The Accompanist
Author's Disclaimer: No, I don't own Strange Magic, or any songs that I mention in this story. All rights go to their respective owners. First warning: this is the chapter with gratuitous ELO song references in it, but not the one we all want. You also have been warned of Roland bashing ahead; I take great joy in doing so. And then there's just Bog and Marianne being their dorky selves, and it's adorable. I hope you enjoy!
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Chapter 5: The Second Practice
"Long, long, time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile."
Never had words rung so true for Marianne. Once upon a time, she had loved to sing. She sang all the time with Roland, and then she stopped. They were ruined by Roland. She hated Roland for it, but the music still hurt more.
It was in those moments that Marianne selfishly wished that Dawn was not getting married, so she would not have to deal with all the ache that came with prepping the love songs. Her only comfort for the longest time was that Dawn had the best, most loving guy there was. Since meeting a fellow love-hater in Bog, things had changed a little for Marianne.
Dawn stood at the entrance to the kitchen, meaning to ask Marianne what time Bog was coming over. However, Dawn was enjoying watching her sister sway to Don McClean's bittersweet song too much to disturb her. Marianne still listened to music after her break-up with Roland, but she never sang, and rarely danced in her unique way that she only did while cleaning the home or was at a party. Usually, Marianne's face was expressionless, but not anymore. Small changes kept coming.
When the song was over, Dawn asked, "When is Boggy coming over?"
Marianne jumped and hissed as she turned. "What?"
"When is Boggy coming over today?"
"Bog. He's coming soon," said Marianne, "so be ready."
"Could you give me a sign or something for when I should go? I want to make sure I give you the alone time you need -"
It was then that Marianne's cell phone started to ring. She looked at the callerID and laughed.
"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear," said Marianne with a smile. Then, she surprised Dawn by giving Dawn a pointed look and singing, just like she had once upon a time before the Fateful Day, "Oh, oh, telephone line, give me some time. I'm living in twilight."
After that, Marianne answered Bog, some hint of the song still in her voice as she said, "Hello. How are you? Have you been alright?"
Marianne could hear the smile in his voice as he continued in the same strain as her, "Hey. How you feelin'? I'm just fine, other than running late. Can the practice wait a few minutes?"
"No, Bog, it can't. I turn to stone while you are gone," deadpanned Marianne.
Both Bog and Marianne laughed as they seemed to share an inside joke. Dawn gave up on understanding the relationship between them and decided that she needed to talk to Sunny. She waved good-bye to Marianne, and called Sunny to let him know that she was heading over.
Fifteen minutes later, Bog pulled into the driveway, listening to Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride". Some part of him wondered if he bringing up Roland today would turn their calm practice into a wild ride, full of emotion and old hurts. But all the same, Bog wanted to see Marianne smile, just like before. If he knew what hurt, he would not bring it up.
Soon, Marianne was outside, ready to help bring instruments inside. Bog gladly took the help, electing to grab a large pot from his front seat as well.
"What's in there?" asked Marianne, trying to smell the contents.
"That's our dinner tonight; it's the reason I'm late," confided Bog. "I felt bad after taking your food at last practice, so I decided to make enough for all four of us. It's a family stew."
"Stew?" came Marianne's skeptical response.
"Yes, stew. It's from my mother's side of the family," replied Bog as he shook his head, as though it were obvious. "Mother loves her stew. It's the only thing she took the time to show me how to make."
Marianne walked into the house, her face still skeptical. Bog huffed and continued after her. She would understand when she tried his stew.
"You in an ELO kind of mood today?" asked Bog when they had dropped everything inside the house. Marianne nodded as she helped set up the practice with Bog.
"I'm always in an ELO mood. They're my favorite band," said Marianne proudly.
"Good! I'm glad we share the same interest in bands. We'll have to compare favorite songs at some point," said Bog getting excited as went over to stand in front of Marianne.
Marianne's face broke out in a grin upon hearing his declaration. She leaned on the backside of the sofa and bent her head back so that she could smile at him, nodding in excitement. Bog leaned over the front of the sofa at an awkward angle and placed his hands next to Marianne's, leaning down so that his chin could almost touch the flyaway bangs on Marianne's face. He grinned back, glad to have another shared interest.
