“A Letter to Santa”

The North Pole was alive with yuletide cheer as December, the busiest month of the year, was nearing. The elves of Santa’s workshop were in a festive frenzy, their laughter mingling with the jingle of bells and the sounds of toy-making. Amid this cheerful chaos, Noelle, the spirited and beautiful daughter of Santa Claus, chased the mischievous elf Tinsel.

Tinsel darted through the workshop with a grin as wide as a candy cane, waving a pair of green panties in a taunting fashion above his head. “No fair, Tinsel! Give those back!” Noelle called out with mock anger and laughter, her flowing chestnut hair shimmering under the twinkling lights.

The elf weaved under a ladder, sending a dusting of snow from the overhead decorations fluttering down like a mini blizzard. “You gotta catch me first, Noelle!” Tinsel’s bell-adorned shoes jingled with each step, echoing through the candy-striped corridors.

The chase took them past smiling elves, some chuckling at the spectacle, others shaking their heads at the disruption. A few watched with lust for the boss’s daughter and her hot young body. But Noelle was focused solely on her panty-thieving elf.

As Tinsel made a sharp turn down a dark hallway, Noelle saw her chance. With a burst of speed, she reached out, her fingers grazing the silky fabric just as she and Tinsel tumbled through a door, crashing into a room neither of them had ever seen.

With Noelle firmly on Tinsel, she quickly reclaimed her stolen underwear, oblivious to the boner forming in Tinsel’s pants. Victorious, she stood up and did a teasing dance, shaking her ample booty his way. “You like that, Tinsel? I caught you and my underwear!”

He gulped and did not answer, but the mood shifted as Noelle’s gaze adjusted to the dim light of this unknown room. It was unlike any in Santa’s workshop, let alone the North Pole. It was lined with shelves bearing years and years of history. Most shelves were empty, but every few years, there was a letter, each marked with a red “X.”

“Why are these here?” Noelle whispered with disbelief. She had always believed every letter sent to Santa was cherished, so why were these hidden away, marked, and secluded?

Tinsel, now more composed, stood up and adjusted his trousers. “I’ve heard the rumors of this room but never thought it was real. This is the room of unfulfilled wishes,” he said solemnly. “Letters Santa couldn’t answer.”

Noelle moved between the shelves, her heart heavy with the thought of ungranted wishes. She reached the end of the row, her eyes drawn to a lone letter from the current year, addressed in clean handwriting to her father from Priya Singh at San Diego University.

Noelle carefully opened the letter, her mind swirling with questions about her father, the kind-hearted Santa she knew. As she unfolded the paper, the room seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.

“Noelle, we shouldn’t be in here,” Tinsel whispered urgently.

Noelle looked over at her best friend Tinsel, the elf that had been here for her, who she trusted more than anyone. He looked upset and wanted her to drop the letter and leave the room. However, she couldn’t. Her eyes then fell to the first line, and she began to read.

^^^

Tucked away in a secluded corner of San Diego University’s engineering lab, Priya Singh was a portrait of focus and determination. The sterile lab contrasted sharply with the festive atmosphere enveloping the rest of the campus. Here, amidst beakers and electrical equipment, Priya found her solace.

Clad in a bulky lab coat, Priya’s outfit was purely functional. It also hid her voluptuous body. Her safety goggles, now perched atop her head, left faint impressions on her olive skin. Her long black hair was tied up in a ponytail haphazardly. She was the epitome of a woman lost in her work.

Her current project was a labor of love, a sophisticated sex toy designed by women for women. Version 2.0 lay before her, its sleek design a symbol of her ambition to bring joy and companionship to those who felt alone, much like herself. Despite the encouraging results of the prototype, creating a device that could truly understand and cater to a woman’s needs was a challenge she relished. A challenge she felt she needed to defeat for her own sake.

As the day waned, Priya removed her lab coat, revealing a simple, worn sweater and baggy jeans underneath. She rubbed her eyes, the fatigue of hours of concentrated work setting in. Stepping out of the lab, she entered the university’s bustling corridor and braced herself. Students moved around her in lively groups, their laughter, and chatter a constant reminder of her loneliness.

Ahead, she noticed a hot student from her Chemistry class, his easy smile and confident demeanor drawing her in. Gathering her courage, Priya quickened, a tentative “Hi” forming on her lips. But as she approached, he was swept away by a beautiful sorority girl.

