Walking Away

A/N: More angst for the Santa Clause fans! Compliments of Muriel. CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!! (does happy elf dance) And then...Christmas will be over! (cries like a baby, setting the mood for this fic)

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Bernard leaned against the wall, staring into space.

He knew it would happen eventually. But he wished it didn't have to.

In all Bernard's years as Head Elf, Scott Calvin had been the only Santa he'd cared about. Because Scott didn't just eat cookies and go on his merry way. He paid attention to the elves. He loved them. He was there for them.

He was there for Bernard. He made Bernard feel less like just the Head Elf and more like...well, an elf.

And now Scott was gone. Bernard knew that no Santa Claus could keep the red suit forever; that one day some young idiot would come along, put on the suit, and become his new boss. For years, every time a former Santa disappeared, he hadn't cared.

This time, he did.

Bernard glanced up dully as Curtis and the new Santa entered the hall. "How did the orientation tour go?"

"It went well," Curtis replied shortly.

"Dang, this place is incredible!" the Newbie shouted, a bit stupidly, in Bernard's opinion. "But, so, um...when do I go home?"

"You leave tomorrow," Bernard recited. "You have eleven months to get your affairs in order, and then you're due back here Thanksgiving." He paused, waiting for the usual protest at having to leave home on Thanksgiving, but the Newbie only stared at him. "I'll ship the List to your house."

"What list?" the Newbie asked, but before Bernard could answer, "Oh, the Naughty and Nice List. Sweet."

"Sure." Bernard sighed, gazing at the Newbie's ridiculous grin. "You know, the last Santa was the best we've ever had," he said, not even bothering to kick himself for letting his emotions show on the job.

The Newbie nodded, the insipid grin widening. "I'll do him proud, man."

Bernard smiled at him--a professional, hollow smile. "I'm sure you will," he lied.

And then Bernard turned and walked away. Away from the workshop, away from Alfheim. Nobody saw him disappear in the falling snow.

And nobody ever saw him again.

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Boom. Depressing, but fun to write. Review?