REPLAY
The songs selected were picked by their lyrics. I did not take account for the genre they fall under.
Note- I changed a few words in some songs so that it went with the Scooby’s situation. You will know because I have the original lyrics in parenthesis.
Song credits:
State of Mind by Merril Bainbridge- Buffy
Boy Like That by Selena- Xander and Giles
Everybody’s Talkin My Baby Down by Celine Dion- Buffy
You Don’t See Me by Josie and the Pussycats- Spike
Oh, and the song Anya mentioned to singing is Money (That’s What I Want). It is sung by Josie and the Pussycats. I think it might be sung by someone else too, but I don’t know who.
This is only the first part of Once More With Feeling. Everybody gets to sing. Except Dawn, because she doesn’t have much going on in her life.
Chapter 11- Once MORE with Feeling
Buffy made her way through the cemetery. Her body was on patrol, but her mind was somewhere else. It was preoccupied with worries. She evoked everything that had happened since she arrived in the past. There had been slight differences, yet mostly everything was repeating itself.
Could she really pull this off?
All of a sudden the slayer felt something pass through her. It was like a bolt of energy. She paused for a second before opening her mouth and letting out a tune. It wasn’t happy or sad, just contemplative.
BUFFY
Where do I go from here
Or am I just like a clock spinning round
Everything seems unclear
Confusion is raising its head
And I can't make a sound
A vampire came out from behind a tombstone. He rushed at Buffy. She spun him around with agility. Then she reached into her pocket and produced a stake. She rammed the piece of wood into his heart. He crumbled before her.
BUFFY
I feel it
Tearing at my soul while I'm asleep
I feel it
Driving me to something I'll regret
Buffy switched direction. Two vampires and a demon came into view. They stood near a tree. A man struggled against binding that kept him against the trunk. She quickly eliminated the vampires. They were the easiest. Then she went for the demon. He looked old. His skin was gray and wrinkly. He even had a beard and gray hair. He smelled musty, kind of like Giles’s archaic collection of books. He went down with little trouble. She stepped over his body and continued to sing.
BUFFY
What if I make the change
What if I loose all my courage this time
Buffy used her sword to cut the captive down. He thanked her over and over. She smiled before walking off.
BUFFY
Everything seems so strange
Try but I can't seem to make a decision that's right
I feel it
Pounding like a drum inside my brain
I feel it
If it doesn't stop I'll go insane
Another vamp charged her. She threw her sword aside, grabbing her stake instead.
BUFFY
I feel it
Tearing at my soul while I'm asleep
I feel it
Driving me to something I'll regret
I feel it
Pounding like a drum inside my brain
I feel it
I feel it
If it doesn't stop I'll go insane
The foe was no more.
BUFFY
I feel it
I feel it
I feel it
I feel it
I feel it
Her last few lines were sang with eyes staring off into the night. When she finished she bowed her head.
+ + +
Buffy rushed into the store first thing the next morning.
“Giles!” she called. “We’ve got a problem!”
The watcher stepped forward. He held an open book.
“What may that be?” Giles questioned.
“Singing,” Buffy said, breathless.
“S-singing always makes me happy,” Tara said.
Buffy’s eyes fell on Tara. The witch sat at the table. The seat next to her was empty.
“Where’s Willow?” Buffy asked.
Tara looked down. “She didn’t come. Sh-She said – She had other plans.”
That didn’t settle right in Buffy’s stomach. Willow had never been this mad before.
Xander held up a donut in each hand. “Respect the cruller. And tame the donut!”
“That's still funny, sweetie,” Anya expressed.
Giles came over and grabbed a donut. He took a bite. A pleased look passed his face. It must have been jelly filled.
Buffy directed her gaze on Xander. “Did you summon a dancing and singing demon?”
Xander almost choked on his donut. “Wh-What? No!”
Taking that in, Buffy scrunched up her nose in confusion. “Then who did?”
She sunk in the empty chair next to Tara.
“Buffy, what makes you think this is a demon at work?” Giles asked.
“It makes sense. Badness in Sunnydale always means demon-y activity.”
Giles nodded.
Buffy took a donut. She frowned, noticing there were no more jelly. She had to settle for chocolate.
“I’m not the only one, right? I mean, you guys sang too?”
Xander almost dropped his donut. “Merciful Zeus!”
Anya stepped out from behind the register. “The best things in life are free. But you can keep them for the birds and bees. Give me money, that’s what I want,” she sang.
Everyone raised their heads.
“Relax,” Anya said. “I’m just recapping the number I did this morning when I opened up the shop.”
Her fiancé cracked a grin. “Very fitting.”
“I thought so,” Anya commented.
“Well, I sang but I had my guitar at the hotel...” Giles said.
“It was bizarre. We were talking and then it was like-, “Tara said.