Retreating to her dorm room, Priya was greeted by the stark contrast between her orderly space and her roommate Courtney’s vibrant chaos. Her desk was a sanctuary of organization, with textbooks and papers neatly arranged, save for a single photograph of her family. It was taken the day she set off to university with her standing in front of her beaming parents next to her little brother Arjun in front of their home in India. As much as she loved her family, she always felt out of place with all its traditions. She wondered how they would celebrate Pongal during her upcoming holiday break, one of the few traditions she enjoyed.

Scanning Courtney’s shelves, her eyes fell upon an unopened advent calendar. A new custom to her, it had Santa’s jolly face beaming down. Beside it lay a childishly scrawled letter to Santa, asking for a pony.

The idea of writing to Santa Claus, the fat man at the North Pole who answered children’s wishes by flying all over the world in a single night, seemed pretty silly. She was already an adult and a woman of science when she first learned about this childhood fantasy. Yet, something about the scrawled, heartfelt wish for a pony made her pause. Maybe, Priya thought, the point wasn’t about believing in magic. Perhaps it was more about simply putting your wishes into words. It could be kind of freeing, in a way, to just write it all down.

With a deep sigh, Priya sat at her desk and pulled a blank notepad towards her. “Why not?” she mused to herself. Despite her logical mind scoffing at the idea, she was lonely, and desperation pushed her to embrace a childhood tradition foreign to her upbringing. Slowly, words began to flow from her pen.

Dear Santa,

I hope this letter finds you well. Writing to you feels surreal, as I never grew up with the tradition of Christmas. My childhood was rich with different customs and legends. The concept of a man delivering joy to children worldwide in a single night seems to fly against the face of everything I know as an Indian and a scientist.

This is my first letter to you, Santa. It’s strange, penning my thoughts and hopes to a fictional character. But I find myself at a crossroads where I’m willing to try anything, even writing to the North Pole for help.

I’m an inventor, Santa. I am creating a device designed to bring pleasure, kind of like you.

In my culture, we rarely speak openly of our desires, especially those that are sexual. Writing to a mythical figure about such personal wishes feels almost rebellious. But in this new world, I’ve embraced, I want to break free from the shadows of my cultural confines. I want to be seen, Santa.

My wish is simple. I long to be noticed, to feel the warmth of attraction, the excitement of mutual desire. I wish for someone to look at me and see more than the quiet girl from a distant land, absorbed in her work. I want to be sought after, cherished, and desired.

Frankly, Santa, I want hot sex and lots of it.

If there’s any magic in the world, any way to grant wishes, I ask for your help.

Thank you for reading my letter. It’s the first and, likely, the only one I’ll ever write to you.

Happy Holidays,

Priya Singh

Carefully folding the letter, Priya slipped it into an envelope and addressed it to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Standing before the mailbox, she hesitated momentarily before releasing her wish into the world.

As the mailbox flap clanged shut, Priya looked up at the star-filled sky, bringing back the memories of her childhood and her nights spent with her Paatii, trying to discover the mysteries of the universe. Then, resigned yet hopeful, she turned and returned to her life.

^ ^ ^

As Noelle finished the letter, she felt moved. “Poor Priya,” she whispered. Using her family’s magic, she could glimpse an image of Priya in her mind, and she flushed. How could this beautiful, brilliant woman feel so lonely?

“Come on, Noelle, we need to get out of here,” Tinsel pleaded.

His words brought Noelle back to the reality of the North Pole. How could Santa just discard Priya’s wishes like this?

“Noelle Saves Christmas”

Noelle awoke before dawn, the words of Priya’s letter echoing in her mind. Sleep had been elusive despite the plush comfort of her bed and the soothing lullabies of the North Pole’s nocturnal melodies. She wrapped herself in a robe as white as snow, blanketing the world outside her window, her every step on the plush carpet mirroring the heavy thoughts weighing on her heart.

Wandering through the still-sleeping streets of the North Pole, Noelle clutched a steaming mug of candy cane hot chocolate. The sweet aroma mingled with the crisp scent of pine, creating a picture-perfect Christmas card scene.

Tinsel found her by the gingerbread gazebo, his cup of peppermint latte in hand. “You look like you’ve lost your last candy cane, Noelle,” he quipped, but his smile faded as he noticed her furrowed brow. “What’s got you more tangled than last year’s Christmas lights?”

