#Snowfall Sweethearts ☕❄

[prismatica-the-strange]

Shiver & Twitch

Warnings: 18+, just fluff.

Synopsis: She can't stand the cold, and he has a few tells, both make good nicknames

Pairings: Snowflake Sweethearts ☕❄

It's the strangest thing to see an elf shiver, especially when she's already bundled in two sweaters and a thick wool coat. You would think, due to her biological disposition to the cold, she would be right at home in the North pole, but that's all a stereotype.

In fact, anyone can get used to living in any climate if they live there long enough. Which may be why, after nearly 600 years in the mortal realm, Charity could feel her teeth chattering whenever she stepped outside now.

And what did these people have against closing doors? It's literally freezing outside and the ground is perpetually covered in snow, yet no one seems to mind the icy draft.

She trudges into the small elf cafe, wiping her runny nose on her sleeve.

"Have you ever seen an elf so miserable in the cold before?"

"She shivers any harder she'll fall apart."

She feels a spark of heat in the tips of her frozen ears, but tries to ignore the gossip.

Ever since Santa reassigned her back at the pole, she's been the talk of the town, much to her dismay.

"C-can I get a white chocolate mocha?"

"A what?" The elf at the counter looks at her like she's crazy.

"A c-coffee, with w-white chocolate."

They let out a short laugh, "We have twelve different kinds of cocoa, but we don't have coffee."

Her ears turn bright red when a giggle travels through the small space.

"If she wants to be a mortal so bad why doesn't she just go back?" Another jab whispered between friends, "I mean, whoever saw an elf with hair like-"

She spins on her heel to leave, but in her embarrassment she didn't here the shop go silent before she ran into someone.

"Whoa! Watch out there Charit-... are you okay?"

She pulls her scarf up to cover her burning cheeks when Bernard peers down at her.

"I'm fine," She shoves past him and back out into the snow.

"Wait up," She hears his jogging footsteps crunch against the ice covered ground before he lightly grabs her upper arm and pulls her to a stop, "Are you sick? You're shaking and your ears are brighter than Rudolph's nose."

There's a teasing lilt to his voice but it's not malicious.

"I-I'm just c-cold," She stutters. She runs her mitten covered hands up and down her arms.

"Yeah I heard about that," He says, "I've never seen an elf shiver before, not like this anyway."

She looks down at her feet, keeping her scarf wrapped tightly around the bottom of her face to hide her frown, but it's obvious he struck a nerve.

"I didn't mean- That is- Tinsel!- What I meant was-... Did-Did you want a hot cocoa? I can- if you want... it's on me?"

She can't help but crack a small smile at the head elf's endearing ramble.

"I appreciate the offer Bernard," She shyly kicks the snow, "But I'm not m-much of a cocoa elf."

"Then why were you?...." He motions to the cafe.

"I was looking for a cup of c-coffe," She says, "If you could find me one of th-those, I'd be your best f-friend."

"Well, I better go find you some coffee then," He chuckles before going red in the face, "I-I didn't- I mean..."

He feels his own ears burn when she giggles, crooked smile turning bashful.

❄❄❄❄❄

"You want me to add a coffee machine to the kitchen?" Santa balks, looking over his reading glasses at Bernard who is rocking anxiously on the balls of his feet, "I didn't even know you liked coffee."

"Me? Oh yeah, I-I love coffee," he lies.

"Mhm..." Santa sets the Naughty/Nice list on his desk, "You know your voice breaks when you lie, right?"

"I-!" He let's out a nervous laugh.

"I honestly didn't care why you wanted a coffee machine, you've never given me a reason to question your judgment, but now... I'm curious," he sets his glasses aside, "Who are you trying to caffeinate, Bernard?"

"I- uh- mmm... fine!" He can feel heat begin to bubble to his face as he starts to pace, a nervous habit of his, "Ever since she got back, Charity's had a hard time... adjusting. And I thought that, if I, y'know, helped her get this one thing she's been really missing she'd feel... more at home."

He looks up at his boss through a few stray curls only to find Santa giving him a strange look, "What? W-why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'll get that installed in the kitchen as soon as I can," Santa smiles.

❄❄❄❄❄

"I have a surprise for you."

"Jesu- J-Jingle bells!" She manages to catch her slip before fully cursing in the workshop, half wrapped present in her hands falling to the floor, "Dang it, Bernard! You scared the snowflakes out of me!"

