It's That Time of Year
By Brate
ATF Universe
"Vin?"
"Yep."
"You're listening to Christmas music."
"Yep."
"Why?"
"Want to."
"It'll be Halloween in two weeks."
"Yep."
"Don't you think it's a bit early?"
"Nope."
"Okay then."
~~~~~~~~
"Brother Vin?"
"Yep."
"You're listening to Christmas music."
"Yep."
"You know you're two months early."
"Yep."
"May I ask why you are listening to it?"
"Want to."
"All right."
~~~~~~~~
"Hey, Vin?"
"Yep."
"You're listening to Christmas music."
"Yep."
"Little early, ain't it?"
"Nope."
"Ain't even Halloween yet."
"Yep."
"So why are you?"
"Want to."
"Oh, okay."
~~~~~~~~
Ezra Standish was tired of hearing the same conversation and decided to forestall two more just like it. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and moved to the middle of the office and loudly announced, "I just want to inform whoever else may inquire that, yes, Mr. Tanner is indeed listening to Christmas music in October because he wants to. Thank you."
"You okay, Ez?" Vin asked when the Southerner sat back down.
"I'm fine, I did not relish more of that inane conversation, that's all." Vin nodded and went back to humming along with his portable CD player. Ezra watched for a few minutes until he couldn't contain his curiosity anymore. "Mr. Tanner, what's the real reason you are listening to this music?"
Vin looked up, cocking his head to the side as if gauging how much he should say. As if Ezra had passed an unknown test, he stated, "It makes me feel good when I'm depressed."
"Why?" Ezra asked gently.
"Growing up, around Christmastime I didn't always have a place to stay, or people to spend it with. I used to walk 'round town and see all them happy people. It's jest a magical time... long as you stay outta them malls, that is," the sharpshooter grinned. "Those people are vicious."
"And now?"
"Now I got y'all. Reminds me I ain't alone no more."
"If you wouldn't mind, could you please turn up the volume, Vin?"
The End
Notes: This story was brought to you by my coworkers. One day last week was my day to pick the music and I put in a Christmas CD. All three of my crewmates -- at different times, mind you -- came in and asked exactly the same question, "Why are we listening to Christmas music?" And my answer each time? "Because I wanted to."