Noelle clutched her mug tighter, feeling the warmth against the chill of the air. “It’s that room. The letters, Tinsel. The ones Father discarded. How could he just ... ignore them?”

Tinsel leaned against the gazebo, his expression turning somber. “Santa’s magic has its limits, Noelle. He can’t fulfill every wish, especially those...” He took a thoughtful sip, eyeing her with concern.

“If Father won’t help, then I will. I’ll help Priya. I’ll find a way to grant her Christmas wish.”

Tinsel chuckled, “And how exactly do you plan to do that? You don’t even know the first thing about the human world, let alone helping someone with ... well, that.” He gestured awkwardly, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.

“I have to try!”

Tinsel watched her stride away, “Sure, Noelle. And I’ll be Head Elf,” he muttered.

^ ^ ^

As the day unfolded, a sense of unease grew within Tinsel. He hadn’t seen Noelle since early in the morning. Soon, he wandered to the reindeer barn, where there was an eerie feeling. His eyes widened as he noticed that Starlight Sleigh II, the one used for practice runs, was missing, and so were eight of the younger reindeer, the ones Noelle had been training.

A cold sense of dread washed over him, heavier than the heaviest sack of coal. He raced through the bustling streets of the North Pole with purpose.

Bursting into the grand hall, Tinsel found Santa overseeing the toy production. “Santa!” Tinsel gasped, out of breath. “Santa, we have a problem!”

“Home Alone”

Courtney’s unrestrained laughter punctuated the evening’s quiet, making it difficult for Priya to concentrate on her assignment. With her long, wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, Courtney sparkled with excitement as she recounted her latest conquest. Her sun-kissed skin glowed even in the dim light of their dorm room. She lounged on her bed, her lithe figure outlined by her snug outfit.

Priya couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy as she glanced over her notes. While she buried herself in books and research, Courtney had the wild sex life that Priya could only dream about. On top of that, Courtney’s looks stirred something inside Priya.

Throwing the phone down on her bed, Courtney turned to Priya. “And he wanted to bring along his best friend. Can you believe that?” Courtney laughed, playfully tossing a pillow to Priya.

Priya forced a smile, her fingers absentmindedly twirling her pen. “Sounds ... exciting.”

“Exciting if his friend also has a penis as big as his,” Courtney said with a wink, her phone buzzing with a message. “Ah, that’s him. I’ve got to run, roomie. Don’t wait up!” Courtney dashed out in a flurry of perfume and laughter, enveloping Priya in a sudden, profound silence.

The door’s click resonated deeply with Priya, “Two guys at once,” she whispered. A bitter chuckle escaped her lips as her eyes landed on the stuffed Santa Claus on Courtney’s bed. “What a foolish notion,” she muttered, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Left alone in her dorm for yet another night, Priya’s mind wandered to images of Courtney being double-teamed by two hot frat boys, and absentmindedly, her hand moved to her dark nipple. Rolling it between her fingers, a low moan escaped her lips. Her body flushed with arousal, and she gave up all attempts at studying and sat back in her bed. She imagined what Courtney would be like being spit-roasted between the two studs, with Courtney on her knees and her perfect, full breasts exposed.

She opened up the drawer of her nightstand and pulled out the prototype of the sex toy she had created for her school project. The sleek, smooth plastic toy, in her favorite shade of red, easily slid onto her hand like a glove. Turning the device’s base, it buzzed to life, vibrating intensely.

Licking her lips, Priya bit back a whimper as she slipped her hand down into her jeans and pressed the vibrating fingers against her panties. With a bit of wriggling, she managed to push aside the plain, worn panties and gently, teasingly rubbing her swollen clit with her device. A little louder whimper escaped her lips. The little nub responded enthusiastically, sending shocks of pleasure through Priya.

“Fuck...” Priya hissed as her hips bucked involuntarily, forcing her toy against her throbbing pussy. A thin trickle of juices flowed over her hand as she moved her hips faster, matching the rhythm of the little toy. She could feel the wetness gathering under her as the waves of pleasure washed over her.

Her heart beat faster and faster. A hot, familiar tightness grew deep within her. Her body tensed as Priya tried to prolong that incredible sensation of a delicious orgasm building up in her body. Soon, she couldn’t hold back any longer. “Oh fuck,” Priya hissed again, her entire body quivering as a powerful orgasm exploded from deep within her.

