Chapter Text
"Why not? It could bring more people. Although..."
Merv Ferguson was leaning over the bar, looking at the stage. 'Taxi' was sitting on the edge, struggling with some cables, while Idaho rocked back and forth, hovering over him. Two heads worked better than one; such a shame Idaho's head has been gone arguably for a decade. Taxi's head was intact, but with Idaho rocking and hovering over him, focusing on fixing the acoustics was going to be a problem.
"I don't think this place is good for that shit. We give them something, and they expect us to keep it up. Can't fit in carols and other crap like that, we ain't a church y'know."
Hilly growled, resting his head in his hands, elbows propped onto the counter. Jonathan walked by, then sat lazily by Hilly's foot. Merv shrugged, cleaning a glass with a piece of cloth that he threw over his shoulder when he was done. The atmosphere was rather dull and tense. With December and thus Christmas right around the corner, there was a need for change in the air, but God forbid anyone knew what to do. And as if that wasn't troubling enough, the acoustics went to shit after the previous night's performance.
"I say we make them work on something to fit the spirit of Christmas." You teased, coming up behind Hilly and placing both hands on his shoulders, rubbing the tight muscles under your palms. "How hard can it be to come up with some Christmassy music that fits this place's energy?"
Hilly grunted, rubbing his eyes. He was ever the sulking big bear.
"I don't think Hilly's all that eager about that." Merv chimmed in, passing you a drink over the counter. You were one of the 'friends' who were helping Hilly manage the club. For you, drinks were on the house.
"I say we vote, Merv and I agree," You looked over Hilly's shoulder, "Taxi, Idaho? What do you say? Christmas theme this December, or do we keep the usual?"
The Acoustics man turned to you, while Idaho toddled around to catch the source of the question, too. They were quite the odd pair, but at least they were good men and wanted Hilly's best. Idaho rocked, his eyes glued to the ground, then grinned, trotting away from Taxi and going in the back, to the kitchen. All eyes were on him, but after the door closed behind him, the attention returned to Taxi.
"... sure? I don't mind." 'Taxi' was not strong on his opinions as long as he could see to his work. Peacefully.
You grinned with pride, and Merv chimmed in, bumping his fist against yours. There was nothing quite as funny as hearing Hilly's huff as he saw his friends team up against him. Even if it was for a silly reason like this.
"See? Two votes yes, and one abstains. We win, Hilly. Get ready to be the Santa of CBGB"
Hilly stood up, patting your head. He placed his large palm on your head, ruffled it, then, with a massive eyeroll, turned to Merv. He pointed his finger at the man, voice grave and coarse, echoing through the club, "If this fails, it was your idea." Then glanced down at you. He sighed deeply, shaking his head. "I will see what I can do. Don't give me that look."
'That look' was the excited grin you flashed him when he finally gave in. When Hilly spoke like this, you knew it meant he would find a way to get it done. He always did. Hilly Kristal was the kind of man who, if he wanted something done, he would get it done. Not always from the first try, but he would eventually get it done.
"So what's your plan, Hilly?"
"I will see."
"Will you let us help you?"
Hilly didn't answer your question, just patted your shoulder encouragingly. Then, without another word, he disappeared into his office to make a call. You didn't want to let him slip away, so you leapt after him and walked into his office, leaving Merv and Taxi staring at each other. Merv took your empty drink and chugged it down. Taxi returned his attention to fixing the cables again.
"Do you think he..." "Most definitely. Hilly never gives in this easily."
You closed the door behind yourself, crossing your arms. And standing in front of the door, leaning into it. "Come on, I can help. What's your plan?"
"I caaan handle it. Go help Merv or something." Hilly shooed you off dismissively with his hand. He didn't mean to be rude; he was just used to working alone. Even though he always helped everyone and picked people from the street, and befriended them.
"Hilly, come on!"
Hilly growled, slouching on his chair, "I am caaaalling the boys. See who answers. I'll tell them to come practice something."
"You know that won't be enough! Let me handle decorating! I can grab Merv and get some-"
"No. You don't hang tree decorations, anything in my club." Hilly pointed at you, brow furrowed.
"Just a few, come on. For me! I have a vision."
"Your vision scares me."
You rolled your eyes and came over to him. Your fingers traced over his desk, unhurriedly, while Hilly's grumpy growl ceased, and his eyes locked on your hand gesture. That was enough to shut him temporarily as he leaned back on his seat, eyeing you. You sat on his desk in front of him, and he stood up, trapping you. His hands on either side of you, his face mere inches from yours.
"Can I employ my vision on your club now?"
Hilly was quiet, his face hovering over yours, so close you could feel his breathing above your lips. He swallowed, his Adam's apple sinking with a sort of contained need that you spotted on the way his lips parted. But he restrained himself. You, on the other hand, did not. Your hand hooked in his shirt, and you pulled him into a hard kiss, meant to win his favour.