"Sorry," he leans down to pick up the box only to fumble it as he sets it back on the table, making a few of the other elves giggle, "S-sorry..."

"I uh..." He leans in close to Charity, his proximity causing her to flush slightly and the same nosy elves to 'ooo', "Can you come with me for a minute?"

"I'm pretty busy right now," she teases, "Is the surprise time sensitive?

"No but- come on, I promise you'll love it." She glances over from her work and meets his soft, brown, puppy eyes. Those stupidly sweet and warm, like hot chocolate puppy eyes that tug so hard at her heartstrings, "Please?"

"Fineeee," she playfully rolls her eyes and follows him out of the ever busy workshop.

She's visibly shaking at the end of the 200-foot trek across the snow-covered courtyard. It's the quickest and least busy way to the giant kitchen, but arguably the coldest.

"You really don't do well in the cold, do you?" He takes her hands, rubbing his palms against her frozen fingers to warm them, "I think I have just the thing."

He leads her over to the large cocoa machine built into the wall, a new shiny attachment added.

"What's that?" She asks. Then it hits her, over the smell of a million baking cookies and cocoa, the bitter smell of coffee, "Bernard, did you-"

"It was all Santa, actually," he speaks slow and deliberate so his voice won't give him away, "He noticed how miserable you've been without it and wanted to lift your spirits."

"Uh-huh," she grins at him, not buying a word of it, "Your ears twitch when you lie."

His smile drops and his eyes go wide, he didn't know that.

"I-I- You!- That's not- I-I mean I may have planted the idea b-but he," He crosses his arms and bounces up onto his toes, "Santa actually did everything! S-so I can't really take credit for- Not that I want to swoop in and take credit for but- I- I definitely-"

He chokes on his rambling tongue when Charity leans up and presses a kiss to his rapidly darkening cheek.

He starts to stammer when she pulls away, "I! I-I-You-that-I-uh-you just- and-and I- that um- coffee? You-... cup?"

She giggles when he turns towards the machine and starts getting her a cup.

After she doctors the dark liquid with her favorite mixers, sweeteners and toppings, she just holds it for a moment, thick wool mittens hanging from the sleeves of her coat.

His lopsided grin returns when she takes a sip and let's out a contented sigh, holly green eyes fluttering closed.

He snorts when her glasses fog over from the steam.

"Here," She blinks at him when he carefully plucks them from her face, only to flounder when he realizes he has nothing to clean them with. She offers him an end of her scarf, "Thanks, Shiver."

"Shiver?" She laughs, "And what? Should I call you Twitch?"

She punctuates her teasing by reach over and tweaking the tip of his ear.

"Hey," He bumps his shoulder to hers before very gingerly placing her now clean, glasses back on the curve of her small snub nose, "Not in front of the other elves. They'll think I've gone soft."

"As if you're not as soft as a fresh baked snickerdoodle already."

He smiles earnestly at her, "Yeah well, I never got Eric in Naughty and Nice a top-of-the-line coffee machine."

"Really sucks to be Eric, I guess," She leans into him, reaching up to brush a curl from his face, her now warm fingers kissing his glittery cheek, "I'm glad I'm not Eric."

"Me too."

Their noses are nearly touching as they smile adoringly at each other, only for the sudden chime of the oven tiners to startle them apart.

"Thank you, Bernard," She throws her arms around his middle, carefully enough to not spill her drink, and hug him tight. He freezes up when she sighs happily into his chest, "It means the world to me."

"I-I should get back to work," He stammers, definitely not what he means to say. He takes a step back, nearly tripping over one of the baking elves, "I-I'll see you later? I gotta- I gotta go."

He wants to hit his head against the wall, why did he say that? Why did he say that?!

He glances back from the door to see her smiling softly at him. He tries tamp down his blush as he makes his way back to the workshop, but he can't stop thinking how nice her hug felt.

Seems like he's stuck with even rosier cheeks today, he just prays the other elves don't notice.

[prismatica-the-strange]

Coal Dust

Warnings: 18+

Synopsis: Santa is married, the day is saved, and Christmas is underway. But then something else happens, as if Bernard hasn't been under enough stress.

Pairings: Snowfall Sweethearts ☕❄

The whole workshop is a mess.

Lines of black streak the floor as elves try to sweep up the residue left by the Toy Santa's big idea. Charcoal mixes with snowy boots to make a slippery, murky, sludge on the tile.