For several moments, the two smiled like oblivious idiots. Bog realized their close proximity first, so he tried to move back as he spoke.
So, what are our plans for practice today?" asked Bog, wanting to change the topic.
Marianne noticed the closeness and started backing up. To cover up her nervousness and feelings of awkwardness, she started counting quickly on her fingers all the things she wanted to do that practice, much to Bog's increasing concern in her belief in their ability to practice.
"Today, we're learning the other two songs needed for the beginning of the reception. Sunny wants to sing Chicago's 'Just You N Me', and Dawn wants to sing Stevie Wonder's 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life'. Once we get a good handle on those two, we'll mix in 'You're My Best Friend', and then the other songs from last week. After that, I've got a list of other songs I think we should start-"
Bog thought they would need more practice time, and once she got past the individual songs, Marianne started speaking even faster.
Still caught up in thoughts of sharing the same favorite band, Bog interrupted Marianne and said, "You gotta slow down, slow down, sweet talkin' woman."
Marianne laughed as she headed toward the piano. As she sat down, she pointed a finger at Bog and started playing the first few notes of "Don't Bring Me Down".
"Hey, Bog, don't slow me down," replied Marianne as she lifted her head over the piano to punctuate the first few words. "We got lots to do today. I got faith in us."
"I'm glad one of us does," muttered Bog as he began to tune his instrument.
The two made it through the requested songs without too much trouble, Marianne singing only as needed. Bog kept an eye on Marianne's mood once they moved into the other songs from the previous week. About halfway through the second non-requested song, Marianne's face contorted slightly, and she was starting to squirm. Bog requested a hand break, which Marianne quickly agreed to.
Marianne rushed off to the kitchen, getting some water and turning on the radio. Once she finished her water, Bog decided that now was a good time to ask about Roland. After checking on the stew, he spoke.
"So, Tough Girl, when are you going to tell me more about this loser named Roland that's ruined music for you?"
At first, Marianne just chewed on her lip in various places, trying to stall for time. She had said she would tell him, and she did really want Bog to know. He deserved to know the rest, and he seemed like he would understand since he felt the same about love. The problem was that she did not know where to begin, and she did not want to relive the pain of the time. It had been hard telling Dawn, but she felt it was necessary after Dawn became engaged to Sunny. Sunny knew because Dawn had asked if she could tell him, but otherwise, no one knew. Marianne's father was infatuated with the idea of having Roland as son-in-law and thought him perfect, so there was no way Marianne would be believed, as sad as it was. His pushing Roland at her multiple times after the break-up was all the confirmation that Marianne needed.
When Bog saw how uncomfortable Marianne was, he put his hands out in front of himself and started to speak, trying to convince Marianne to wait and not do it until she was ready. But, right after he started talking, the radio started a new, familiar song to both.
"So now it's getting late, for those who hesitate, got no one.
But they don't understand, and no one hears the sound.
It's like a waterfall; it's an illusion.
Love is all, waterfall; love is what you are.
Pulls you in, takes you down; it's a sad affair.
But you know as you hold back the power there without the friends
And lovers you could never go on living."
That was all the encouragement that Marianne needed to take Bog's outstretched hand, effectively quieting him. She led him to the kitchen table and indicated for him to sit. Bog sat next to her, looking worried. He tried one more time.
"Marianne, if you don't want to tell me, don't feel as though you have to," said Bog, looking her in the eye.
"I do want to tell you, though. I've wanted to tell you. It's some story," replied Marianne, gripping the edges of the kitchen chair's seat, keeping eye contact with him for a moment before looking down.
When Marianne looked up again, she kept her gaze locked on Bog's blue eyes, to make things easier. Focusing on him made it a little easier.
"So, you already know the basics of my sordid history with Roland. I met him a few years ago, and I thought he was the most handsome guy around. For reasons unknown to me, he asked me out. After that, we dated for a year, and then we got engaged. We did everything together, singing, Renaissance Festivals, karaoke at bars, parties, etc. I gave so much to him to please him. He always had a better idea of how I should act as a proper lady, so I stopped doing certain things because he told me to. I gave up fencing, for example. I should've realized it then."
"Realized what?" asked Bog curiously.
