Submission (#1790) Approved

"Hm-mmm-mmm... mmmm.."

Coast hummed softly, as the soft twang of the guitar in their hands adjusted in pitch. The Terralien was quietly tuning his guitar, gently plucking at the strings as he idly thought of what to sing tonight, as he sat on a small stage, tail softly swishing behind him.

Granted, he was singing to a small gathering, and not to a massive concert audience- But he was fine with that! Yet, he was still hung up on what to sing- It was the holiday, after all. What was he supposed to sing? Something cheesy but festive? Something more traditional? (The thought of "Jingle Bells" crossed his mind, before instantly banishing it in horror.) Maybe he'd just play something else...

He grumbled, hunching over a bit as he plucked frustratedly at his guitar strings, trying to play something random in hopes a song would come to mind. The gathering was small, sure- but it was all friends. He didn't want to disappoint them, not that he normally worried this much... Vestigial jaw clicking as a nervous reflex, one leg bouncing up and down with nervous jitters...

CLANK! Coast was snapped out of his spiraling trail of thoughts as Tide, the Orca in his visor, bonked its head into the glass, before swimming in a circle to reel up to do so again.

"Whoa, whoa! Okay, okay! Message received! I'm overthinking things." Coast sighed, waving a hand. Tide, seemingly satisfied, settled down towards the bottom of the tank and closed its eyes, as Coast returned to softly humming and tuning his guitar, more focused this time.

Breathing in, Coast decided to settle on a song he'd learned a long time ago, from an old friend. It wasn't a popular one, nor themed to the more flashy image of a holiday party nowadays, and he wasn't sure the party would like it- But it was one he liked, and he could always take requests later... But it felt in the spirit of the night, at least.

A few hours, the gathering truly began- The sound of warm chatter, Terras taking off their coats as they walked in from the cold outside, friends catching up after time apart, and joyful gift exchanges.

Coast walked onto the stage overlooking the small crowd, full of friends and loved ones. Feeling warmed by their presence, he quietly sat down on the stool in the center, before beginning to play, and allowing his voice to ring out across the room, only accompanied by the crackling fire in the hearth.

It was a song about a winter night around a warm fire with friends and strangers, who were just friends you hadn't made yet. Wishing on falling stars, sharing with one another, whether it be gifts or songs or stories, and leaving in the morning with newly forged bonds and stronger friendships. A few voices rose in the audience on the chorus, as soft accompaniment by those who knew the tune already. And, on this holiday night, the sentiment brought forth was exactly what everyone needed, as on the final chorus, the whole room joined in.

As the song ended, Coast's worries were long gone and forgotten, with the final chord resonating through the cheery atmosphere.