Bernard leads Mrs. Claus inside, the snowy courtyard a mess of gray snow behind them.

He grabs Charity's attention when people try to pull him away.

"Can you show Mrs. Claus around?"

"Me? Are you sure? Shouldn't Curtis-"

"You've spent more time in the mortal realm than any of us," he explains, "I figure you'll be best to answer any of her questions. I trust you."

Her heart flutters, "O-okay."

"Thanks, Shiver," He turns to Carol, pulling Charity next to him, "This is Charity, she's going to show you around. Anything you need until you get your bearings, ask Charity."

"Hi," she smiles shyly at the mortal.

He scurries off to help in the Comm room, the last thing he needs is something happening to Santa.

She can appreciate Carol wanting a detailed tour, when she first got back to the pole she'd gotten lost a few times herself.

"This is the Comm. Room," she explains, "This is where we can stay in touch with Santa while he's out on delivery."

"How's everything going?" Bernard asks, it's been over an hour and nothing's gone wrong so he's started to relax. He's also started to realize just how worried he'd been, not just about Christmas, but the red haired elf in front of him specifically.

While he was restrained away from the others he'd heard breaking glass and angry yelling. As it turns out, Charity, never one to sit by quietly, had thrown a stool through one of the workshop windows when Toy Santa locked the elves in.

His eyes settle on her face, black powder smudged on her cheeks, one of which has a line across it, darker than the rest. His eyebrows furrow and he goes to say something when he's interrupted.

"Everything is... wow," Carol grins, "This place is amazing!"

He smiles at her with a nod, "I'm glad you like it. Where are you off to next?"

"Bedroom and living quarters," Charity says, "I'll see you later."

She turns to leave but stops when she feels his hand on her wrist.

"Can I borrow her for a minute?" He asks Carol, not waiting for a reply when he pulls her aside.

"What's wrong?" She asks at his suddenly worried expression.

She watches with wide eyes when he brings his hand up to brush her hair away from her face.

"What's this?" She flinches at the sting from his thumb grazing the line on her left cheek. His eyes narrow, "Are you hurt?"

"It's nothing," she insists, pulling his hand from her face, "I'm fine."

"No," He shakes his head and moves both his hands to cup her face now, "I want you to go see Dr. Histmas, I'll take care of Mrs. Claus."

"I'm okay, Twitch, seriously. It's nothing a warm washcloth and some Neosporin can't fix."

"You're sure?" His eyes search hers for any doubt and she smiles at him.

"Positive."

He pushes down the sudden urge to lean forwards and capture her lips with his and reluctantly lets his hands fall from her face.

She can feel his stare as she goes to join Carol in the hallway.

"How long have you two been together?" She asks and Charity's eyes go wide.

"W-we-we aren't!" Her face and ears go red. She hurries ahead, leading Mrs. Claus toward their next stop.

Another fifteen minutes of thinking about those adorable chewed and chapped lips and Bernard drops what he's doing to go find her, he's been pushing this down for far too long.

He loses his nerve outside Santa's living quarters and starts pacing. He should just go back to work.

He jumps when he turns around to an opening door, coming face to face with a surprised Charity.

"Did something happen?" She asks, "Is Santa okay?"

"He's fine."

"That's good."

It's quiet for a moment.

"So-"

"I wanted to-" They both freeze, and he clears stammers, "S-sorry... What were you going to..."

"Nothing... please, go ahead."

Why are his palms sweaty? He takes a deep breath.

"I wanted to... Know if you wanted someone to walk you home?" He gives her a crooked smile. Chicken, "It's late and you look exhausted."

"Oh..." Oh? What does that mean? "Sure Twitch, I'd love if you'd walk me home."

The walk to her cottage is quiet, but a comfortable kind of quiet. The kind of quiet that's warm and breathable.

He smiles when she slips her right hand in his left, testing the waters before leaning into him and wrapping her other arm around his.

"Thank you," She says, resting her cheek on his shoulder.

"For what?"

"The company."

He can feel the points of his ears turning pink and his smile widens.

The inside of her cottage is cozy and much more homey than his apartment, not that he spends much time there anyways, too busy running around all the time. He finds himself immediately relaxing as soon as he steps inside.

"I'm gonna go take care of this," She motions to her cheek, moving away, "I'll be right back."