"That any man that asks me to change doesn't want me for who I am or truly loves me," sighed Marianne. "It wasn't-"
"Real," finished Bog slowly.
"Yeah," said Marianne, smiling at him for a moment and pulling her hands off of the chair, into her lap. "It wasn't real. But I did all those things with him, and did everything asked, to fit in and be perfect. I thought it was perfect. Sure I had doubts, as rumors circulated about him being good with the ladies, but there was always that small part of me that doubted that he could love me, with how good he was."
"But you're so much better," said Bog, ducking his head for making such a comment. This was not the time for him to speak of his admiration (and only admiration, he reminded himself) for her.
Marianne gave a sad smile before continuing.
"I didn't realize that until later. But anyways, Roland and I planned our wedding. He spent lots of time with me and the bridesmaids making sure that everything was perfect. Then, the day of the wedding took place, and I found him in our honeymoon suite, naked with one of the bridesmaids. I had wanted to give him his boutonniere, and I ended up throwing that and slamming the door in his face. Needless to say, I called off the wedding."
"And he's been trying to get back with you since?" asked Bog incredulously, trying to figure out who in their right mind would do that.
"Oh yes," grumbled Marianne, "ever since. He said it was a 'misunderstanding', and has been telling my dad that so that he can get more information about me. He keeps following me. I've seen him flirt with other girls, so he clearly hasn't changed. Not that I'd give him another chance. I didn't meet him until after my dad changed his will, giving me a larger inheritance. He always talked about all the changes he wanted to make to his family's home, and how when we were richer, we'd do it just the way we wanted it. I can't believe I bought into his crap."
Marianne stamped her foot on the floor in frustration, upset with herself. Bog cautiously placed a hand on her arm, calming her down at once. She looked up at him, her eyes seeking his.
"Thanks. I needed that. But ever since then, things have changed. I don't trust men, or people for that matter. I can't. The worst part is all the memories of going to certain places with him. I can't escape him, even if physically for a short time. He took me so many places, and I can remember laughing with him, or just doing cutesy couple stuff. I almost didn't go back to the Renaissance festival, but Dawn convinced me otherwise."
"But you still are hesitant with music?" asked Bog, trying to understand.
"Yes. Roland loves to sing. He insisted we do lots of duets. That is why to this day I won't listen to Elvis' 'Can't Help Falling in Love', because of Roland. We sang that to each other so much. I want to erase that song from my memory. Then he had the nerve to sing 'C'mon Marianne' to me the first time he came back, as though that would help his case. He keeps twirling his hair like a pretty boy and singing, trying to woo me back. It's frustrating as he sings, and he just keeps on ruining more songs for me. I don't want to remember his stupid face and voice anymore."
"That sucks," said Bog, squeezing Marianne's arm.
"I'm in a constant state of lookout, it seems. But I've learned my lesson from it about love, how it lies to you. Now, I keep my guard up."
"I'm the same way, in more ways than you realize," said Bog, pulling away from Marianne as he remembered his own problems with love.
"What do you mean?" asked Marianne, confused by Bog pulling away.
She moved her chair closer to him and reached out a hand to him as he had done for her. He kept away from the outstretched hand, and she realized that he was trying to avoid physical touch. Looking back on their previous interactions, he had always been like that, so she kept in her seat, waiting to see if he would say any more on the subject. She did not have to wait long.
Bog kept his eyes away from Marianne, but he spoke clearly and calmly.
"I fell in love with a girl once. We dated for a short time, and then I got overly anxious and proposed. She rejected me, telling me I was delusional and hideous. We had never been very affectionate with one another, but I found out why after that fateful day. That was when I realized that I was too hideous to be loved."
"You're not hideous," said Marianne. She emphasized her words by reaching out and touching his shoulder, making him cringe slightly. "A little tall and dark, but there's plenty of girls out there that find that attractive. She's clearly crazy."
Bog grimaced at her later words, trying to smile. Her earlier words comforted him a little, but she was just being nice. That was all it was, he told himself.
"Crazy or not, I pushed too soon and scared her off. She's the only one who's ever shown something close to interest in me. Poor, sweet thing."
