Chapter 7: Oz

Warning: I don't know; maybe language and innuendo somewhere along the way.

Challenge: b-day prezzie for AerynSpeedleCaine who wanted a fic using this song. http:/www. youtube. com/watch?v=mh7S2aIHF7c.

A/N: Since Cmiller gave me my 4700th review on TtH – and part of me wanted Oz to come back anyway – this one's for her.

Thanks to my beta: none for this one 'cause it was last minute.

Disclaimer: BtVS/AtS characters belong to Joss Whedon / Mutant Enemy. I claim no rights to any copyrighted material. Please do not copy or take this story without my permission. 'Stand By Me' sung by Ben E. King and written by him, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. http:/www. youtube. com/watch?v=Vbg7YoXiKn0


Oz

Having stayed out of sight until now, a very short – even shorter than Cal Lightman – guy with red hair made his way to the stage, holding a bass guitar. Those that had seen him play before would have been surprised at this fact, seeing as how he normally played a regular guitar. Those that knew him, however, were still trying to deal with the shock of seeing him in Sunnydale again.

"Hey," he greeted the crowd, plugging the bass into the amp. "I'm Oz, and I'm not really one for words, so thought I'd sing for Buffy instead."

The opening notes were recognized by every single person in the crowd, and the more emotional ones among them began sniffling immediately. In contrast to the low tones of the bass, Oz's voice was a clear, smooth tenor.

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now now stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me, oh now now stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Darlin', darlin', stand by me-e, stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Without putting his instrument down, Oz said a few last words before leaving the stage, "You couldn't be afraid if Buffy was standing by you. She was…Buffy." Despite the obviousness of the statement, everyone in the crowd understood what he meant by it.


A/N: I know half this chapter was lyrics, but it's Oz…what can you do?

A/N2: Next…now it will be L&O: CI.