Her heart racing, her head dizzy with pleasure, Priya took in a deep, satisfied breath, basking in the warm afterglow of her orgasm. But before long, the emptiness returned. Priya’s body ached to be touched by another person. Her gaze lingered on Courtney’s bed, with Santa watching her from a pillow. She laughed.

She rose and went to the bathroom, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on her features in the mirror. In a whisper, she uttered, “Santa, I hope you got my letter.” The reflection staring back at her seemed to mock her naivety. “Stupid, stupid, stupid,” she chided herself. “As if anything like that could ever happen.”

“Noelle Claus is Comin’ to Town”

“Santa, we have a problem!” Tinsel began as he caught his breath.

“What kind of problem, Tinsel?”

“It’s Noelle,” Tinsel confessed, fidgeting nervously. “I think she’s gone to,” he gathered and continued, “California ... Yesterday, we found a letter, the one you rejected...”

Santa sighed a cloud of warmth in the frosty air, his expression softening. “Ah, Priya,” he said thoughtfully. “Yes, I remember her letter.”

Tinsel, visibly anxious, shuffled his feet. “But, sir, Noelle’s never been out there alone. The human world is complex and unpredictable. She’s young, naive...”

He placed a reassuring hand on Tinsel’s shoulder. “She may be young, but she’s a Claus. Noelle has a helpful heart. Sometimes, we need the lessons of the real world. This journey will be good for her, just like the one I had at her age. Remind me to tell you about my trip to Toronto sometime,” he explained with a paternal fondness.

Tinsel’s brow furrowed deeper with worry. “But what if she needs help, Santa?”

“Then she will find her way. The Claus family always do,” Santa reassured him. “However, I understand your concern. Go to her, Tinsel. Watch over her from a distance. Ensure her safety, but remember,” he added with a note of seriousness, “this is a crucial experience for Noelle. Interfere only if absolutely necessary.”

Tinsel felt a rush of relief, “Thanks, Santa. I promise I won’t let you or Noelle down.” He paused momentarily, then added, “But how exactly am I supposed to get there?”

Santa reached into his pocket, retrieving a small, candy-striped ticket shimmered with an enchanting light. “The Candy Cane Express,” he announced, handing it to Tinsel. “One round trip to San Diego. It’s swift and discreet.”

Tinsel accepted the ticket, his eyes lighting up. “Thank you, Santa! You can trust me.”

Santa’s laughter filled the room, warm and deep. “Off you go, Tinsel. And remember to enjoy the ride.”

Tinsel nodded, a sense of determination fueling his steps. He walked briskly through the bustling workshop with renewed purpose, weaving past elves deeply engaged in their festive tasks. Their cheerful chatter and the clinking of tools against toys created a symphony of industrious joy. As he passed under the grand, soaring arches of the workshop adorned with garlands of evergreen and sparkling lights, he reached a secluded area rarely seen by most.

A platform was hidden from the usual hustle of the workshop, and the Candy Cane Express awaited there. The train was a marvel of North Pole engineering. It was gleaming and fantastical, its sides adorned with intricate designs of holly and ivy intertwined with shimmering streaks that resembled candy canes. The engine emitted a soft, enchanting hum. This sound seemed to be a harmonious blend of jingle bells and the whisper of winter winds. Each train car sparkled with frost-like glitter, and the windows shone with warm, inviting light, casting a cozy glow on the snowy platform.

As Tinsel approached, the doors of the train opened with a gentle whoosh, revealing an interior that was just as magical: seats upholstered in plush red velvet, walls lined with panels of polished dark wood, and delicate strings of fairy lights twinkling like stars overhead.

This wasn’t just any train but a vessel of Christmas magic, ready to whisk Tinsel away on his critical mission. With a deep breath of the crisp, pine-scented air, Tinsel stepped aboard the Candy Cane Express, prepared to journey to California.

^^^

Under the celestial tapestry woven by the Northern Star, Noelle guided the sleigh as well as she could. The robust and graceful reindeer cut through the cool night air, their powerful forms belying their elegant flight. Although Noelle and the reindeer were young, they had all trained together for years. The frosty breeze was a familiar embrace to Noelle, reminiscent of countless Christmas Eves spent alongside her father. But tonight was markedly different. She wasn’t just a passenger on a magical journey but the pilot herself.

