- Baby, it's cold outside -

https://open.spotify.com/track/0mfjh7XiNBCdJIfFHL8ir5

-the first week of December -

Simon came running in looking uncharacteristically stressed out.

"How soon can we be ready for a christmas gig?" He asked.

We looked at his flustered form. None replied.

"Seriously! There is an opening tomorrow at the bandstand by the big christmas tree in town!" He said.

"Tomorrow?" Oddball asked.

"Tomorrow. 2 till 4 pm. Mid shopping rush. We get gift certificates and payment. The council supplies amps and speakers," Simon explained in a rush.

"So... less than 24 hours to get christmas songs in," Ethan said with a sceptical look.

I looked at the other two.

"We have Rocking Robin pretty nailed," I tried.

"And a couple of festive things from the formal?" Oddball said.

"And that Mariah Carey thing," I said referring to the most hated song on our list.

"Ugh... not that!" Odd shuddered.

"We could get some old jazzy standards in?" I suggested.

"Like what?" Simon asked.

I shrugged.

"I've got 'Have yourself a merry little christmas' by heart. That shouldn't be to hard to lay down?" I said.

"Yay... that and Rocking Robin... we have two songs," Simon grumbled.

"And the Mariah one," I said.

"Nooo!" Sounded the chorus from three boys.

I grinned, knowing I'd get that response.

"We did "Marys boychild" at the formal," I said.

Simon nodded knowing he'd have to sing with me.

"Okay... how's this? We each nominate three songs. One for each of the other band members just to make a game of it!" Oddball suggested.

I nodded and got a notepad out to write down the suggestions.

"Right. I give Izzy 'Santa Baby'. It has an ace bassline!" Simon smirked at me.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"We could do that just you and me..." he said.

I nodded and wrote it down.

"I nominate 'Little drummer boy' for Odd... But one of you will have to sing it," I said.

"Obvious!!!!" Oddball laughed.

I winked back at him with a big smile.

"Simon sings it," Ethan said.

"Fine! In which case you will do 'Baby it's cold outside'! As a duet. With Izzy!" Simon said triumphantly pointing at Ethan.

Ethan flicked a look at me before shaking his head looking very embarrassed.

"I haven't heard you sing yet," I told Ethan.

He frowned slightly before giving me one of those shy smiles that had my insides turning to mush.

"You've not missed out on anything," he smiled at me.

I grinned back.

"Oh come on. I'm sure it's passable!" I said.

"Oh... It's more than passable!" Oddball supplied.

I studied Ethan's blushing face as he shot Odd a death glare.

"You'll be singing with Izzy," Simon said firmly with a mischievous grin.

Ethan looked at me with a tight set to his mouth and a smile in his eyes. Something told me he was considering giving it a try so I air-bassed at Simon to get him going, confident in his ability to pick up the bassline on the fly. Simon started the slow smooth bass-beat without trouble. I smiled gratefully at him.

"I really can't stay," I sang facing Ethan with an encouraging smile.

"Really?!" He said pleadingly with an eyebrow up.

"I have to go away," I continued.

"Do I have to?" He asked with the beginnings of a smile.

"This evening has been.... so very nice," I sang at him as I took a step right up to him fixing my eyes on his and grabbing his hand at the point where his line in the song says about icy hands.
I gave Ethan my best flirty smile, receiving a begging, pouty, smile back.

I was having way too much fun with this. And my inner secret fangirl was thriving on the fact that he was actually flirting back.

But then again... I didn't often get the chance to express that growing ball of heat that gathered in my chest whenever he was near, so why not just take advantage of the song?

Oddball was laughing by the drums as he picked up the brushes and joined Simon in playing.

"Okay!" Ethan huffed.

"My mother will start to worry," I continued.

"Beautiful, what's your hurry?" Ethan sang stopping me in my tracks and making me drop my next line. His voice was hesitant, but I was astounded by the warm quality of it. No wonder he didn't want to sing metal. This was Dean Martin calibre.

"Listen to the fireplace roar," he continued with a smile.

I laughed softly.

"So really I'd better scurry," I picked the song back up, faltering slightly from the surprise of his voice.

"Something, something don't hurry?," he sang back at me trying to remember the words. The way he scrunched his eyebrow while trying to remember the cheezy lyrics almost had me losing my line again. So adorable!

"Maybe just a half a drink more," I sang getting back into it.

"Put some records on while I pour," Ethan sang with more confidence and a widening smile.

