Chapter Text
Arthur walked down the main street, looking into the shops windows in wonder. The north pole had its wonders from the aurora borealis that his parents danced under to the wonderful smelling dinners his mother would make. But with this town it was almost like being back home, the bright lights that decorated every roof top, colorful wreaths on every door and the wonderful combination of peppermint, cinnamon and chocolate filled the air. Children running all around in pre-Christmas excitement filled Arthurs heart with joy.
Despite it being almost 40 degrees outside all the new sights and sounds kept him from feeling the cold, that and being from the north pole didn’t hurt either.
He made his way closer to the center of the town, being draw to the almost 8 feet tall Snowman , somehow they managed to wrap a bright red scarf around the neck.
‘I guess Snowman get cold too’ he chuckled to himself. Admiring the structure and wondering what was used at the base to keep it so stable. In fact he was so preoccupied admiring the structure he didn’t notice he had walked right in front of it.
“would you like your photo taken, son? The Best photos taken get put into the newspaper.” He turned to see an older man standing with a camera set a few feet from the base of the Snowman.
“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wonder into your shot.” He quickly apologized before trying to leave.
“Wait son, I’m sorry to be so forward. But with an outfit like that its too adorable not to photograph.” The older man quick chimed in before Arthur could leave. Making him pause he looked down at his outfit today, his mother had help him pick out said outfit and it would be a shame to let her hard work go to waste.
“Do you really think?” He asked shyly “my mother said it would be adorable but I wasn’t to sure.” He said doing a turn to emphasize the outfit.
“I do believe your mother was right, and I’d even say that you give my own wife a run for her money” the old man chuckled , still holding up his camera. “so what do you say? I need only a couple more photos and this old man can get out of the cold”
“well if it’ll help you finish sooner, I’m sure it couldn’t hurt”
He looked over to Steve to see if he wished to join him in the photo, maybe a nice one framed for their mom. When he saw Steve still deep in conversation he made the decision not to bother him. Adjusting his hat and sighed before posing best he could to look natural and smiling big. The old photographer took quick shots before looking at the camera and frowning.
“Is there a problem?” Arthur asked already afraid he’d mess up somehow.
“Now that ain’t right.” He looked at Arthur a little troubled
“Someone dressed as lovely as you shouldn’t be take a picture alone” Arthur looked puzzled at the man, he rubbed his thinning scalp in contemplation.
Now that Arthur really looked at him, he could see the similarities between this man and his dad. They both had thinning hair but full beards, they both were on the heavier side and rosy cheeks from the cold. Where they differ was probably on their ages, this man was probably in his late 70s at most where his father was years older than him. It always made Arthur wonder if it was the genetics or the exposure to the magic of the north pole that prolonged their lives.
Shaking his head because that was a conversation for another day.
“Oh well I did come here with my brother Steve” pointing towards the older man now seemingly having a heated conversation on the phone “but um he’s on a business call from back home.” He quickly said to get the older man attention off his brother.
“Hmm I see.” He rubbed his beard “well the photo would still look better with 2 people” Snapping his fingers he stood slowly before looking towards a group of men stacking wood for later.
Arthur had noticed some of the men had been looking at him, some smiling others just staring at him.
“Hey Dicky come here for a second” A taller man jumped looking over before handing off the log he had been holding. Arthur did notice how some of the men had whistled and cheered as he walked of ignoring their heckling.
“Ya dad, did you need something?” The man came jogging over already reaching for his dad “Is your back bothering you again? Do you need me to run and grab the heating pads?” His father already waving him off and huffing.
“Knock that off you blasted mother hen! You’re just like your mother. I’m fine dang you” He waved his walking stick to push is son off.
“Ok ok, I’m just checking. You know what the cold does to your back.” Dicky held his hands up before he could get smacked by the stick.
Arthur couldn’t help but laugh, remembering all the battles he and Steve fought trying to get Grandsanta to take his medicine when their mom wasn’t around. That woman had a way of getting that old man to do or take anything.
It seem his laugh drew the attention of the pair.
“Such a good son” Arthur chuckled doing his best to hold in his laugh. The young man blushed rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.
“Ya his mama did a good job raising him. Made sure he grow up with a good heart” patting his sons back “My pride and joy this one” His laugh was raspy from years of use, making said son’s face even warmer. Arthur couldn’t help but smile, this man had a good heart he could tell just by how he carried himself.