""Let me," He follows her into the bathroom.

"Are you sure? I-I can do it."

He just smiles and maneuvers her to sit on the side of the tub.

She can't help but stare while he patches her up, cheeks turning a bright shade of red when he kneels in front of her and tucks her hair behind her ear.

He pouts, eyebrows creased together as he carefully cleans the coal dust from the wound, whispering a soft apology at every flinch, "I'm sorry... I'm almost done... just a little more..."

"There," he says, thumb smoothing over the freshly placed bandage, "Good as new."

His eyes go wide when she leans close, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

He's in complete shock.

"Merry Christmas, Bernard."

She kisses him again, harder than the last, but only just so. More confident than before.

It takes him a moment before he completely melts into her, eyes fluttering shut. His hands find purchase on her hips and he smiles against her lips.

"I've wanted to do that for over 600 years," he breathes, forehead pressed to hers.

"Then why didn't you?"

"I- w-w-what do you mean? I mean-" He looks up at her, "You... Santa assigned you out of the pole, I didn't know the next time I'd see you, I was scared! It-... It wasn't the right time."

"And now?"

He starts to smile again, that crooked, goofy smile she loves, "I would love to see where this goes. If you'll have me, that is."

She doesn't say anything, just cups his cheeks and pulls him into another kiss.

"I'll take that as a yes?" He laughs lightly.

"Stay," She says, "Here, tonight. I- I want to spend Christmas with you."

His face falls. There is nowhere he would rather spend the day, than curled beside her, but, "I have to go back to the workshop. I have to be there when Santa gets..."

He trails off, one of his curls wrapped around her finger, sad smile etched on her face.

"I can come back!"

She shakes her head and stands, "It's fine, Bernard."

"No, I can! I can come right back over once Santa gets back and we debrief and I-I-I," he hurries after her, holding on to her hand, "Charity, please."

"It's okay," Her smile isn't full, he wants it to be, "I understand, you're super busy as head elf, Santa relies on you. I get it, Twitch, I do."

She's taken aback when his hands firmly hold her face, looking at her like a kicked puppy, "Please don't be sad. I don't want to start this with sad. I am very busy but I will come back as soon as I can... I promise."

He feels her arms snake around his middle and she pulls her face from his hold, nestling it against his neck.

"W-wow, okay," The sudden increase in affection brought on by this whole situation has his head spinning. He can feel her breath on his skin as she relaxes in his arms, "Is it okay if I come back?"

She nods, falling further into him.

"I... I have to go, Shiver," He says, still not pulling away, "Will you be awake when I get back?"

"I dunno... I can try?"

"No," He leans back and runs his fingers through her hair, smiling tenderly, "No, get some sleep, I'll be here when you wake up."

❄❄❄❄❄

"Is something going on?"

Santa has never seen Bernard rush through a post-delivery debrief like this before.

"Nope."

"Bernard?" The pointed look makes the elf shrink slightly.

"I-I'm just tired, it's been a long month," It's not a lie, the whole toy Santa debacle has him exhausted.

"Uh-huh," Santa's eyes narrow, "Have you seen Charity?"

"W-what?" His voice cracks, "No! Why?"

"Someone said she cut herself when she was trying to bust out of the workshop. I didn't know if you knew how bad it was."

"Just a knick on her cheek, she's okay."

"So you have seen her."

"I-Wha-w-well yeah! Earlier! But when you asked I thought you meant recently, not like earlier than n-now..." he rambles, chuckling nervously.

"O... kay?" Santa shakes his head, "Well, I think that's it for the debrief. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go kiss my wife."

"Yeah! Y-you do that, sir!"

His cheeks puff up as he lets out a breath of relief.

By the time he gets back, the cabin is dark. He tries to be as quiet as possible, until his foot catches the side of a table, sending him and a few knickknacks toppling to the ground.

Charity bolts upwards when she hears an exclamation from the front room.

"Silent night!"

She relaxes hearing Bernard's voice. She swings her legs over the side of the bed, keeping the large fluffy blanket wrapped around her as she shuffles into the living room.

She's still half asleep as she clicks the light on, catching him picking up his mess. His face softens when he sees her, and he stands up.

"What are you doing up?" He asks.

She doesn't say anything, just steps close and leans into him, cheek squishing against his shoulder.

"I didn't mean to wake you," He rubs her back, "C'mon, go back to bed, I'll take the couch."