“We have to do something about this,” Buffy said. She turned to Giles.
Giles swallowed the last of his donut. He cleared his throat. “We’ll start researching immediately.”
Buffy stood up. “I’ll visit Spike. He has contacts.”
Xander squirmed in his seat.
“Very well,” Giles said.
Before Buffy could exit the store she was stopped by her male best friend. He clamped down on her shoulder and spun her around.
“What is going on with you and Spike?” he whispered.
Buffy blinked. “Nothing. Why would there be –?“
“I’m not dumb. I’ve seen you two. You’ve been all moon-eyed toward him.”
Buffy’s mouth hung open.
Xander let go of her. He stared at her for a moment. Then he began to sing.
XANDER
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, like that
A boy like that
Like that
A boy like that, like that
Buffy’s green eyes widened with shock.
Xander turned to face the rest of the gang.
XANDER
A boy like that who'd kill another slayer (your brother)
Forget that boy and find another
One of your own kind, stick to your own kind
A boy like that
Like that
A boy like that will give you sorrow
You'll need another boy tomorrow
One of your own kind, stick to your own kind
A boy like that
A boy like that
A boy who kills cannot love
A boy who kills has no heart
And he's the boy who gets your love
And gets your heart?
Very smart, Buffy, very smart (Very smart, Maria, very smart)
Giles jumped out of his chair. He decided to join in.
GILES
A boy like that wants one thing only
And when he's gone he'll leave you lonely
He’ll murder your love, his kind murdered mine (He'll murder your love, he murdered mine)
Just wait and see, wait and see
A boy who kills cannot love
A boy who kills has no heart
And he's the boy who gets your love
And gets your heart?
Very smart, Buffy, very smart (Very smart, Maria, very smart)
GILES AND XANDER
A boy like that, a boy like that
Kill your sister slayer (Kill your brother)
A boy like that, a boy like that
Find another
Girl, you've gotta know
Murder your love
Girl, you've gotta know
Like that, like that
GILES
A boy like that wants one thing only
And when he's done he'll leave you lonely
He’ll murder your love, his kind murdered mine (He'll murder your love, he murdered mine)
That's right
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Xander stepped up onto a chair. He began to sing Spanish. His expression displayed puzzlement as to the fluency of the language.
XANDER
Un hombre asi matara a tu hermano
Encuentra alquien que es como tu
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
Cuando termina te deja sola, triste y sola
A boy like that wants one thing only
He will leave you sad and lonely, sad and lonely
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
Un muchacho asi matara
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
Un muchacho asi matara a tu hermano
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
Un muchacho asi te amtara
Un muchacho asi matara a tu hermano
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
Un muchacho asi te dara tristeza
GILES AND XANDER
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Wants one thing only
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Leave you sad and lonely
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Wants one thing only
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Leave you sad and lonely
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Kill your sister slayer (your brother)
Find you another
One of your own kind
A boy like that, a boy like that
A boy like that, a boy like that
Like that
The invisible music got softer and softer until it vanished completely. Giles and Xander froze, stunned. The shop fell into silence. Tara recovered first.
“Wow,” Tara murmured.
Buffy scanned the room. Her features were hardened. After a moment she left The Magic Box.
She strolled down the sunny street. People passed her. As they did she got the eerie feeling that they were watching her. Maybe out of pity. She wrapped her arms around her slim form.
A sigh escaped her lips.
BUFFY
People are sayin'
That boy is gonna hurt you
His kind of love is not for real
He's only playin'
Foolin' with your heart girl
But I know how he makes me feel
And I don't need any other proof
They just don't understand
They don't know the truth
She glanced up at the clear blue sky. Somewhere background singers and joined her.
BUFFY
Momma said he’s bad for me (Momma says he's bad for me)
Poppa says I'll be sorry
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
And all my friends doubt him
Tell me I should live without him
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
She continued to walk.
BUFFY
He's not like the others
Nobody wants to see it
They don't even wanna try
Judge a book by its cover
And you'll never know the story
There's so much more than meets the eye
Oh and I know his heart is true
I don't need anyone
To tell me what to do
Momma said he’s bad for me (Momma says he's bad for me)
Poppa says I'll be sorry
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
And all my friends doubt him
Tell me I should live without him
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
My sister is the only one who doesn’t (My sisters and my brothers)
Tell me I should find another
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
Buffy became more emotional.
BUFFY
Oh but they can't feel his touch
They can't feel his kiss
They don't know what it's like to be loved like this
I don't care about their point of view
'Cause it's understood
When the love is good
Nothin' else is gonna do
Momma said he’s bad for me (Momma says he's bad for me)
Poppa says I'll be sorry
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
And all my friends doubt him
Tell me I should live without him
Everybody's talkin' my baby down
No they don't know what he's all about
Everybody's just wanna talk my baby down
No they can't see that his heart is gold
Everybody wanna treat my baby so cold, so cold
She repeated the chorus one more time before ending the song.
