“He’s makin’ a list
He’s checkin’ it twice
Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice
Santa Claus is comin’ to town,”

I watch Harry with a grin as he sways his hips from side to side, his deep voice muffled under the long white beard as he saunters over to me. It was Christmas Eve, the calm before the storm of presents, sweets and trails of family and friends that would ensue the next day in the Styles household. All the kids had been put to bed, bubbling with anticipation for the wonders tomorrow would bring. They’d been on their best behavior all day, tidding up their rooms and giving extra cuddles and kisses for good measure. All the last minuet Christmas duties had been squared away, the ham spiced and prepped for tomorrow’s dinner, Christmas tree refeshed for display, the stockings hung on the mantle and biscuits laid out for Santa-well more like Harry. He got a kick out of dressing up as Santa on Christmas Eve, hoping to add a bit of Christmas wonder to a mischievous little creature who might wonder downstairs for a peak.

I thrust a glass of mulled wine into his hands.

“You’re having much too much fun with this,” I grin giving the beard a long pull so that it snaps back on his clean shaven face.

“Ouch,” he moans. “watch the beard it’s the only full one I’ll get in a lifetime,”

I giggle as I head to the lounge, having a comfortable seat on the sofa. I steal a glance at the Christmas tree, silently congratulating myself on its lovely decorations.

“That you’re right about, but I like your baby face. With that I can’t even see your dimples,”
Harry grins whilst sinking down into the recliner.

“Well, tonight I’m the guy with the white beard so c'mere and sit on my lap,” he smirks devilishly, eagerly patting his thighs.

I roll my eyes, not bothering to hide the smirk adorning my lips as I stride over to him, perching comfortably on his lap. I snatch the red hat off his head placing it on my own.

“That’s much better,” he hums “so tell me. Have you been naughty or nice this year?”

I take a sip of wine, grinning into the brim of my glass.

“Me nice? Never. I’m always naughty,” I reply cheekily.

Harry clucks his tongue.

“A pretty girl like you? Such a shame,”

I kink a brow.

“Last time I checked you were a pretty big fan of my naughtiness,”

He grins, bitting the corner of his lip.

“I’m not gonna lie. I love it when you’re naughty,”

I bite back a giggle.

“This is such a provocative conversation. You’re such a perverted Santa,” I chide.

Harry’s gentle smirk only grows wider.

“Well, whatda you say we cut the talk and head upstairs so you can show me just how naughty you really are,”

He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively and I chortle.

“Sorry Santa,” I grin, standing to my feet. “I’ve got a number of guest coming over tomorrow. Plus I’m married,”

He sighs following behind me as I head back into the kitchen.

“Heey,” he protest “it’s the perfect time. Not a creature is stirring!”

I dump the unfinished glass of mulled wine down the sink.

“Well, I don’t know about you but I’m going to settle down for a long winter’s nap,”

“Santa never gets any,” he pouts.

“Mumma?” a tiny little voice pipes up.

My head snaps in the direction of the little girl stood at the bottom stairs and my stomach churns with panic. Harry scrambles to adjust the drooping with beard, the look of terror settling on his face.

“Layla,” I speak trying hard not to let my panic be known. “what are you doing out of bed?”

“Why is Daddy dressed as Santa?"she asks returning my question with one of her own.

I look over at Harry noticing he’s not wearing the signature red hat, his curly brunette locks being a dead give away. I quickly snatch the Santa hat off of my head, placing it back on his own.

"What? No! That’s not Daddy! That’s Santa!” I assure her.

“No it’s not,”

I send Harry a subtle glare hoping he will get the memo.

“Yes it is,”

“No, it’s not,” she replies matter of factly.

“Yes it is,”

“Oh,” Harry speaks finally catching my drift. “ Ho, Ho, Ho,”

“See?” I grin. “that really is Santa. Now if you don’t get back in bed he’s not gonna fill your stocking with sweets and he’s gonna leave you coal under the tree. Off to bed, poppet,”

“But I’m thirsty,” she protest.

“I’ll bring you some water okay. Off to bed. Now.”

I watch as trudges back up the stairs a mischievous dimpled grin adorning her features.
I let out a sigh once she’s finally gone.

“You totally blew your cover! We totally ruined her innocence!” I gasp.

“Relax” Harry speaks slowly removing the white beard. She’ll be okay. That one’s a tough cookie like you,“

"I swear, if she has emotional trauma because of this you’re paying for her therapy sessions,”

“Damn,” he huffs. “it’s tough bein’ Santa,”

Notes

Guys I know I've been slacking with the one shot but it's going to happen I promise! Just give me some time! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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