She takes a deep breath and steps away but doesn't let him go for the couch, instead pulling him with her.

He sits on the edge of her large bed as he kicks off his boots before looking over at her, "Are you sure you don't want me to take the couch?"

The next time she wakes up, she's snuggled into his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her. He's out cold, Christmas and the days that follow traditionally being the time he sleeps the hardest. The stress and excitement from the holiday finally off his shoulders.

She reaches up, twisting his curls around her fingers and taking in his flushed cheeks, still smudged with coal dust.

"Merry Christmas, Twitch."

He pushes his face into her hair, muttering in his sleep, "Merry Christmas."

[prismatica-the-strange]

💭 for Bernard the Elf because omfg someone actually knows this movie

Bernard has the tendency to run himself to exhaustion and has mastered the art of power napping while standing.

If anyone disturbs him he'll usually snap awake.

Unless it's Charity. If it's Charity, he'll wake up slightly before collapsing into her arms and just start snoring.

So if she finds him like that in the workshop she'll get Curtis or one of the elves to wake him up before pulling him away to take a real rest.

[prismatica-the-strange]

Day Off

Warnings: 18+

Synopsis: Like it or not, Bernard is taking a nap (This isn't as long as I meant it to be but 🤷‍♀️)

Pairings: Snowfall Sweethearts ☕❄️

It was obvious to everyone, Bernard was at the end of his rope, frazzled, running around the workshop like a headless chicken, nitpicking everyone's work.

Multiple elves had approached Charity about it, knowing that he'd be less likely to lose it if his favorite elf talked to him.

Even the others in the wrapping department offered to take her workload for a day or two so she could have the opportunity to do so.

And so, she waited by Naughty and Nice, anxiously playing with the end of her scarf until he finally darts by.

"Uh, Bernard?" She calls, hurrying to catch up with him, "Bernard, wait! I need to talk with you!"

"What? What is it now?" He turns on her with an exasperated tone.

"I-"

His eyes go wide when he realizes how he'd snapped at her.

"I'm sorry," He sets the clipboard he'd been clutching aside and gently sets his hands on her shoulders, "What's wrong?"

"Are you okay?"

That throws him for a loop.

"I-... I'm fine," He says. She doesn't need the twitch of his one exposed ear or the way his voice cracks when he says 'fine' to know that he's lying.

His haggard, dead-on-his-feet appearance gives him away. Like if he so much as sat down he wouldn't be able to move again for at least two Christmases.

"When was the last time you slept?" She places her hand on his cheek and he has to fight the urge to lean into it, "You look like a sneeze would knock you over."

He gently takes her hand from his face, cupping it in his own between them, "I appreciate the concern, Shiver. I really do, but I'm okay."

"Wait!" She goes to grab his arm when he turns to go but is too late and he walks into a large pile of teddy bears. Both he and the elf carrying them tumble to the ground, stuffing, and fluff flying everywhere.

Three more elves trip and fall on the mess, their loads of toys scattering across the workshop floor.

"No... No, no, no, no, no!" Bernard scrambles to his feet, grabbing onto Charity's arm when he slips on a rouge bear.

"No! W-we're already behind! This is gonna set us back..." He does some calculations on his fingers, "Nearly five weeks!"

She rolls her eyes when he starts grabbing teddy bears, rambling about Christmas being ruined.

"Bernard... Bernard!" She grasps his shoulders and pulls him to his feet, "Breathe, Twitch. Breathe."

He looks at her with the biggest eyes, so tired and weary.

"Sleigh bells, Bernard... Come with me," She glances at one of the other elves helping in the cleanup, sharing a nod before her hands move down to take Bernard's. He immediately holds hers back, bears in his arms dropping back to the ground as he lets her pull him with her.

"I-I really don't have time," He argues, but he doesn't pull away.

"It's May, the workshop can go one day without your hovering," She insists.

"Wha- I- I don't hover!" He scoffs. He pulls himself from her grasp, coming into stride next to her, arms swinging by his sides.

"'I dOn'T hOvEr!' " She mocks, coming to a stop. He goes a few steps ahead before he realizes and doubles back, "When was the last time you took a day off?"

He looks at her, bewildered for a moment, "What... What century is it?"

"Exactly my point! Which is why you're coming with me!"

He nearly topples over when she grabs his sleeve and starts tugging him along again.

