I Need a Silent Night

by Amelia

Songfic: I Need a Silent Night

I made this same mistake before Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove
Children are crying While mother's are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
Well what can I say?

He stopped in mid-step after being bumped into for the hundredth time, looking for his friend who had made him come to this insanity. He spotted him just a few feet away, standing at the 'Miss Molly's' cookie stand. In clipped steps he reached him. "I've had it, Vin. Let' go."

"You still got to get the ladies' in the office presents, Chris. It's your fault you waited to the day before Christmas Eve to come to the mall," Vin said. Though he hated the crowds more than Chris, he was enjoying his cool as a cucumber friend losing it with the mass of hurrying people.

I need a silent night
A holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

An hour later, the two men climbed into Larbee's truck, after loading all the packages in the back seat. Starting the engine, Chris pulled out of his slot and drove down the row, slamming on the brakes as a car flew out and around him. Twice more he had to hit the brakes to avoid being hit before he finally turned out of the parking lot and onto the highway.

"You know, Cowboy, you might want to ease up the grip on the steering wheel before you bend it in half," Vin smirked.

Flashing a glare Vin's way, Chris gritted his teeth, refusing to say anything as he looked back to the road, though he did ease his grip a little.

December comes, then disappears Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace Or was the world a different place?
When people stay home wishing for snow
Watching 3 channels on their tv
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

Pulling up to the house that was lit up by friends who had shown up and let themselves inside, they found vehicles parked everywhere, including the garage, blocking Chris's way. Parking where he could, Chris switched off the engine and he and Vin climbed out, carrying all the bags with them. Opening the front door, they stepped inside to the sound of loud arguing voices: one yelling to please move out of his view of the news showing the 'Lu in Paris,' and two others arguing the good and bad of having chili instead of a salad. Seeing the vein in Chris's temple bulge, Vin knew he'd better act quick before he blew. Dropping the bags, he put his finger and thumb in his mouth and let loose a high pitched, attention grabbing whistle.

Everything instantly came to a stand still, the voices, the people - everything but the bowl of Cheeto's that by accident went flying from the two who had been arguing over it - flying and landing on Larbee's head.

I need a silent night
A holy night
To hear an angel voice
through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear
A little peace right here
To end this crazy day
With a Silent Night

Chris sat in the quiet, breathing in the coolness of the air.

Hell of an explosion there Cowboy. Think the Richter Scale actually picked ya up," Vin chuckled.

Not opening his eyes, Chris growled, "Go away Vin."

"Now, is that any way to talk to the man who's brought ya a present?"

Opening his eyes and looking up, Chris saw a glass being held out with one hand and a bottle he recognized as an expensive scotch in the other, opened and ready to pour. Taking the glass that was offered, he watched Vin fill it half full. Taking a deep swallow, Chris enjoyed the pleasant taste burning down his throat.

Vin looking around the area, then back at Chris, who was sitting with his feet propped up, and decided to ask, "So how long you planning on staying out here in the barn, Cowboy?"

"Until my peace has returned and I have my silent night."