"It's okay, Bog. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I learned that after dealing with Roland. Beauty is more than skin deep. It's what's on the inside that counts. You've got that; Roland doesn't. He's so in love with himself that I think Carly Simon must've met Roland when she created that song. It fits him so well, even if I'll never sing it around him for fear of making his ego even bigger than it already is."
Laughing, Bog continued in a similar strain, "But I'm sure that's not the only song you'd use for him."
"Oh no," said Marianne standing up, "if I could him down long enough, I'd step on his precious little nose and sing 'These Boots Are for Walking'. I'd enjoy that. But my favorite one is the one you might have heard me singing last week."
Bog stood up as well, trying to get feeling back into his feet.
"You mean, the part where 'Evil Woman' becomes 'Evil Roland'?"
"Oh yes, that song. He's evil."
"But I thought I was evil," said Bog, putting a fist on his chest in pride.
Marianne looked Bog up and down for a moment before saying, "Nah, you're just trouble."
That comment made Bog grin. Clearing his throat, he started singing the words made famous by Elvis, "If you're looking for trouble, you came to the right place. If you're looking for trouble, just look right in my face."
"Oh, I believe you," said Marianne. "You've been nothing but trouble since I met you."
"And it's all in the name of love," said Bog with a sneer. When "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" came on the radio, his sneer only deepened. "Why would anyone subject themselves to the lies and pain of love? Are they crazy?"
"I don't know. Maybe because people are strange?" asked Marianne.
Bog nodded, starting to walk toward the music room. When he made it to his guitar, he played the first few bars of the Doors' "People are Strange". Marianne applauded him from the kitchen.
"Yep, I think that sums up people's strange fascination with love," said Marianne, reaching for the radio to turn it off. But just as she was about to, another song came on, this time being "Love Is Strange". After hearing the first verse, Marianne added, "Well, I think the radio gets the last word on this topic. Love is strange, just like people are."
After that, the pair started practicing in earnest, Bog lip-syncing with the songs again, encouraging Marianne to actually sing more. It worked. She sang, if only to get more exaggerated responses from Bog.
It was during their next break that Marianne decided to vent out more of her frustration with love songs. Playing certain ones for Sunny and Dawn were fine, but it was all too much for her to take, the love that shined all around her from all the songs they played.
"Do people really pay attention to what is being said in some of these songs? I feel like they are some of the simplest, silliest songs around."
"I couldn't agree more, Tough Girl," said Bog stretching out and heading for the sofa.
Marianne soon joined him on the sofa, and one song immediately came to mind. The bad part was that it was true in a way for her, as Bog had been on her mind when she woke up that morning. It helped to rail against it.
"Yeah. I mean, think about 'You Were on My Mind'. It just repeats those certain phrases over and over again. Worse, it's kind of creepy to be thinking about a person that much."
"Oh yes," said Bog, looking away for a moment as he considered the fact that Marianne had been on his mind as well that morning. "I think it's bad, but there's far worse. Just think about 'Somebody to Love'."
"Ugh, you're right," said Marianne, cringing. "Dawn says it's so deep, but really, half of the song is spent repeating that one phrase over and over again, as though he's some kind of mindless robot, needing somebody to love. No thanks. And if it's not repeating the same phrase constantly, then the song is just super sappy, like 'Love is All Around'. Now that song drives me nuts. I think the only time I enjoyed the song was when Love Actually used the song for Christmas, which is just as perfect, showing it to be the super sappy crap that it is."
"And really, that whole movie is awful romantically speaking, for all the broken relationships and whatnot going on," said Bog, excited to talk about movies. "The honest trailer for it was right. It's honest about what love is, complicated, and how painful it is."
"Which is another conversation for another day," said Marianne. "Some people like it for all the complicated twists and turns, but it doesn't make sense to me. But don't get me started on movies."
"So now's not the time to bring up the other big song in that movie that deserves mentioning for what it advocates?" asked a put-out Bog.
"Which one is that?" answered Marianne, trying to recall and failing from doing a good job of blotting it out of her mind.
"The one by the Beatles," said Bog, as though it were totally obvious. "Who can forget their rendition of 'All You Need is Love'?"
"Ha! I did forget about that one. But that's because I tried to live like that. And what did it get me? A broken heart."