"But Charity! What about Christmas-"

"Christmas won't happen if you work yourself and every other elf in the workshop sick!" She huffs, "You're coming with me to take a break, and that's the end of it!"

He allows her to drag her from the main thoroughfare of the village, towards her cottage out in the surrounding woods.

He could, if he really wanted, pull away from her and go back to work. But, if he's honest with himself, the quiet warmth being offered by elf whisking him away through the snow sounds like a haven he's been desperately yearning for.

The walls of her home are covered in posters and knickknacks from her time and travels in the mortal world. Plants that rightfully shouldn't grow at this latitude, flourish in hanging pots in a small conservatory just off the living area.

His eyes wander his surroundings as he sits stiffly in the middle of the loveseat in the livingroom, hands clasped neatly in his lap.

He looks up at her when she sets a tray with two cups on the coffee table.

One is tea, the other an elaborate combination of cocoa, two candy canes, lots of mini marshmallows, extra whipped cream, topped with a wintergreen mint bits, and a dusting cocoa powder.

"You remember how I like my cocoa?" He asks.

"Of course I do," She nudges him with her hip as she moves to sit next to him.

He shuffles to the side, but not too far, their knees bumping together.

"You can relax, y'know?" She says at his posture, "It's just me."

"I know," He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His shoulders slouch and he teeters slightly.

"You okay?" She sets her drink down, one hand steadying his cup and the other resting on his cheek, "You look so tired."

This time he lets himself melt into her touch, "I am."

"What's going on, Bernard?" She asks, "Why are you so sure we're going to be behind schedule for Christmas?"

He sighs, opening his soft brown eyes to look at her, before pulling away from the way her thumb strokes his cheek.

"Well, in February there was that electrical fire that took out all the stuffed animals in the workshop and now we've got four stable workers and twelve toy makers in the hospital from that reindeer training incident!" He babbles on, getting worked up as he does, "It's only May and so much has already gone wrong! And every year there are more and more kids to account for! I-I-I-... I just don't know how we're gonna be able to keep up!"

"Do you remember a few hundred years ago, back when we mainly used wood?" She asks, "Before there were fire retardants like now? There was a big fire. It was August and the whole workshop was up in flames. Eight months of work gone."

He nods, it wasn't something one really forgot, "Yeah."

"Everyone thought we were done for. Game over. No Christmas. People were sure of it. But in the end-"

"We rolled up our sleeves and got to work and Christmas was a total success," he finishes.

"Exactly! If we can make it through that, we can make it through a few early year speed bumps."

"I know, you're right," he gives her a small smile. He adjusts closer to her, elbows brushing, "Thanks, Shiver."

They spend the next while talking until she feels him slump fully against her.

She looks over today find him asleep, nearly empty cup of cocoa dangling precariously from his fingers. She carefully takes it from him and sets it on the table.

She moves to stand so she can let him rest, but he groans and, still asleep, tangles his fingers in the fabric of her sweater.

She can't find it in her self to pull away, not when he looks so cute, clinging to her like this.

So she does her best to get comfortable, pulling her legs up onto the cushions. And as if he knows what she's doing, he adjusts, laying down on top of her.

His beret falls to the ground when her fingers catch in his curls. She can't help but swoon when he nuzzles closer.

"Since when are you so adorable?" She coos, eyelids starting to droop as she gets his hair. And that's how she falls asleep, warm and buried under the weight of her best friend.

[prismatica-the-strange]

S/I Introduction: Charity Sinclair

Picrew

F/o: Bernard the head Elf

Ship Tag: Snowfall Sweethearts ☕❄

After a long stay in the mortal realm keeping a close eye on toy and electronic development, Charity finally got reassigned back at the pole with any job of her choice. She then started work in the Wrapping Department.

Staying with the mortals for so long she picked up a few of their habits and ticks, like dying her hair and listening to more than just Christmas music.

Bernard keeps a close eye on her for a while, making sure she won't cause trouble, and it doesn't take long for him to fall for his old friends witty remarks and sweet smile. Not to mention her somewhat cuddly and affectionate disposition, but that may be because she's not used to the cold of the pole anymore and will do anything for a bit of extra warmth. (Including sneaking an extra shift baking in the kitchen)

Age: Upwards of 1400

Not the most in-depth intro, but I plan on working on her more as the holiday season progresses

[prismatica-the-strange]

Since you asked for Bernard and Charity prompts…👀👀 how about a scenario where Bernard and Charity watch the aurora borealis (the northern lights) together?? 💜

"Bernard," Charity huffs as she trudges behind him in the snow, "Why are we out here? It's like negative eighty."

