants nothing more than the nostalgia of a magic and perfect Christmas season.

“Oh, if I truly had my way, I’d ensure that you see more than just that one inch of snow on Christmas Day.” Colin chuckles as he peers down at his watch. “Should be any second now.”

“What are you talking—” Penelope questions, but cuts herself short as a snowflake lands on her beige coat. “What is this?”

She eyes the flake closely and gasps a bit as more fluff starts to fall gently from the sky. Colin watches her as she looks up to the sky and smiles. Her eyes close as she feels the snow gently fall onto her face. He can almost feel the small bit of happiness he may have given her.

“I can’t…I can’t believe it…how—it’s snowing Colin!” Penelope’s smile is so wide she can barely contain her excitement. She holds her hand out to catch some snow in her hand and she laughs.

“Penelope, anything is possible.” Colin says to her with a gentle tone.

She looks up at him, mirth painting her expression. Just before she’s about to say something, Eloise rushes back to them.

“Colin! Please tell me this wasn’t you?” She asks, excitedly tugging at his sleeve.

Phillip jogs up behind Eloise, catching up after she ran from him. “Eloise, you couldn’t have waited up?”

Phillips laugh and Eloise excitement only amplifies Penelope’s joy more. “Do you see Eloise? Anything is possible! All that ranting and raving and it looks like we’re going to get a white Christmas after all!”

All three of them laugh and Colin can help but feel a sense of pride. The feeling of bringing them joy warms his heart. His purpose giving him more meaning even without being holed up in the North Pole.

The feeling is short lived as he looks down at his watch and sees that the magic meter has gone down. He didn’t think it’d use that much but it still stresses him a bit.

“Colin?”

The call brings him back out of his thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Would you like to get coffee with me on Wednesday?” Penelope asked quietly. She smiled at him waiting for his answer.

He could help but swoon a bit at her sweet expression. He's missed it so much.

“I would love to.” He nods.

“Wonderful!” She claps her hands together. “I’ll text you the details the night before if that’s okay?”

“That’s perfect.”

Colin wishes he would’ve known that the snow would be the one thing to get her to talk to him again. But he’s happy she’s happy and he couldn't ask for more than that.

“Oh, Colin?” Penelope says.

“Mhm?”

“Thank you.”

“For what? I didn’t do anything.” Colin laughs.

“Well…yeah I know that…but…but I just feel this need to thank you. It’s like…you knew this was the one thing I’ve been wishing for.” She shuffles a bit at the admission. He looks at her and smiles warmly.

“You’re welcome.” He says gently. “I’m glad you got your wish.”

I’d do anything to make you happy.