At that, Bog heard Marianne start to hum "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" as she took a fist and slammed it into her open hand. Bog nodded in silent agreement at the song choice.
When Marianne was finished, she looked up at Bog, and he elbowed her, trying to get her out of the pensive mood.
"I know a good one for us, Tough Girl. I think you know this one," he said, a smirk coming onto his face. He sang, "You love her, but she loves him."
By the time he got to the refrain for "Love Stinks", both were singing it loudly, enjoying themselves as they yelled at love. At the end, both were panting and grinning.
"We need to do that more often," said Bog at last. "That felt good."
"It's a good change not dealing with love like that," replied Marianne. "I feel free."
Bog started echoing Marianne's phrase, repeating it a few times before Marianne started humming along, and then both started singing that song, though in a much-exaggerated manner, with large, sweeping gestures with their hands for freedom as they sang along.
"That's another silly song," laughed Marianne. "And oh, there are others. So many others. I just think about songs like Queen's 'Play the Game', and I wonder why anyone would submit themselves to love. Why play that game? It's not fun. At least we have fun making fun of everything."
"I'm not sure, Tough Girl. I wish I understood. Love is weird. One moment, you're low and singing 'People Are Strange', and the next you're in a state of brainwashed happiness, singing 'Hello, I Love You'. It's odd and complicated."
At the mention of the second song by the Doors, Bog found himself singing part of it to emphasize his point. It also helped that he enjoyed their music in general, but he was sure Marianne felt similarly.
At first, he sang it to Marianne with odd facial expressions, making her laugh. By the second refrain, he used significantly less facial expressions and focused on the smile that slowly made its way onto Marianne's face. By the third refrain, he had no idea that he was now just singing it to Marianne because he wanted to, as some part of him does find her very attractive. He lowered his voice as he sang the last two lines, the last set of hellos to her almost a caress as he leaned in without realizing it.
When he finished singing, both were staring at one another, lips so close to touching. Bog once again realized their closeness and pulled back, almost afraid to touch Marianne and break the connection that they had.
As he pulled away, Marianne seemed to be more hurt by it, a deep frown coming onto her face. Frustrated by her reaction, Bog thought about something else he could sing to make her see the need for distance, and soon, an idea came.
"I came along to see your face,
But the only thing I got from you
Was telling me it's fantasy,
That you would always be with me."
Marianne gave Bog a look as he continued, she not happy about him singing a song about being alone like that. As long as she was around, she would be there for him. She responded back with a song of her own, "Livin' Thing". As she got to the part in the second verse about the worst day, she eyed Bog, trying to make him listen and understand. He may have felt like he was alone, or that things were bad. But, that was not the case anymore with her there.
When Marianne finished with that song, the two sat in silence, absorbing the other's presence. Marianne did not often feel such a connection to another person, but with Bog, it was different. It was easy to sing, and even easier to understand him. She did not want to punch him, and he accepted her as she was, for all her oddities and differences. He encouraged it. That alone was enough to recommend him to her. In that moment, Marianne knew that they would be good friends. It was okay to want to spend time with friends, to care about them. And now knowing what had happened to Bog, she wanted him to know that he was not a hideous monster. She did reach for his hand, and she was pleased to see him take it without cringing. It was a start.
Bog had many mixed feelings about Marianne as she took his hand. He wanted that connection to her, which was rare. What they shared was different from anything he had ever experienced before , and he wanted to know what it was. Some part of him was afraid that this could turn into more, but the rest of him was selfish and wanted Marianne to be there for him. She reached out to him in a way no one else did beside his mother, and she understood him. In such a short time, she had already given him so much, between friendship and trust. He wanted to be worthy of it.
The two sat on the sofa until Dawn opened the front door. Once they heard her perky voice, they pulled apart, but still looked into one another's eyes, seeking out the mutual feeling that both had in their eyes. They met the engaged couple in the kitchen, where Dawn was smelling the stew.
"Mmm, what's this? It smells amazing!"
"That would be my mother's family stew. I brought it here to share with you since you fed me last time," said Bog.
Dawn proceeded to go up and Bog, who took it as well and stiffly as possible. Afterward, Sunny came up and shook his hand, thanking him.