He slows down to wrap his arm around her shivering shoulders, "It'll be worth it, I promise."

They crest a small hill just as colors start to swirl and mix in the sky.

He smiles when he looks over to find her staring up at them in awe.

"I know it's been a long time since you've seen the Northern Lights," he presses a kiss to the top of her head.

"I forgot how pretty they were."

[prismatica-the-strange]

Sick Days

Warnings: 18+

Synopsis: Charity comes down with a bad case of Elf-Flu and Bernard insists on taking care of her

Pairings: Snowfall Sweethearts☕❄️

The workshop is sweltering. Charity is sweating through her sweater, but she can't kick the chills wracking her spine. Her hands shake as she tries to wrap a toy truck.

Everyone in wrapping has been eyeing her wearily for over an hour, whispering amongst themselves about how awful she looks. Eventually, after she ignores the suggestion that she go home and rest, one of them runs off to get help.

When they come back with Bernard,he's shocked she's able to stand.

He keeps a small distance, taking in her sickly state before saying, "You look terrible."

She just glares at him for a moment, "Thanks."

She makes a fold but the paper rips.

"Fuck," her voice is scratchy.

"Charity," he puts his hand on her shoulder, "You're sick. Go home."

"I'm already behind, I can't-"

"Do I have to go get Santa?" He puts on the stern head-elf face, voice low and hands in fists on his hips, "Because, trust me, I will."

She lets out a small sigh, "Fine."

She turns to go, but her knees buckle and his arms fly out to catch her.

"I'm fine- I'm okay," She says, catching herself, "My leg just fell asleep, it's fine."

He watches her walk towards the stairs, feeling like an idiot when her legs give out two stairs down and she starts to fall.

He rushes over to the stairs, only breathing when he sees that she was caught by another elf at the expense of a tray of cookies.

"I'm fine!" She snaps pulling herself from their hold, even though she can't fully stand and is clinging to the handrail.

He rolls his eyes and quickly catches up.

"Bernard, I don't need your help I- Hey! W-what the hell are you doing?!" Her eyes go wide when, in one swift move, he scoops her into his arms bridal style, "P-put me down! Now!"

She's somewhat impressed, (so is he) the way he'd picked her up was incredibly smooth, not an ounce of his underlying clumsines.

"You're obviously sick, and you can't even stand on your own, I'm taking you to Dr. Histmas." He explains.

"I don't need a doctor."

He sends her an annoyed side eye, "Shiver."

"Twitch," She bites back.

As he carries her through the workshop all the elves start not-so-subtly pointing and whispering.

"You can catch up on your gossip later," Bernard says loud enough to be heard over the chatter, "Get back to work!"

❄☕❄☕❄

"Yep, just what I thought. It's elf-flu," the doctor says.

"You're sure?"

"Positive. She has all the symptoms and I ran the tests twice."

"But I haven't seen it this bad in over five centuries."

Charity is snuggled into his side, head leaned on his shoulder. As soon as they'd entered the small hospital, she refused to let him leave her side.

"I have a theory for that," Histmas says, "Charity hasn't lived here for almost six hundred years, the virus has likely mutated drastically since the last time she had it and her immune system doesn't know how to defend against it. She should be fine once she gets over this bout."

He looks down at her lazily playing with his necklace, her cheeks flushed and damp with sweat. He sighs, he can't leave her alone like this, "Any tips?"

"Lots of rest, lots of liquids. A tablespoon of this every four hour," he hands Bernard a bottle, "And if her fever goes up, a cold bath should help bring it down."

"And how long until she's feeling better?" He asks.

"It shouldn't take longer than two days for her fever to break, but then she'll need a few more days to recover."

❄☕❄☕❄

"Charity please," Bernard begs, "Dr. Histmas said you need to take this every four hours."

She's been refusing her medicine for fifteen minutes and now he has one hand gripping her forearm and a knee pinning her thighs to the mattress, the other hand carefully holding a spoon full with a thick, purple liquid.

"I don't wanna! It's gross!" She struggles out of his grasp and curls in on herself with a groan.

