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[sommer_tobi]

The date hadn't escaped Tobi's attention. He'd known the day before, too and the week before that. It wasn't exactly something someone his age could forget even in a place like this, a place that wasn't home and seemed to have a calender all its own

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[pere_noel]

"Now that's no way to look on a day like today," said Nick, coming across the forlorn looking young man in the lounge of the chalet known as the compound. It did hurt him in a way to see children look so sad. "Perhaps this will help to cheer you up," he said, handing him a bit of ribbon candy from his pocket.

[pere_noel]

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Tobi," said Nick. "Let's see, I'm sure I've got something else for you around here somewhere, I just need to remember which pocket I put it in."

[sommer_tobi]

His expression flickered just slightly at that in curiosity as he glanced down at Nick's pockets. It couldn't be much whatever it was, but this was a crazy island and Tobi wasn't entirely convinced that he wouldn't pull a bike out of his pocket or something.

"Are you... how long have you been here?" he asked, still watching him with wide eyes.

[pere_noel]

"Just a few days now," said Nick. "Since the first day you had snow, or so I'm told. I haven't had a lot of time to put things together, but I've found moments here and there."

[sommer_tobi]

Only a few days. The man had come with the snow. Which only meant it-- it had to be him.

"You are St. Nicholas," he said, not caring too much that he sounded like an amazed eight year old. It wasn't everyday you met a dead man on whom an entire tradition was based.

[pere_noel]

"That's one of the things people call me," Nick confirmed for him, finally emerging with a carved wooden boat, oars and all. "Oh, I know you're a little old for this sort of thing now, but I thought you might like it anyway."

[sommer_tobi]

Tobi let out a quick, half-laugh, though the smile on his face was nothing but genuine. "A rowboat," Tobi said, the awe still clear in his voice as he reached out, taking it from him. "How did you know?"

Maybe it was smaller than one he'd really like and maybe he was too old for it, but it struck something in him, something he hadn't felt in months. Something a little close to joy.

[pere_noel]

"Just a lucky guess," said Nick, giving him a friendly wink. "I think I've got a miniature sailboat in here someplace, but this one just seemed a little bit more right for you."