December 21st: 'Two Trees' (The Monkees)

[but_can_i_be_trusted]

Title: 'Two Trees'
Fandom: The Monkees
Characters: Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork
Rating: G

"I sure hope you can make up your mind between those two trees," Mike gently urged Peter. "It's gettin' cold, and we gotta get home soon."

Peter stared back and forth between the two Christmas trees, looking forlorn. "I can't decide. They look like they both need us. The smaller one would cost less, but they're both so beautiful."

"What're we gonna do in the Pad with four guys and two trees? I mean, the Pad's big enough for both of 'em, sure, but then there're the decorations to think about. Besides, I don't even think we could afford 'em both. Buyin' just one's enough of a stretch."

The owner of the tree farm approached them, smiling. "Actually, I think I can let these two go for a reasonable price."

"How much," Mike wondered. The larger of the two trees was already costing them about ten dollars that they could only just manage.

"I think," the owner mused, "two dollars for the little one. And we'll say six-fifty for the larger."

Peter gazed at him, his eyes going huge. "You're not putting us on, are you, sir?"

Mike let out a whistle, shaking his head. "That's less for the pair than the bigger one costs. You gotta be jokin'!"

At their shared shock, the farm owner laughed, shaking his own head. "No, no, boys; I'm not joking. This close to Christmas, it's difficult to make a sale. If buyers haven't already bought a real tree from people like me, then they've probably got one of those shiny aluminum numbers they make such a fuss about on television."

"We'd never take an aluminum tree," Peter vowed, struggling to lug both of the trees to the edge of the lot. "It's not traditional enough. A true Christmas tree needs to be green, whether it's real or artificial."

"That's what I like to hear: A love of traditionalism at the holidays. That's just as it ought to be."

"C'mon, Shotgun; you need a hand," Mike chuckled. Taking the smaller tree from him, he set it aside, picking up the other end of the larger tree so that they were both carrying it. "Good thing Davy and Micky volunteered to stay home and decorate; not sure they'd fit!" He nodded to the farm owner. "Sir, could you maybe set that tree on top of this one? It'd save us a trip."

"Don't be silly. You wouldn't be able to see where you're going." Instead, he picked up the tree, himself. "Just lead the way."

A few minutes later, both trees had been secured to the top of the Monkeemobile, and money had changed hands.

"We can't thank you enough, sir," Peter beamed as he climbed into the car.

Still grinning, the owner waved him and Mike off. "Think nothing about it. Happy Holidays to you and your friends!"

"The same to you," Mike called, starting the engine. "Thanks again!"

"I wonder how the guys are doing with the decorating," Peter asked as they drove off. "I hope it's coming along alright."

"Oh, dear me," Mike groaned. "Knowin' Micky, he's probably gone and made the Pad a shambles. He should've come along, and one of us stayed home with Davy!"