Slowly the song merged and the bantering quality fell into place. Ethan's eyes were locked on mine and his smile brightened slowly untill we were somewhere between singing and laughing. I was hamming up the flirting to the max.
I stayed on point with the song, but the way his smile was aimed at me, made me tingle. There was nothing better than thet smile and I wondered for a second if I could get away with ending the song with a quick kiss. Just to stay with the playful nature of the song. I giggled at my own silliness while focusing back on singing. Of course I couldn't kiss him. That would not be a clever move. Playflirting was one thing, but there was nothing in him to indicate that he was in any way attracted to me. Kissing him would be the awkward way to go.

We sang it to the end, both stumbling on the lyrics at a few places. The sound of his voice was like liquid velvet once he shook his resistance and I just knew from the look on Oddball's face that it sounded good.

"Right. So we need the actual lyrics to that!" Simon grinned once we had finished it.

"That was astounding!" I said grinning widely at Ethan.

He turned away with a blush.

"Hussshh! Don't scare him. He's out of his habitat!" Simon stage whispered.

"Okay," I laughed.

Ethan looked ready to disappear into the floor.

"That was so good I am nominating Ethan to sing White Christmas!" I announced.

"Why?" Ethan asked with a pained expression.

"Because. You, Shy-boy, would put Bing Crosby to shame!" I said.

"Bing Crosby? The ultimate white guy?" He said trying to look sceptical, but I could see he was flattered.

"Or Frank Sinatra... If you don't want White Christmas, you could do 'Christmas in New Orleans'.. that's Louis Armstrong," I grinned.

He shook his head but grinned back.

"Fine! But I expect you to deliver on 'Adeste Fideles' and 'Santa Claus is coming to town'," he replied.

"Adeste Fideles? Really?" I asked.

"Yeah. And 'Silent night'," Ethan continued.

Behind me Simon was scribbling furiously on the list.

"Okay. But you sing with me on 'The christmas song'... You know. Chestnuts roasting..." I said.

Ethan looked sceptical but nodded.

"Yep. And Oddball can sing 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolf the red nosed reindeer'," Simon grinned.

"Odd can sing?" I asked.

Oddball nodded self conciously but with a smile.

"Yeah. If Ethan takes the drums... Izzy you can cope with the guitar on those right?" Simon asked.

I nodded. No problem.

"That leaves a nomination for Simon," I said with a mischievous smile.

"Oh no!" Simon laughed, sensing where I was heading.

"Oh, yeah. We're doing 'Fairytale of New York'!" I told him.

"You just want a reason to call me scum and punk!" He said.

"Yep. And a cheap, lousy faggot," I replied with a laugh still feeling high from my stumbling duet with Ethan.

Once our list of songs was up, rehearsing was easy. We knew the songs well enough. It was really just a rimple case of assigning instruments and polishing lyrics.

By the evening White Christmas and Winter Wonderland had been given a rock makeover, making them sound really cool.

And we were ready!

The next day we were all set up in town. Ethan had brought his violin. I had copied out all the lyrics, just to make sure. I had pinned posters to all available surfaces and printed up a bunch of A4 flyers to hand out in case nybody needed to book us.

We were ready to go when I noticed Simon leaning on the edge of the stage surrounded by what looked like a harem of girls and his best charmer-smile flashing around.

"I'd like to say it's all in the name of good PR, but he seems to be enjoying that a bit too much," I heard a voice over my shoulder.
Oddball must have seen my frown.

I looked over in Simon's direction, registering a smug smirk at me from a blonde. I felt my frown turn to laughter.
Simon was enjoying putting on a show. I was just hoping that his mind was still on Ellen and not on the brunette who at that moment talked about Pearl Jam as the "best metal band ever".
I chuckled again.
Definitely posing.

"Ah... Simon is exercising his player persona I see," Ethan muttered.

"Yeah... I didn't even know he had one of those," I replied.

"Yeah. Simon the player was a legend at Valley," Oddball grinned.

"New girl every week. Rumor had it he was crushed and heartbroken over some long time crush. And, well... let's say there were offers to make him feel better, " Ethan said.

I shook my head.
Boys!
And naive girls...

I turned to look at Ethan who was flicking between the guitar, the mike and me.

"Do I have to do this, Izzy?" He asked.

"Yes!" I said.

"Please?" He begged.

"I'll be holding your hand," I said with a cheeky wink.

"I know... it's just... scary," he said holding back a small laugh at my silly flirting.

