Chapter 17
Reptile Boy
The irony of Devon MacLeish's death was not lost on the newspapers, who hammered it home with cruelty. The Founder and lead singer of "Dingoes Ate My Baby" was found, partially eaten by wild dogs.
Yes, another victim of the mysterious Sunnydale 'wild dog problem'.
It was a werewolf.
You had met Veruca St.Claire, lead singer of local band Shy, whilst hanging out with Oz and Amy. She set your teeth on edge even then, but she wasn't a vampire, so you just put it down to her predatory vibe.
It is weird to think back on that night, all of you laughing and joking, Oz and Veruca arguing about music. Devon drooling over Veruca. Amy subtly switching chairs to put herself between Oz and Veruca. Simple teenage life. A strange tableau compared to how things would unfold.
That not long from then, Veruca would slaughter and feast on Devon's innards. That Amy would trap Veruca with black magic whilst it was Oz who would decapitate her with your own silver coated sword. And all this whilst you were in a coma.
It was Veruca who ate Snyder. He gave her detention on a full moon. she simply locked the door and let un-nature take its course.
You can't help wonder at it all, really.
The remaining Dingoes decided to keep going after Devon's funeral, but it didn't seem right to keep the name, tasteless enough as it was. So they picked a new name to remember him by. A nickname he won on tour for something he did that band refuse to share: a secret that they just snicker amongst themselves before looking sad.
And so, Reptile Boy are about to play their first gig tonight. The new line-up featured Sara, formerly of Veruca's band Shy on backup vocals and keyboards. It was also the debut of their new lead singer.
Amy Maddison.
Nervous as she was before the gig, none of that is apparent on her face now, as she strides into the spotlight. Her own personal cheer team, comprising of Buffy, Violet, April and yourself roar as stomp as she takes the mic.
Oz cuts through the chatter with a single held note. Strong and clear. Amy growls and unleashes into the first verse of 'Pain'.
Feeling, I've been lost for years
You could never understand me
Unless you've seen those tears
But you never get to sleep...
Amy's voice is like sex electric. Dingoes fans, who until this point seemed dubious of the new line up, cheer, and rush to the pit. Reptile Boy's sound resonates through each and every one... new songs sing of the lost of Sunnydale, the fears for the missing, the need to snatch the fire of life whilst you are alive. The Bronze is alive tonight and so are you.
Some boys have pulled Violet and April up to dance. Violet looks at you in panic, but you wave her on.
Buffy meets your gaze, her eyes dark with kohl, tanned cheeks sparkling with glitter. You feel her hand meet yours under the table. The third song ends, and newxomer Sara plays a slow haunting pattern of eight notes on her keyboard. Amy shares a sad smile with her and takes the mic.
"As you know, both Shy and Dingoes lost people dear to us this year. So many of us have, haven't we? Life can be cruel. But we go on. Together. Become something new together. This next song is from Shy."
The audience applauds and falls respectfully silent. Veruca was a monster. A murderer. And they will never know.
The music flows over you all, a sexual melancholy. Amy's voice is a fragile purr.
Buffy turns to you again and lifts your hand up over the table. A gentle tug. She stands.
"Do you think you can?" She says.
"Yes. I can." You say, and rise carefully.
She clasps both your hands, taking a lot of your weight on her strong arms. She is drawing you to an unlit corner of the floor, but you have other ideas. You pull her into the middle. Front and center where all can see. She smiles at this, nodding her consent. You draw close and embrace. Linking her arms low behind your back, again taking some of your weight as you sway.
I step out of my skin
You wouldn't know me now
Couldn't you go away
Shouldn't I?
She has you. You are held. In arm and gaze. So captivated by her, held in her gravity, like her atmosphere is a bubble around you both.
I won't be
Your soft one
I won't be encircled
You might become
Something I need
And you must know
Must know
Get closer
Amy seems to be singing for you both. Buffy tenderly kisses your cheek as you dance. No one seems to challenge. No one attacks. You turn, back to her breast, her arms encircle you, stroke down your body in a way no one can interpret as anything other than sexual, possessive.
Should I go away
With the dust of your heart
In my mouth
Your hand finds her neck, your fingers tracing her pulse point. You hear her moan against your ear. Her hand presses into hips, pulling you to her.
Don't show me your weakness
I can't rely on you
To know my soul
When you turn back, there is nothing that could hold you. Your kiss is not defiant to the world. It simply is. And the world ceases to matter.
It's unspoken, but you don't need words to convey your mutual need. You leave the Bronze, bound for Buffy's house. And the song plays on as you head out into the darkness.
Don't show me your weakness
I might become
Something you need
Something you need
Something you need
To destroy.
Notes from the author:
Hey readers. I usually cringe at songfics, but I figured it wouldn't be BTVS without the band playing at The Bronze scene.
I selected tracks from the show itself.
Lyrics taken from:
Pain by Four Star Mary (aka Dingoes Ate My Baby)
Need to Destroy by THC (aka Shy)
Go listen, go buy, support these artists.
I would love to read some comments on the story.