Submission (#1595) Approved

[WARNING 1: The song used for this piece is "This Christmas - Set it off." It talks about ruining Christmas in a Grinch-like style, a bit more aggressive but not graphic or sadistic. Viewer discretion is advised.]

[WARNING 2: Mention of a Mafia]

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Christmas was just around the corner, and despite being a careful mafia leader, Pip wasn't cruel. Quite the opposite, he willingly allowed his workers to take the holiday weeks off, only asking them to spend the 23rd at a cheerful gathering in his beloved coffee shop. Usually, they'd play music through a speaker on a regular day, but occasionally, they'd set up a small stage for local bands. Today, it would be used for karaoke.

The place was large, filled with the "family," occupying every table, laughing and enjoying drinks. The boss didn't like alcohol, and no one dared (or wanted) to oppose him. Everyone cheered or clapped for anyone stepping up, sometimes teasingly jeering, but it was simply a pleasant moment for all. Everyone had been there at least once, except for that green Terra, the boss who seemed to enjoy the event without taking the stage.

"Hey, where's the boss?" one of the employees exclaimed, quickly supported by a few others who fearlessly seemed to gaze at Pip.

"Yeah, Boss, don't be shy! I bet your voice is adorable singing carols," murmured another employee from the back of the room.

"Oh, sorry, guys, singing isn't my thing. I don't want to shatter my beloved cups with my howling," Pip replied, shrugging a bit. The lights and attention were now on him as a wave of laughter swept through.

"Oh, come on, Boss, sing! Don't leave us hanging."

Soon, almost everyone began urging him in unison to sing repeatedly. The green alien chuckled embarrassedly, leaving his drink on the table as he stood up, trying to calm the now excited shouts as he made his way to the stage.

"Seriously, guys, it's nothing out of this world, but since you insist, I'll do it just for you," he chuckled in embarrassment, stepping onto the stage, approaching the karaoke machine set up just for this occasion. He searched for a song for a few seconds before playing it. It wasn't a secret that this boss was genuinely kind-hearted inside and out. Most assumed he might sing a soft or cheerful song, and it seemed that way at first as a familiar Christmas tune began.

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la."

That gentle and tender melody accompanied by a soft voice and "angelic" movements abruptly ceased before a more ominous, aggressive jingle took over, introducing rougher movements and a less "friendly" tone, backed by a drumbeat and guitar that weren't soft.

—Oh my God, it's here, this awful time of year, How I hate the snow is falling
Wealthy neighbors bragging about the gifts they're getting—

Everyone seemed stunned, watching that seemingly tender man sing those lyrics with heartfelt emotion. Some were left silent, while others cheered excitedly at such a surprise.

It had been the most "aggressive" three minutes they had seen from their boss. Despite being a mafioso, they had never seen him in action, never realizing how potentially dangerous he could be, or not, at least until now. Pip sang with strength, channeling that inner voice he usually kept to himself, but now seemed to share openly, every feeling laid bare with the excitement of singing in such a manner.

"This Christmas, I'll burn it to the ground!
This Christmas, Santa skipping town!
This Christmas, everything will change when they see the flames!
This Christmas day!!"

As the song ended, Pip was left breathing heavily, glancing back at his "audience," who, stunned, began cheering with excitement, pleasantly surprised, causing Pip to finally take a bow.

"I hope my glasses are in one piece," he joked, laughing a bit at the various laughter and cheers he received, unaware that one of his employees had recorded him.

[. . .]

Ren was at home, awaiting his upcoming Christmas celebration tomorrow, exchanging messages with Pip quite calmly, mentioning that his family would be singing some carols later.

"I think I definitely sing worse than Hops 🤭," Pip wrote, to which Ren seemed to shake his head at the screen before replying.

"You said you sang just a while ago. Do you have a video? I have to verify that," Ren replied, momentarily distracted before hearing the sound of a response, that video of Pip singing...