"I know. Just look at me when we sing. We're gonna blow them away!" I smiled, toning it down.

"Okay," he said looking doubtful.

"Let's do it," Oddball said patting both our shoulders.

Shamefuly I had to admit that I had completely forgotten he was there in my focus on Ethan.
Oddball gave me a bright smile as soon as Ethan's back was turned. I tilted my head in question.
Oddball winked at me before seating himself at the drums with a smirk.

I went up to the mike, ignoring the blush that spread across my face. I could blame the winter weather for pink cheeks, right?

"We are Obstruction. Here to give you some festive cheer. Let's get this show on!" I announced.

Simon turned to look up at me before scrambling on stage in a hurry. I laughed and shook my head at him. He blew me a kiss in return.

To my surprise Ethan had his violin ready and started the whole thing with Silent Night. Simon took up the guitar as I sang.

For two hours we kicked christmas butt! We played through our list and had to repeat a few tunes on requests.

When we were done Ellen came up to us, claiming Simon in front of his carefully gathered fans.

"Marking the territory?" I asked her once she came over to me.

"Something like that. Can't let him think he's on a loose leash," she grinned.

I shook my head with a laugh.

"Talking of leash... That was some serious chemistry going on," she whispered and nodded towards Ethan.

"Yeah well... all for a good show," I said.

"Damn good show! Could have fooled me," Ellen winked before returning to Simon.

The gift certificates were exchanged for presents and by 6 pm we were sat in a restaurant surrounded by christmas presents and heating our cold selves on some warm food. Ellen had bought a leather bracelet with a stainless steel infinity sign woven into it for Simon. Secretly, I was hoping he would get her something equally meaningful, but knowing him it would be a book, a CD or chocolate... Romance was not in his set of acomplishments. I made a mental note to double check.

"What next?" Oddball asked. We had all piled into his van on the way to town.

"I'm in the rare mood for a party!" Simon announced.

"All those girls got your juices going?" Ellen asked with a fair bit of sarcasm.

Simon grinned at her.

"Yeah. Coz having you.. and Izzy... is not enough!" He smirked.

"You don't have Izzy!" I pointed out.

"Oh... but you wish I did!" He laughed back.

By sheer lack of loose objects to throw at him I tore a piece of bread and threw at his face. It failed miserably and he caught it expertly with his mouth following up with a cheeky wink.

I turned and gave Ellen a defeated shrug.

"I do apologise for lumping you with such a hopeless case, but from now on in... Your responsibility..." I said waving my hands at the wrist in a brush-off motion.

Ellen laughed and kissed Simon's cheek.

"I'm sure I can handle," She laughed.

"You're sure you can handle? I mean... have you seen what's hidden under all these clothes?" Simon asked in mock insult.

"I'm sure you're a monster," Ellen laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Izzy! Tell her!" Simon said turning to me.

I flashed him a frown. Why would he point out that I'd seen him naked, in front of his girlfriend? Who by the sound of it still hadn't seen him undressed.

"He ain't all that. At least the four year old I saw naked wasn't," I shrugged and grinned to Ellen.

"Hey... I'm sexy!" Simon announced, which cracked me up completely. Oddball and Ethan were allready laughing.

"Yeah whatever!" I said.

"So party?" Oddball asked between giggles.

"I think we need to keep that beast out of the public!" Ellen sighed, thumbing towards Simon.

"So you do think I'm a beast?" Simon asked.

"Yes Simon... You are a wicked beast..." Ellen deadpanned.

Simon grinned and whispered something into Ellen's ears that made her flush in an unusual blush before whacking him.

"NO!" she told him, receiving just a suggestive wink back.

I shook my head. Young love... all hormones no substance.

"So... back to Izzy's, movie and a few beers?" Oddball suggested.

"Sounds like a plan!" I replied.

"What movie?" Ethan asked.

"Terminator!" I said.

"So you can ogle Kyle?" Simon grinned and was joined by Ellen in a laugh.

"Yeah... what is that? You've been obsessed by that character since day one?" Ellen asked.

"He saves and protects her!" I defended.

"And gets her pregnant before going off to die..." Ethan chuckled.

"And then Izzy cries," Simon said.

"Every goddamned time!" Ellen continued.

"Hey... He's the sweet, considerate and exeptionally sexy love of her life!" I muttered.

"I just think Izzy has a thing for skinny runts," Oddball teased, gaining a nod and a high five from Ellen.