“Ya I try to be a good son, you know this one doesn’t always take the best care of himself. Ever since he retired he’s always been so restless”
“Ya I have one of those too back home, it was a bit difficult letting him wonder around” Arthur chuckled remembering the incident last Christmas.
“So rude speaking about me as if I’m deaf” crossing his arms.
“I’m sorry dad, what did you need?” He turned facing his father.
“Not me, this lovely young man.” Pointing back to Arthur “be a good sport and pose with him for me would ya. This photo would look better with 2 people in it. Wouldn’t ya say?” He motioned to Arthur as if to confirm his statement.
“Oh well you’re the photographer, I trust your opinion” He smiled genuinely ok with whatever they decided.
“Ya see, not go stand next to…” he look to him
“Oh Arthur, my name is Arthur”
“Go stand next to Arthur for the picture. I’m sure your ugly mug could only enhance his appearance.” He chuckled pushing his son towards Arthur more insistent than last time. He stumbled a bit before straightening his posture, Arthur reaching out to help steady him.
“Thank you, sorry my dad’s so pushy” He reached to shake Arthur’s hand. “My name’s Richard but everyone calls me Dicky for short.”
“That’s an odd choice for a nickname, being called a dick everyday” Arthur blurted out before he could stop himself.
“Ya I know, but I prefer it. If some called me Richard I’d think I was in trouble” Dicky rubbed his neck again getting a little nervous at the thought of when his mother use to scold him.
“I know what you mean, I still remember when my own mother would scold me when I was younger. Still get chills when her stern voice comes out.” They chatted making Arthur start relaxing the more they talked.
“Alright enough, I don’t want to make Arthur suffer looking at your ugly mug anymore than he needs too.” He chuckled already focusing on his camera.
“you keep saying that, but I look just like you old man. So if I’m so ugly what does that tell you?” Dicky called over sticking is tongue out at his old man.
“Nah you got you looks from your grandma, meanest cold-blooded woman I ever met. Did I tell you about the time she chased me around the yard with a bat when she found out I asked your mom to marry me.” He shivered “with that swing she give any baseball team a run for their money”
Dicky gasped “Don’t talk about grandma Lilly like that, she was the sweetest lady”
“Sweet to you maybe” he smirked before getting frustrated at his camera “I’m sorry kids give me a second the settings on this blasted thing is all out of whack” Dicky made a move to help his dad “No stay right there I got this, I still know a thing or two about cameras” motioning for Dicky to stay right there.
Now that Arthur had a chance to really look at the man, he kind of liked what he saw. He was only a couple of inches taller than Arthur and definitely wider than him. He was about a muscular as Steve, both had strong torsos which meant Dicky did a lot of heavy lifting. His auburn hair trimmed neat with only a hit of facial hair , his soft green eyes reminded Arthur of fresh pine of all things. The fresh smell of a new tree being trimmed and ready for Christmas
His face was scattered with freckles along his cheeks all the way down to his neck if Arthur looked hard enough, giving him a boyish look.
‘Just like the stars in the sky, scattered and beautiful’ Arthur blushed confused at that random thought ‘where’d that come from’
Turning quickly to cover his face before anyone could see how red he made his face.
“So Arthur. What brought you to our little Christmas town?” Dicky asked trying to break the growing tension “I mean I haven’t seen you around before so I know you’re not from anywhere near by”
“Oh my family is from farther north from hear. We don’t normally have any reason to leave the area so I didn’t get to travel much.” Arthur said quickly, a little white lie never hurt anybody.
“So your family is like from Canada. No wonder you seem so underdressed. And here I thought you were just insane” Dicky joked.
“I’ll have you know I’m dress appropriately for the weather, these leggings are fleece and keep me nice and toasty.”
Pulling at his leggings for emphasis.
“Ah I see, Is that skirt fleece too or just normal fabric?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know” Arthur blurted his brain not reaching his mouth in time. Blushing once he realized what he said.
“Ha-ha, I knew you had a sense of humor. Here I was worried I made you uncomfortable.”
“Ok now that I’ve broken the ice I need to ask you a question,” Dicky leaned a bit forward to make sure Arthur was listening “is it alright if I put my arm around you for the photo?”
That shocked Arthur a bit
“Oh that was unexpected but appreciated all the same”
“My mama taught me to always ask before touching another person. Especially if you don’t know them well enough yet.”
“your mother really did raise a polite young man.” Arthur patted his shoulder in amusement.
“Well She did try” he chuckled puffing his chest out in pride.