"What if I make you some tea to wash it down?" He bargains, setting the spoon down when she shakes her head, "Please Shiver, I promise it'll make you feel better."

He carefully rubs her back.

She turns over and looks up at him with big eyes, leaning into his touch when his hand brushes against her cheek. His skin is cool against hers and she welcomes it.

He smiles slightly and leans down to press a kiss to her burning forehead, "Please take your medicine."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes," he laughs, "Doctor's orders."

"Fine."

He helps her with it before chuckling when her nose scrunchs up at the taste.

"There you go," He brushes her hair from her sweaty forehead, "Now try to get some sleep."

Her eyes have already begun to droop as he pulls the thick blanket up over her shoulders.

When he comes back an hour or so later with a mug of hot chicken broth, she's tossing and turning in a restless sleep, blanket kicked to the floor. Her fever giving her strange dreams and keeping her from really resting.

She wakes up to him sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a chunk of snow wrapped in a tea towel to her forehead.

"Feels nice," she mutters.

"Think you can sit up and drink some of this?"

He helps her sit up and she tugs at his sleeve, urging him to sit next to her against the headboard. He does and when she relaxes against his shoulder, he puts his arm around her, keeping her close.

His hands wrap around hers on the mug, carefully lifting it to her lips.

"That's it, nice and slow."

After a few sips she starts to doze again, rolling over so her knees are on his lap and her head is tucked beneath his chin.

"Uh, Charity?" He runs his hand along her spine, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "Sweetheart, I need to go check on things back at the workshop."

"Not anymore," She mutters. She grabs onto his shirt, keeping him there, claiming the rest of the hour, the day, the week, however long she needs him there.

❄☕❄☕❄

A week later Bernard finds himself on his couch, blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he sweats through his shirt.

He coughs, his throat raw, and Charity hands him a mug of tea and honey.

She's all better, and it's his turn to be taken care of.

"'M sorry Twitch," she smiles apologetically, pushing his damp hair out of his face.

A chill hits him and he shudders, joints aching with the movement.

"It's fine," he croaks out a small chuckle, "It's just a few days."

[prismatica-the-strange]

Some covers for a few upcoming Bernard fics I'm working on

I just really love how they came out and couldn't wait for the stories to be done

[prismatica-the-strange]

👄😳❓ for Bernard ofc 🥰🥰🥰

👄 Post a screenshot of your f/o’s mouth!

😳 Post a screenshot of your f/o that flusters you.

He looks so adorable and I just 😖🤯🤪

❓ Post a weird/funny/confusing screenshot of your f/o with no context.

[prismatica-the-strange]

For the Self-Ship Photo Scavenger Hunt, how about🗣 🎉 🌸 for Bernard? Hope you’ve been having a good day, Prisma!

My day was alright, scrolling through my Bernard pictures helped!

🗣 Post a screenshot of your f/o in profile/side view!

🎉 Post a screenshot of your f/o where they’re smiling/laughing/having a good time.

(One of my all time favorite scenes^)

🌸 Post a screenshot of your f/o looking cute.

Attentive puppy^

[prismatica-the-strange]

Spare prompts? Spare blurb prompts anyone?

For Bernard and Charity please? Pspsps TSC fandom? Please?

[prismatica-the-strange]

🎉 Post a screenshot of your f/o where they’re smiling/laughing/having a good time.

Does this one count? He's smiling and I think it's just the most adorable thing

[prismatica-the-strange]

2. Who steals the blankets? What does the other do about this? :3

If a ship is not specified I will automatically gush about my most recent hyperfixation

Snowfall Sweethearts ☕❄

Charity! Charity is a chronic blanket hogger. It's not her fault though, she's just so cold and the blankets are so fluffy and they're so nice to cocoon in.

If Bernard wakes up and she's wrapped up in all the blankets he might try to tug one free or maybe even attempt to wiggle his way in with her. Sometimes that works, but he'll usually have to get up and find another.

He doesn't mind that much, she looks really cute all snuggled up like that.

[prismatica-the-strange]

If you think I'm sleeping tonight think again!

I get My Boy at 3am and I refuse to sleep before then 😠

[prismatica-the-strange]

I believe we shall receive him next week

[prismatica-the-strange]

🌹

"What're you watching-" [Santa] chokes on his cocoa when he follows her eyeline and sees Bernard gently kiss Charity. Carol giggles as he sputters, "W-what? How long has that been going on?"