(Untitled)

[pere_noel]

It was Christmas Day, and in the world of Saint Nick, that meant only one thing: making sure that every girl and boy got their piece of holiday cheer. Nick'd been hard at work for weeks now, using his time on the island not only to acquaint himself with the people but also to craft enough gifts to ensure everyone had a happy holiday. It might not

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[findaconstant]

In just two weeks, Dan has come to expect just about anything from this strange, strange island.

This?

This was not something he expected.

(And all this time, he thought dinosaurs were the last things on his mind...)

If Nick is observant (read: if he has eyes), he will notice another bearded man, staring, jaw completely unhinged. The first thought that crosses Dan's mind is oh, it's probably a resident dressed as Santa - but a tiiiiiiiiny part of him is all alight with Christmas cheer, and suddenly, he's five again.

Five, and staring.

[pere_noel]

Nick gave him just about the friendliest smile imaginable. "In the mood for some milk and cookies?" he offered, gesturing at the spread he'd laid out on the low table. "I believe there's some coffee and cider in the kitchen if that's more your speed, but please do join me here either way. It wouldn't be Christmas without the company."

[findaconstant]

Dan blinks, a bit dumbstruck.

There's no way. Really. It's impossible. There's no such thing as -

- well, it can't hurt to check, just to make sure.

"... Santa?"

[pere_noel]

Nick nodded, but added, "You can call me Nick, if you like. It's a little more informal." He patted the chair next to him. "Why don't you have a seat, young man? You look like you're about to fall over."

[findaconstant]

"Nick," Dan repeats. "Okay."

Sitting is a very good idea, Dan thinks, so he shuffles over to the chair and sits, a bit stiffly.

"Um. Hi."

[pere_noel]

"And a cookie or two, to get your blood sugar up," added Nick. "I wouldn't want to have you fainting on me, after all. Maybe some water, if you don't care for milk?"

[findaconstant]

Hesitantly, Dan grabs a cookie and gives it a quick nibble.

Cookies. He's having cookies with Santa.

... there's really no point in thinking about it too hard. He'll just get a headache.

"So, ah... how long have you been here?"

[pere_noel]

"I arrived about a week before the snow fell," said Nick, thinking back on that day. "The beach and sunshine were a surprise that I found myself not quite prepared for. And yourself?"

[findaconstant]

"About two weeks ago. From another island," he adds, though he isn't sure what the latter statement has much to do with this conversation.

Really, he's still trying to get over it.

"I didn't even realize Christmas was coming up."