“Santa is gonna have trouble getting your present under the tree this year” Arthur joked, knowing that he was who was gonna deliver those presents this year.
“I hope so, I’ve been extra good this year. Maybe Santa will get me a new Axe this year.” He laughed like it was an inside joke.
Arthur couldn’t help but laugh too, he’d have the elves look him up when they got back. Just because they mostly delivered to children didn’t mean adults couldn’t get something from time to time.
He hadn’t noticed that his laugh was getting a little loud for his liking, quickly covering his mouth. Dicky raised an eyebrow before smirking.
“Hey Arthur, I wanna ask you something” Dicky said quietly pulling Arthur to him like he was telling him a secret.
“Yes?” The younger Claus asked leaning forward to better hear his question.
“What do Christmas trees get when they’re too cold?” He whispered starting to look smug.
“What?” He asked genuinely confused.
“Pines and needles” Dicky exclaimed, the goofiest smile Arthurs ever seen. He snorted covering his mouth to muffle his laugh.
“Hold on I got another one.” He pulled Arthur back to him before he could compose himself “Why did Santa go to music school?” Arthur shrugged not trusting his voice. “To improve his wrapping skills.” Smiling that same goofy smile, Arthurs control was starting to slip and let out a loud snort.
Dicky knew he was breaking him, with his face completely serious he let out his final joke.
“Why did the snowman get arrested?” He asked still holding Arthur steady.
“why?” Trying to catch his breath.
“They were up to snow good.” Dicky sounded so calm as he told the punchline.
Arthur couldn’t hold it in anymore, he laughed so hard and loud in all its gasping goodness. He was doing his best to calm himself down but he couldn’t stop the laughing, those jokes where too good. He could feel people staring but he couldn’t stop, he was avoiding looking at Dicky. He knew his laugh could get on people’s nerves, he was expecting that. What he wasn’t expecting was to hear laughter right next too him.
He looked through watery eyes to see Dicky laughing just as hard as him. Cheeks turning red making those freckles more pronounced. Finally both of them managing to stop laughing so hard.
“See I knew you had a good laugh. Contagious and adorable” He gasped through fits of laughter.
Arthur has to lean against him to catch his breath, Dicky’s hands held his hips to keep him steady.
“I don’t really like my laugh too much. I’ve been told its kinda annoying” He looked down blushing, in truth it was probably more him in general than anything else but now wasn’t the time to open that can of worms.
On an unrelated note Dicky could feel a burning sensation at the side of his head and a chill down his spine. He’d have to go over that later, but now back to the boy he was still holding steady.
“Well screw what everyone else thinks. Your laugh is energetic and adorable. The kinda laugh that could make scrooge himself laugh.”
Arthur pause looking at the taller man, his eyes showed no hints of lying which he was having a hard time excepting.
“Ha got it!” The old man called looking over to the boys. “Now that’s a perfect photo. Smile for the camera boys!” He called getting the boys attention.
Quickly turning and smiling at the camera, cheeks still red from laughing. Dicky pulling Arthur close to make it seem like a couple photo. Arthurs heart was beating so fast he was worried it could be heard from a mile away.
The camera taking rapid photos all hoping for the best shot.
“Alright that should be good.”
He motioned for the boys, They reluctantly separated to go see the photos, Arthur hoped he didn’t look to red in the photo.
“Here Arthur take a look. See if my son’s face didn’t ruin it too much”
He laughed handing the camera to Arthur.
The photo was very nice actually, both he and Dicky stood at the base of the snowman. Arthur in his long sweater and plaid skirt his mother help him fix that morning. Dicky actually look very nice next to Arthur, his puffy vest on top of a light grey hoodie actually help Arthur seem more colorful next to him.
“Wow this is really good, is there a way I could get a copy for myself?” He asked handing the camera back before he dropped it.
“Oh sure, if I mange to get a couple more worth shot I should be able to print them before tonight’s light show.” He already adjusted the camera back on his tripod. “You and your brother are staying for that right?”
“Yes Steve and I are hopefully staying the night to see the light show.” He just needed to convince Steve to stay past sundown but that shouldn’t be an issue, hopefully.
“Ha wonderful, I should be able to get it done sooner. I can always leave with Dicky here and you could grab it from him if you’d like.” Gesturing to Dicky who was still looking at the photo.
“Oh that would be great, Steve and I wanted to walk around more since we just got here.” He clapped already excited to see the final photo. “is the alright with you Dicky”
“Huh” Dicky getting pulled from his thoughts “ Oh ya of course. If you wanna meet me at Cupids Bakery around 4 I’ll be able to give it to you than.”