Dinner was quick, as everyone was hungry. The stew went over well, and all praised Bog for his cooking, making him blush at least once when Marianne complimented him. After dinner, Bog left, ready to go home. Marianne walked him out to his car, thanking him for another good practice.
When Bog was inside the car, he saluted Marianne and then rested his hand on the edge of the completely open car window. "Until next time, Tough Girl. I'll be ready to take on the rest of the songs you have in mind."
"You better be," teased Marianne. "The wedding is closer than you think, and time is short."
"Is that meant to be a reference to something?" asked Bog, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, sort-of, to a movie you haven't seen yet. Don't worry about it," tapping his hand with her own. "I'll show it to you some night. Then you'll realize that I wasn't trying to insult you when we first met."
"Whatever you say, Tough Girl," he said, grabbing her hand and grasping it for a moment. After that, he let go and drove home. As he drove home, he considered all that had been accomplished at practice, but his mind kept going back to them singing together loudly to "Love Stinks". That had been an incredible feeling.
Inside her home, Marianne put on the radio again and helped dry and put away the dishes that Dawn and Sunny had already cleaned.
"Marianne, I talked to Sunny about this today, and we have agreed on something. I just want to run it by you first," said Dawn, turning around facing her sister.
"What is it?" asked Marianne, a little concerned.
"It seems to us that you and Bog get along well. I want to invite him to stay for the whole ceremony and reception. He seems nice, and if he makes the whole day more bearable for you, then I want to include him. Are you okay with me doing that?"
Marianne did not respond at first, surprised that Dawn would do this so early, but eventually she agreed. She was not sure if Bog would want to, but they could always try.
As Marianne got ready to turn off the radio for the night and go to bed in preparation for work, one last Electric Light Orchestra song came on, making her pause for a moment to listen and smile and as she considered how it applied to her and Bog. When "Shine a Little Love" finished, she turned off the radio.
Dawn came back inside from seeing Sunny out. She inwardly jumped for joy at seeing the content smile on Marianne's face.
"Oh, Marianne, speaking of music and receptions, I had a random question about Boggy. Do you think he knows how to dance?"
Marianne puzzled for a moment and then said, "I'm not sure, but I'll make sure to ask him if you're that worried. He doesn't seem like the dancing type, though."
"Thanks, Sis," said Dawn with an impish grin. Dawn had many happy thoughts of her sister and Bog dancing together later on in the reception that she wanted to have happen.
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Author's Notes: Whew, so many songs. This is as close to being a jukebox musical as it gets, except for maybe the next chapter. I knew this one would be chock full of songs since they needed to get their frustrations about love out. When I plan stories, I make a list of songs I want to include, but more always end up popping in as I write.
But (insert Plum banging a drum here) this chapter marks the halfway point in the story, and with it and much sharing comes a change in dynamic between them. The fluff and cuteness has only gotten started. Also, for the record, I love the movie Love Actually; I'm happy to laugh at myself, though, with help from the Honest Trailer. That will probably be my only reference to the upcoming Christmas season. If you want more of that, I highly suggest checking out the Christmas story I have started for these two. Once that story is out of my system, this will get updated again. Thanks so much for all your faves/follows/reviews! I really appreciate all your support! I hope you enjoyed reading!
Anony mouse101: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! It was a fun chapter to do, to see them in their natural habitat, surrounded with music. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
SVJohnson8721: Thanks! Glad to have your approval. There was lots of good music in the movie, but there's plenty of other ones that could have a place in the right situation. Thank you for continuing to read and review!
NoAverageAngel76: Wow! That's awesome! Thank you for such a compliment, to be reading so late! I really appreciate it! Thank you for all your kind words of encouragement!
Anime pirate 13: Yess! Thank you! Those two are utterly adorable, and Dawn and Sunny just as much. I can't wait for their wedding; it shall be glorious. Thank you for reading and taking the time to review!
Mh: Aww thank you so much! I'm always worried that with my love of fluff, I change the characters a little or make them a little too cute. I'm so relieved that is not the case. Sorry for the long wait. Thanks so much for your encouragement, and for reading!
NinjaHime1996: Thanks so much! I'm so glad you loved it. Sorry for making you wait so long. Nice! I hope you were able to attend a Ren Faire! I love them so much! Thanks for reading and reviewing!