As the sleigh soared over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, doubt nibbled at the edges of her resolve. “What am I doing?” she whispered into the wind. She had no plan, no experience in matters of sex. “I’ve never even been kissed,” she mused, her cheeks warming with a blush.

The California coastline came into view as Noelle’s heart fluttered with excitement and apprehension as she followed the contour of the land. “If Father won’t help every person on Earth, then I will,” she declared, her voice gaining strength as her initial fears faded.

The sleigh descended through layers of warming air, the chill of the Arctic giving way to the gentle kiss of a Californian day. Noelle loosened her cloak, feeling its heavy fabric flutter behind her like a banner of her newfound determination.

The world below sharpened into focus. San Diego unfolded beneath them, a tapestry of palm trees and sprawling cityscapes basking in the early light. The sun caressed Noelle’s face; the warmth was something she was not used to. She delighted in the beauty of the lush green land.

The sleigh touched down not on a blanket of snow but onto lush farmland, landing a jarring dance that sent clouds of dirt swirling. Noelle gripped the reins, steadying herself and the reindeer, a tinge of embarrassment for the less-than-graceful landing.

Once the dust settled, she hopped out onto the warm soil. The reindeer, unaccustomed to the heat, panted heavily. Noelle soothed them, stroking their coats and offering carrots and water. “You’ve done well,” she cooed, watching their eyes close in contentment.

With some Christmas magic, she concealed the sleigh and her companions. “Rest here, my friends.”

Stepping into the California sun, Noelle felt its heat press down on her, beads of sweat forming on her brow. She shed her heavy coat and mits, relieved as the sun warmed her skin.

A sign in the distance caught her eye: ‘Welcome to San Diego University.’ Each step towards the campus was a stride into the unknown, toward taking her first step to take on the role of Santa.

The streets of San Diego were alive with movement and sound, not quite the orderly magic of the North Pole. People hurried by, their curious glances lingering on Noelle’s unusual attire. She felt out of place, her cheeks warming from the heat and the attention her presence garnered.

Seeking a change of clothes, Noelle entered a pawn shop, the cool air inside a welcome respite. The clerk, initially skeptical, eyed her attire with growing interest. “Can I help you?” he asked, his tone hinting at an opportunity.

“I need something less ... warm.”

The clerk’s demeanor shifted as he assessed her unique garments. “You’re not from around here, are you?” he remarked.

“No, I’m from ... up north.”

“A Canadian, well, I think we can work out a deal,” the clerk said. “Your clothes are ... unique. I could offer you an exchange. Your clothing for a few outfits more suitable for SD.”

Relief washed over Noelle, “Thank you, you are kind.”

In the changing room, Noelle faced a reflection she barely recognized. Her traditional, elegant North Pole attire was gone. The tiny shorts and t-shirt felt foreign yet liberating, the high heels a challenge of balance and grace. She observed her transformed appearance and realized she had only ever dressed this way in Santa’s hot tub, never out in public. She was embarrassed as the shorts barely covered her butt, the t-shirt exposed her midriff, and a hint of her ample cleavage deepened her blush.

She stepped out of the changing room with a deep breath that raised her confidence. The store clerk paused, his gaze appreciative, and blew a low whistle. “Lookin’ good, Sweetheart,” he said with a huge grin. Noelle offered him a timid smile before thanking him and leaving the store.

The gates of San Diego University loomed ahead, as did the unknown. She was ready. She was going to make sure no Christmas wish was missed this year!

Noelle was slowly making her way across the sun-drenched San Diego University campus when she noticed a group of students gathered around a large, decorated tree. They took turns writing on small pieces of paper and then hanging them on the branches. Curious, she approached the crowd.

“What’s this?” Noelle asked one of the students, gesturing towards the tree.

“It’s our ‘Stress Tree,’” the student replied with a smile. “Finals are coming up, and the tradition is to write down what’s stressing you out and hang it up. Sort of like giving the stress over to the tree.”

Fascinated by this quaint ritual, Noelle took a paper and pen from the basket. “Back home, we just tell our worries to the Northern Winds,” she mused aloud as she scribbled down, ‘Finding Priya and making her Christmas wish come true.’

The student raised an eyebrow. “The Northern Winds, huh? Is that like a meditation thing?”

Noelle chuckled. “More of an old family practice.” She tied her paper to a branch, the words fluttering like a tiny flag in the breeze.