As you parted from the kiss, Hilly's head nudged against your neck, placing a kiss on the skin beneath. After a moment of thinking, he huffed in defeat and drew back from you.
"Fiiine. Just don't mess my club up too much."
"No. Don't come any closer with that."
Merv was already in character, dressed like Santa's girlfriend, pretty and glamorous. He couldn't give a fuck, he was feeling the Christmas energy. 'Taxi' was sitting at his acoustic tools with an elf hat on. He wasn't too hyped about it, but he did not mind it either. You were an elf too...
Nobody knew where Idaho went, and as for Hilly, everyone was trying to convince him to put on the Santa outfit. But that was hard work.
"Get away from me. No, off!" You were approaching him threateningly, carrying the Santa beard, with Merv and 'Taxi' slipping from their workstations to help you catch Hilly.
"Get here, you old man!" Merv teased in a playful, high-pitched voice.
"Whatever they say!" 'Taxi' pitched in, helping Merv catch Hilly. After a small struggle and a lot of curses and grumpy wiggling from Hilly, you managed to put a Santa beard on him. The moment that was done, Merv cracked into a laughing fit, and even Taxi hid a chuckle.
Hilly was the only one who was not at all amused.
"Where the fuck is Idaho..."
As the giggling ceased, you discovered that Idaho had gone missing since he disappeared into the kitchen the other day. Merv let go of Hilly and went to look for Idaho, but the man was nowhere to be seen.
"Oh, he ditched us right before the grand Christmas opening." You whined, Hilly coming up next to you. You could not take him seriously with that Santa beard on. But just as you were about to complain about it, you heard the front door kick open. Idaho was there.
Merv covered his mouth to hide his laugh, while Taxi's eyes went wide, and he bit the inside of his cheek. Even Hilly's usual nonchalance was replaced by a soft shock.
There, in the doorway, was Idaho. He wore a Santa hat and beard, holding a rat with miniature reindeer antlers and Jonathan by his leg with another pair of reindeer antlers.
One of Hilly's bands were already on stage. They had been rehearsing and were ready to play, and now that Idaho was back, everyone was prepared.
🎶Take this time to realise🎶
"Where had you been?" Hilly growled at Idaho, and the man happily rocked with the rat in his hand.
🎶The month ahead of us,🎶
"I invite people. For Christmas." The man grinned, pointing at the door, clutching the rat to his chest. "A lot of people came."
🎶All the friends that we will see🎶
Hilly pushed past Idaho and made it to the door, staring outside. A large crowd gathered in front of the club, waiting to get in. The opening time was about to happen. The man shoved his head back inside, looking at you and the others.
🎶Every year and after year.🎶
"You," he pointed at Idaho, "Get here and let the people in." Then came over to Merv, signalling him to start on the drinks.
🎶Coming home is all we know,🎶
One by one, the people gathered in the club, and things were going surprisingly well. The first half an hour had been pure chaos, but that was how every night at CBGB went. Things evened out after a while. People were enjoying the new theme. It was a temporary event, so everyone was making the most of it. The band dressed themselves more in theme too, strapped to their leather outfits, hanging Christmas lights and other mockeries. Things went unexpectedly well.
🎶Cuz the comfort's all we need.🎶
Hilly was at the bar, struggling to enjoy a beer with his Santa beard in the way, while Idaho was feeding his rat, and Merv passed beers to the newcomers. 'Taxi' was doing its usual work, so everything went smoothly.
🎶Everyone is always there,🎶
You got up.
🎶Every year and after year.🎶
The music was catchy, and your slight tipsiness made you want to join in, so you dragged Hilly by the arm into the crowd.
🎶You'll see that crush you knew,🎶
Merv noticed and smiled in the corner of his mouth. He knew.
🎶So meet them under the mistletoe.🎶
You danced to the tune of the music with Hilly by your side, immovable as usual, but giving you a fond look. When you tried to pull him onto the dance floor with you, the man leaned down and kissed your cheek.
🎶Lights are shining As the stars are crying for attention on this eve of holiday!🎶
"Don't get ahead of yourself."
🎶Hearts are yearning, and the kids are learning all the songs,🎶
"But Hilly!"
🎶We sing that brings us memories.🎶
"Shuuut up." He growled softly, his hand sneakily going down to your butt and giving it a squeeze. "When you are done fooling around," Hilly leaned into your ear, speaking in his coarse voice, which was filled with a sort of lust that made your heart skip a beat. The squeeze was possessive, his palm kneading the flesh of your butt. "We continue this in the office."
🎶As the nights get cold, this feeling won't get old. So fast it passes by.🎶
You rolled your eyes, a soft blush coating your cheeks. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was Hilly's boldness and suggestiveness. Perhaps it was a mix of the fun you were having and the joy of seeing everyone having a good time, but one thing was sure. You felt proud of how this first Christmas-themed night at CBGB was going.
🎶Never forget the days, these best of times are on the way. So hold them close and don't let go. We'll make it last. It's gone before we'll know.🎶