“Oh a baker I never would had guessed” Arthur was surprised Dicky looked more like he belonged on a sawmill rather than a bakery.
“Oh ya, they need someone strong to kneed all that dough."
As if to prove a point, he rolled up his sleeve to flex his bicep. Arthur blushed at the sight
“Oh my” he covered his mouth in embarrassment. Before either could react Dicky was smacked by a walking stick.
“Put your clothes back on you show off. You know how many elder women you could give a heart attack acting that way.” His father kept whacking him.
“Ow ow ok, quit hitting me before I tell mama you’re beating her baby boy.” Dicky threatened dogging the strikes.
“Arthur!” The brunette looked to see Steve waving him over. He waved back to confirm he was coming.
“That’s Steve, sorry I gotta go.” He turned to leave “Oh right, you said at Cupids Bakery at 4 yes?” Dicky blocked another attempt at his head.
“Ya at 4 my shift should be over by than. And maybe I could show you around the local spot. You know if you’d like?” He rubbed his neck suddenly feeling embarrassed.
“Ya I’d like that” Arthur said also feel a bit nervous
“Arthur!” His brother called again making him jump “Right well goodbye for now.” He called over his shoulder running off to the taller Grey haired man.
*5 minutes earlier *
Hearing that familiar gasping laugh made Steve pause. He hadn’t heard that laugh in a while, quickly searching for the source. Wondering how long he was on the phone for his brother go leave his line of sight, panic setting in making his eyes dart from side to side.
‘Not again. Please not again’ He thought beginning to panic even more when he failed to see Arthur right away.
He heard his laughter first, he quickly turned to see Arthur standing there perfectly safe and smiling. The relief he felt was quickly replaced with anger when he saw the other man holding his baby brother.
‘who is that? Why is he holding Arthur like that?’ He thought as he started to walk out, wanting nothing more than to cut their trip short and take Arthur back home.
“Sir? You still there?” Peter sounded worried over the phone snapping Steve out of his trance. He needed to remember where we was and why they were there.
Arthur wanted to be here, really anywhere other than the north pole. Somewhere new, away from billions all looking to him for leadership. The stress alone maybe Arthur stress more than usual, Steve could see how skinner his brother had gotten in just 6 months. He worried what the months leading up to Christmas would do to him.
He wondered if it would make too much of a scene to drag Arthur away. He knew he couldn’t do that though, because looking at his brother now being held but some stranger he seemed so relaxed. Steve hated to admit it Arthur did look happy talking to that man.
‘How long had it been since he was so relaxed? Was he always so anxious?’ He thought bitterly, did he really never notice how much Arthur was struggling alone. Arthur had always seemed so annoyingly cheerful that Steve never bothered to check in on him.
‘When was the last time we had an actual conversation? When was the last time we just sat down and talked’ Steve racked his brain search for any memory he and Arthur shared. No matter how hard he thought, his brain kept taking him back to when they were both younger. Before Steve even took over the elf deployment, before all the stress and thankless missions.
Did he really neglect Arthur for his own success, is that why Arthur had stopped even asking to hangout with one on one. Was he really that horrible of a brother.
“Steve Sir!” Peter yelled again over the phone, blinking rapidly he regained his composure “Hello, sir are you there?”
Coughing doing his best to steady his before speaking.
“Yes Peter I’m still. I apologize for worrying you.” Looking over to Arthur again. Glaring at the strange man as he pulled Arthur closer to him. Giving Arthur a finally look before he made a decision.
Quickly taking 2 quick photos, one that had both Arthur and the man and they other a close up of just the man. Glaring once more before turning his back to the scene.
“Peter I’m going to send you a photo. Could you please take a look and see what our system says about up him.” Already sending the photo.
“Of course sir. May I asked why though?”
“No you may not.” He said as he messaged his mother the other photo.
“Of course sir. I will have it to you in no time”
“Thank you Peter, goodbye.” Hanging up before the elf could respond.
He did want Arthur to be happy but that doesn’t mean he can afford to trust every person Arthur strikes a conversation with. Hopefully they can get their shopping done and out of there before it gets too late.
He looked at his HO-HO to see his mother had answered
*Oh so adorable, what a nice looking boy* Her message made eye twitch
‘not helping mother’
*Yes mother, he looks very nice* rolling his eyes as he typed.