As she continued on her quest, Noelle couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps this university had its own kind of magic.

^^^

In the quiet sanctum of the university lab, Priya was engrossed in her classwork. The outside world faded into insignificance as she was in her element.

The lab door hissed open, but Priya overlooked the newcomer. It wasn’t until the shadow fell across her workstation that she glanced up, her eyes meeting the visitor.

She stood there, slightly out of breath, clutching a campus map turned inside and out multiple times. Priya had never seen this girl before and was annoyed by her intrusion, even if she was gorgeous.

“Hi,” the woman began, “I’m looking for ... well, I suppose I’m looking for you.”

Priya blinked, taken aback, “Me?”

“Yes, you’re Priya Singh.” her tone was hopeful, her gaze earnest.

Priya’s brow furrowed, “Do we have a class together?”

“No, nothing like that,” she said with a chuckle. “I’ve come a long way to find you,” the woman replied, a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. “My name is Noelle, and I’m here to help you ... with your Christmas wish?”

Priya’s heart skipped a beat, “My Christmas wish?” she echoed, her voice shocked. The idea was ludicrous.

“I’m Noelle,” the woman said again, extending her hand with a warm, reassuring smile. “And I believe we have some important things to discuss.”

“You’re here to help me ... with my wish?”

“Yes, that’s exactly why I’m here.”

“Why exactly are you here to help me?” she asked, her tone edged with wariness.

“Because I’m Santa’s daughter. Making Christmas wishes come true is what our family does.”

Priya raised an eyebrow, “Santa’s daughter? That’s quite the story, but I don’t have time for games or pranks,” she said dismissively, ready to return to her studies.

Undeterred, Noelle eagerly reached into her bag. “It’s not a prank, I promise. Look at this.” She pulled out a small snow globe, inside which a miniature sleigh orbiting a tiny, glittering Christmas tree. She shook it, and the snowflakes swirled in a mesmerizing dance. “This is real magic from the North Pole,” she insisted, her eyes reflecting the globe’s twinkle.

Priya glanced at the globe, impressed despite its intricate design. “It’s a charming gadget,” she conceded patronizingly. “But you don’t expect me to believe this?”

Noelle’s expression remained undaunted, “It’s more than that, Priya. Let me prove it to you.” She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “The star you named after your Paatti, Anjali. It’s beautiful.”

Priya’s skepticism crumbled momentarily, replaced by a startled vulnerability. The mention of Anjali, a star named in a private childhood moment, was knowledge she had never shared with anyone. “How could you possibly know about that?”

Noelle’s smile softened, “Because I’m Santa’s daughter.”

In that moment, Priya’s world of logic and reason collided with the inexplicable. Her mind raced for a rational explanation, yet none came. With a resigned sigh, she met Noelle’s hopeful gaze. “If I agree to this, will you leave me be afterward?”

Noelle nodded, her smile unwavering. “Of course, if that’s what you want.”

“Then let’s see you make my wish come true,” she challenged.

“A Nightmare Before Christmas”

Back in Priya’s dorm room, the two girls sat amidst remnants of Courtney’s lively social life. Concert tickets adorned the corkboard, clothes sprawled haphazardly on the bed, and photos of smiling faces papered the walls.

Priya, perched uneasily on her desk chair, eyed Noelle with hope and exasperation. “So, how exactly do you plan to help me?” she asked, her hands fidgeting nervously with a pen.

“Well, this is my first time doing this,” she confessed with a hopeful shrug. “But you want to feel desired, right? To experience pleasure? You want some ... hot sex?” She pondered, her eyes lifting as if searching for answers in the mundane ceiling tiles. After a pause, she ventured, “Have you tried ... just asking?”

Priya’s expression morphed into disbelief. “Asking? Like, ‘Hey, want to fuck?’ That’s your plan?” Her voice climbed an octave, “Are you kidding? How is that supposed to help?”

Unfazed by Priya’s reaction, Noelle’s composure remained intact. “Communication is key, right? But don’t worry, I’m a Claus. We have a knack for making things work.”

Priya let out a sigh that seemed to deflate her. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered, dropping the pen with a clatter. Noelle’s naiveté, though endearing in its own way, was starting to grate on her nerves.

“No, it’s not,” Noelle insisted, “I’ll figure it out. You are beautiful; we’ll make your wish come true.”