The Santa Clause AU

More Than He Bargained For

Bernard shook his head as the new Santa was lowered down into the stables in the sleigh. Sitting next to Scott Calvin was his two children: His 17 1/2 year old daughter, Sam, and his eight year old son, Charlie, who's stepfather was trying to convince him that Santa was a myth. Off all the Santas Bernard had known in his lifetime, Scott was the only one who's children had tagged along for the ride.

While Scott tried to figure out what was going on, Sam and Charlie went to look at the reindeer that had just been pulling the sleigh.

"Excuse me," Bernard said to an elf who was talking to Scott. "Are we on a coffee break?"

"We don't drink coffee," The elf said.

"Then I guess the break is over."

All night long Bernard tried to convince Scott that he was the new Santa while one of the other elves got Charlie a snack and into bed in Santa's room. Sam stayed with Scott, listening to Bernard until he all but gave up. As Bernard sent Scott with Charlie and Judy to Santa's bedroom he caught Sam's arm.

"I'm not actually giving up yet," he said, looking in the eye which was easy since she was the same height he was. "I need you and Charlie to convince him that it's a good thing before the list shows up at your house for him. Whether he likes it or not, he's Santa now."

"I'm sure Charlie will have no problem trying to convince him of it," Sam said. "He's all for dad being Santa."

"You don't seem to sure."

"The only reason I still believe is for Charlie's sake. Our stepdad hasn't seen me since he and mom got married so he hasn't had a chance to talk to me about it. He's been trying to get Charlie to stop believing."

"You can't let that happen. You and Charlie BOTH need to believe your father is Santa for him to accept it."

"You get what you get out of me, and that's that. Don't ask for more. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

Bernard lead Sam to Santa's room to join her dad and brother.