The snow was piled high in the streets as Ashley made her way along the path, her phone to her ear.

"Yeah, I'm glad you like em Lil."

Her cousin gave a small cough, composing herself.

"Yeah, well, thanks. It was cool of you to send me something. How did you even get these so early?"

"Are you kidding? We're going along for the whole thing! Sure, we're not headlining or anything, but we still got a few extra tickets each. Bring that little girlfriend of yours, I'll try and sneak you both backstage."

She could hear Lillian shake, desperately trying to hold back another squeal. It'd been years since Ashley had heard her baby cousin get so excited. The brat was surprisingly hard to buy for, considering how much she claimed to want. A pair of tickets for the Warped Tour had been ideal though, especially as they hadn't even gone on sale to the public yet.

"So, am I gonna see you at New Years?"

The mall goth calmed down, distracted by the new subject.

"Depends, are you gonna let me drink this year?"

"Lil, you know you're underage…."

She could hear the deep suck from her inhaler Lillian always took before starting one of her rants.

"Chill, chill. I'm kidding. Just stay where I can see you this time. I don't want to have to go out looking for you again."

"But I was in your bed?"

"Yeah, with four guys. Look, I'll see you then Lil. Chat later."

Ashley hung up and pocketed her phone, having reached her destination. The bar was pleasantly warm compared to the icy path outside. The gruff bartender gave her a glance as she entered.

"Ash."

"Hey Serg! Merry Christmas!"

He gave a snort in response, going back to wiping the glasses. Sergei looked like a rough, grumpy man-bear, but anyone who got to know him knew that he was a big softy under that scowling grey beard. He was the kind of guy to keep his bar open on Christmas Day, just so he could be some company for those who had no one else. Ashley blew him a kiss as she made her way towards the usual group of armchairs, today set up around a small electric heater. The Red Rioter had been an escape for local musicians for years. While it looked like a rough dive bar, it was actually a chill place for them to relax and drink in peace.

Three smiling faces turned to greet her as she took her seat, dragging the soft leather chair closer to their table. She slipped the padded parka from her shoulders, standing in front of the heater and rubbing some warmth back into her legs.

"Fuck, it's freezing out there."

"Jesus Ash, put some damn pants on. It's like thirty degrees today!"

It was rare that their lead singer said anything even remotely sensible, but Norman did have his moments. With his dark brown hair up in a bun and his face clear of his stage makeup, no one would recognise "Judas Cradle" sitting in the bar.

"What, and deprive the world of these beauties?"

She presented her thighs, tightly wrapped in her dark nylon tights. Three pairs of eyes locked on as she ran her hand down from her hips, pressing into her flesh ever so slightly.

"Pah! You Americans are too soft. Back home we'd spend the morning in the sauna, getting wrecked on glog, before running out naked into the snow. I tell you, there's nothing better than trying to watch Mauri Kunnas while wasted."

Ashley took one of the gingerbread cookies the massive woman offered, doubtlessly homemade. She remembered the first time she saw Ulla in an apron, and how ridiculous she'd looked, but the heavy set drummer was a surprisingly good cook, and she'd shown Ashley just how delicate her hands could be plenty of times.

Kicking her boots off, Ashley swung sideways in her chair, resting her feet on the last member's lap. The guitarist blushed and silently pulled her legs closer, massaging her calves. Dylan was a good guy, but he was far too quiet. Still, Ashley was sure she'd get him talking later that night.

"Right…." Norman rose to his feet and slapped his legs."….it's my round. Ash, you sticking to beer tonight, or d'you want something stronger?"

"Just beer, thanks Norm."

The trio watched him go, waiting until he was out of earshot to launch into a flurry of whispers.

"I've got $20 on a black eye."

"$50 says this is the year he gets thrown out. What're you going for, Dyl?"

"….Twenty on him actually doing it this year."

The three of them sat in silence, waiting to see who would win. When Norman returned, he was sporting a fresh black eye. Ulla let out a cheer as Ashley and Dylan forked over their money.

"Oh, don't tell me you were betting on me again?"

Tucking her winnings into her pocket, the Finn grinned up at him.

"Seriously? Every year you try to hook up with Serg, and every year he hits you."

The singer gave a bitter look as he set the tray on the table.

"Here. Ale for Ulla, rum and coke for Dyl, a beer for Ash, and a G'n'T for me."

He was yanked onto the large girl's lap before he could sit down.

"Aww, don't look so sad. You'll just have to make do with me tonight."

Ashley chinked her bottle to the other guitarist's glass. Ever since she'd started going out with Dylan, Ulla had been pushing Norm for more commitment. They'd probably make it official soon.

"Right, enough soppy shit…" Ashley wanted to move them on a bit. "…secret Santa time! I got you, Norm."

Reaching into her coat pocket, she chucked the round parcel to the man. He tore into it immediately, holding the jagged ring inside up for them all to see.

"Is this an honest-to-god crown of thorns? Oh, this is gonna look kickass on stage! Here, Ulla. I got you."

He passed her a suspiciously long and round box.

"This'd better not be another vibrator…."

"No, I promise. You'll like it."

Ulla carefully opened the cardboard, sliding the wooden sticks out.

"Drumsticks?"

"Signed Neil Peart drumsticks."

She twisted them around, grinning like a loon as she spotted the little scribble, before pulling up a larger box from the floor.

"SWEET! I'll have to give you something special for these! Here you go, Dylan."

The box sailed through the air, causing them all to wince as it hit the poor boy square between the legs. Ashley would have to kiss it better later.

"I know your board's been missing one of these."

He unwrapped the package, inspecting the box.

"An echo pedal, sweet! I've already got some ideas for this."

He fumbled a bit before handing Ashley her present. It felt oddly loose in the paper, either broken or something in several parts.

"Aw nice! Humbuckers! You're helping me install these tomorrow!"

The four of them sat and laughed. Ashley made sure the other two were distracted before leaning over to her boyfriend's ear.

"You'll get your gift from me later. I hope you're ready for it."

Planting a quick kiss on his crimson cheek, she leant back, snagging her bottle from the table.

"Well then, time to get the party started. CHEERS!"