I gave them both a warning stare, providing them both a reason to laugh. Honestly. With friends like these who needs enemies?

"Anyway... Oddball. I've been meaning to ask you. There is a girl in Elsie's year called Abby. Do you know her?" I asked trying to change the subjects.

"I've heard the name. Not one of Elsie's close friends. Why?" He said.

"Just curious. My mum is dating her dad. I was looking for intel," I admitted.

"Your mum is dating?" Simon asked with an incredulous expression.

"Apparently, " I replied.

"As in... Your eternally single mum?" Ellen asked.

"Yeah... his name is Josh and she's smiling," I shrugged.

"About time!" Ellen exclaimed.

I nodded.

"I'll ask Elsie about him," Oddball said.

"Thanks. But be subtle... He said Abby doesn't know about my mum yet," I said receiving several raised eyebrows.

A few hours later we were drinking and discussing wishes for chistmas, Ethan drifted over to my bookshelf. I had bought a set of frames and had some of the band-photos on display.

There was one of all four of us sat on the ground in a pile of leaves, throwing leaves into the air and laughing, which I had found too cheerful for our posters. The happy look on our faces still made it one of my favourite photos from that day.

In addition there was a low-angle shot of Simon, looking very focused playing the bass in the band room.

Another photo of Oddball with his arm around my shoulder, both mid laughter and in formal wear, was in black and white, taken during what must have been a break in the photoshoot.

And the last one was taken at the gig. It showed me and Ethan. Him with his guitar in a wide stance and a crooked smile, me in front of him with an almost challenging expression on my face as I was singing into the microphone with my nose only inches from his and our eyes locked on each other.

My crush on him hadn't gone away. Or diminished.
In fact. That photo had made me understand how much I actually was crushing on him. The look in his eyes in the photo made me feel like there were no one else around us. It showed us in a public setting but the eye contact made it look very intimate. The smile on his face almost made it look as if he liked me too, but could just as well be him having fun.

Ethan picked the photo in its frame up and studied it closer.

"This is a really good picture Izzy," He said evenly.

"Yeah... It has that live-vibe to it," I nodded, trying to take attention away from the energy between us in the photo.

"Not just that," he smiled and I felt my stomach churn.

He looked up from the photo to me.

"We look good," He grinned.

His face fell and he caught himself.

"Umm.. On stage... we look good on stage," he continued.

"Yeah, we do don't we," I answered and gave him a short bump with my elbow. I had to be allowed to be friendly right?

I caught Ethan looking at me.

"How come you don't have any photos of your family? I see lots with your mum, and Simon and Ellen, but no family ones. Why is that?" He asked.

I shrugged.

"Because it's just my mum and me... and you lot," I explained.

"And me, and my parents," Simon interjected as he walked past. I caught Simon's hand and squeezed it carefully to signal the appreciation of him and his family in my life.

"Why?" Oddball asked.

"Because my dad was a loser who left my pregnant student mum and never looked back. We have no other family," I explained.

"And you never missed him?" Ethan asked.

"Sure. Used to make up all kinds of weird stories about him being a king or an astronaut or some such, but I realised I didn't need him. I had Mark. and Simon," I said giving Simon a warm smile.

"That sound so... empty?" Ethan commented.

I shrugged.

"What kind of family do you have?" I asked

"I've got my two brothers, two sisters and both my parents. Noise and chaos everywhere," he explained.

"That sounds good too" I smiled.

"It is," he smiled softly.

I didn't miss having siblings, but seeing the happy look on Ethan's face when he spoke of his family made me suddenly wish I was part of something more than just my mum and me.

Simon patted my hand.

"You've got us," he said.

I looked at the three boys around me and couldn't help smiling.

"I have everything I need," I said honestly.

"Everything?" Odd replied with a small smirk and his eyes flicking to Ethan quickly.

I had to laugh at his not-so-subtle insinuation.

"But... Christmas is a family thing," Ethan said with a frown.

"Mum and I are a family," I said.

"But.. it's just two of you. What do you do?" Ethan asked starting to look concerned.

"Not a lot. Hang around in our pj's all day watching Holiday Inn and other sappy movies. Open presents. Eat whatever we can be bothered cooking," I listed.

Ethan frowned thoughtfully.

(A/N.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Please let me know what you think.

Sorry for the Terminator spoiler for those who haven't seen the film...
I do recommend it.
It is, despite robots and dystopia a very sweet story. )