*Have fun you two, look after each other and we’ll see you later today*
*Thank you mother*
He signed, calming his nerves to prepare himself for whatever he’d see. When he turned to look all that work went right out the window. There he saw that same man that held Arthur close, now flexing his bicep like some kind of show off. Which wasn’t the worst part everyone was allowed to show off their hard work, now it was how Arthur was looking at him while he was doing it.
Call Steve a prude if you must but he won’t allow his brother to be swooned by some muscular stranger.
“Arthur!” He called, he knew if he walked over there he might be led away in handcuffs. He really didn’t want anymore of a paper trail than he already had.
Arthur turned smiling, waving to him before saying his goodbye. Stopping and continuing to talk to them once more, smiling and standing nervously.
“Arthur!” He called again, gritting his teeth. Watching Arthur jump in surprise before finally saying his goodbyes and running back towards Steve. ‘This is gonna be a long day isn’t it’ he sighed.
He hoped his face didn’t give anything away as he and Arthur finally started enjoying their day off. But Steve couldn’t help but look back at the 2 men still left at the foot of the snowman man.
*present time*
Dicky watched Arthur run up to who he assumed was his brother Steve. It was either is brother or someone he was very close to given how comfortable he looked standing next him.
“You know son. That Arthur sure seemed like a nice boy.” His father commented fiddling with the settings of his camera.
“Ya, and?” He could tell his dad was insinuating something but he was sure what yet.
“Oh nothing, It’s just that its been a while since a nice boys caught your attention. I won’t have been opposed to the lady joining us for dinner.” Continuing to look over the camera, wait for his sons reaction.
Dicky should had know his dad was gonna try something like that. Him being so insistent that Arthurs photo needed another person should had been his first clue.
“Dad, while I appreciate you looking out for me. I don’t think Arthur is looking for that type of adventure.” He huffed “I just met him. This isn’t some kinda hallmark movie pops.”
“Hey nothing wrong with a little cheesy romance” He groaned stretching his leg to relieve the tightness from sitting too long
“If I thought that way, I’d never had married your mother” Reaching for his thermos of coffee, when he couldn’t reach it without putting unnecessary pressure on his knee Dicky gladly grabbed it for him.
“I met her by chance. My car broke down outside the town and had to walk the only open place. The old dinner with horrible food and even meaner staff” he chuckled, Dicky had hear this story hundreds of times wasn’t against hearing again.
“So there I sat, nursing a cup off coffee wondering what I was gonna do next. Head south to warmth or keep heading north and see if the cold takes me first” sipping his coffee.
“next thing I knew, this beautiful woman walked up asking if I needed anything. Son when I tell you she took my breath away I mean it. Her beauty was something to behold.”
Gesturing wildly “That’s when it hit me, if this little town had something so breath taking than there was no need to go anywhere. I could had become a millionaire and still not be happy if it meant I never got to see her again” He laughed
“Finally after sticking around the town for a couple weeks, I got the courage to ask her out, amazingly she said yes first try. And about 3 years later we got married and another 2 your ugly mug blessed us” He smiled remembering it like it was only moments ago.
Dicky couldn’t help himself.
“Mom said you were a bit of a stalker back then” He laughed dogging his dad’s jabs from his walking stick.
“Don’t ruin an old man’s memories you little brat!”
Dicky laughed, looking towards Arthur and his brother who seemed to be in a light hearted conversation. His heart did a little skip when he saw Arthur laugh.
“Not that any encouragement I give you would matter much.”
He looked to his dad in confusion. A little irritated at what he was implying.
“Why do you say that?”
“cause my dear son, to get to that boy. You need to get past that big brother of his” pointing to the pair. “Right next to father’s, big brothers are the scariest men you’ll very meet.”
Dicky looked toward the pair as they moved farther into town. He wondered what his dad was talking about, then he saw them. Those blue eyes that almost matched Arthurs, but there was nothing friendly in that gaze. Blue eyes hard as steel staring him down, almost as if he were challenging him. Daring him to try to get closer.
He saw Arthur look to the older man, head cocked probably asking him a question. Shaking his head the man lead them away signaling to Dicky that he made his point very clear.
‘Oh.’ He wiped a big of sweat from his brow ‘ya he's gonna be a bit of a challenge to get through’
Quickly gathering his nerves before returning to his original task of fire wood collecting, but he didn’t miss the smiling his dad had or how his friends seem to probe him for details about Arthur.
‘This is gonna be a long day’ he thought miserably.