+ + +
Spike was trying to sleep. Unsuccessfully.
Every time he closed his eyes he’d see her. She was haunting him day and night. Her memory wouldn’t give him a moment’s rest. He could see her, feel her, and taste her. There was nothing he could do about it. Nothing worked.
He groaned. His head hurt. He glanced down at the empty liquor bottle he had tossed to the stone floor. He’d drunk too much.
The sound of his crypt door creaking open made him spring into a sitting position. His nostrils flared. He was surprised that the slayer would appear during the day.
“Buffy,” he said.
She stepped into view. “That’s me.”
He hopped down from his sarcophagus. He noticed her eyes roam over his shirtless chest.
“Do you know what is going on?” Buffy asked.
“Well, I've seen some damn funny things in the last two days. A 600 pound Chirago demon making like Yma Sumac, that one will stay with you. I remain immune, happy to say,” he remarked.
“So you know about the song and dance numbers? Could you scout around the demon world? Ask about a demon named Sweet?”
Spike kicked the empty alcohol bottle. “Sweet, huh?”
“Yeah. He has to be summoned with a talisman. Somebody, who remains anonymous, brought him here.”
The vampire nodded. “I’ll beat up some lowlifes, see if I can get the scoop.”
Buffy smiled sweetly. “Thanks.”
Spike turned away. “Right then. It’s time for you to scamper off again.”
He could feel her behind him. A shiver ran down his spine.
“What?”
“I’ve given you your info. Isn’t that why you came? To pump me for information?”
“Maybe I came to pump you for something else.”
She said it teasingly. He spun around angrily.
“Don’t play games!” he snapped.
She gaped. “Sorry, I didn’t mean . . . You’re all moody. Why? Did I do something? “
“Not a thing.” His reply was too quick. “Glad you could stop by.”
She inched toward him. “Spike?”
“It's nothing,” he said defensively.
He went to show her to the door, but then remembered it was daylight out. He stopped short.
SPIKE
This is the place where I sit
This is the part where
I love you too much
Is this as hard as it gets?
'Cause I'm getting tired
Of pretending I'm tough
I'm here if you want me
I'm yours, you can hold me
I'm empty and taken and
Tumbling and breakin'
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
His head tilted, taking her in. She watched him with curiosity.
SPIKE
I dream of worlds
Where you'd understand
And I dream a
Million sleepless days (nights)
I dream of fire when
You're touching my hand
But it twists into smoke
When I turn on the light
I'm speechless and faded
It's too complicated
Is this how the book ends,
Nothing but good friends?
Spike’s face had softened. His eyes blurred and he fought back the tears.
SPIKE
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
He put a hand to his heart.
SPIKE
This is the place in my heart
This is the place where
I'm falling apart
Isn't this just where we met?
And is this the last chance
That I'll ever get?
I wish I was lonely
Instead of just only
Crystal and see-through
And not enough to you
Buffy came even closer. He could sense her warm breath as she leaned toward him.
SPIKE
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
'Cause you don't see me
And you don't need me
And you don't love me
The way I wish you would
The way I know you could
Buffy cupped his well defined cheek. She smiled.
“Yes I do,” she whispered.
And then she kissed him.
It was a different kind of kiss than he ever experienced. His mother had pecked him on the cheek and forehead. Her action had been about unconditional caring. Drusilla’s kiss had been about possession and power. It was rough and needy. And Angelus . . . The thought soured his stomach. Angelus had kissed him before on the forehead, saying “Spike, my boy-“. It was mocking, showing his ignorance and who was boss. Harmony, well Harmony had been about physical attraction.
This was. . . There was only one word to describe it. Magical. He had always been down on the magics. But this wasn’t a spell. A stab of doubt hit him. Was it? No. Buffy was too real. This wasn’t a spell, but there was magic between them anyway. It crackled as their mouths met.
He remembered the time she had rewarded him after his beating by Glory. That had been a display of gratitude and trust. But this . . . This was full of . . .
Love?
It felt like it. There was feeling in it. Her lips were soft, like satin . . . no, silk. Chocolate. Better than chocolate.
His brain rambled on and on as her tongue invaded his mouth. His arms brought her closer, and her fingers played with his hair, mussing his bleached locks the way she found sexy.
Spike was lost. Lost in an eternity of Buffy. He had said he was drowning in her. He had been wrong. He hadn’t dived into her sea until then. He had said all they did was dance. They hadn’t danced until then.
When they pulled apart things were out of focus. Despite his lack of temperature he felt the cold. Buffy must have felt it too, fore she snatched him back to kiss him again.
Wow. Wow. I’ve never dragged a kiss out that long. Wow. I’m amazed at myself. And very satisfied. Hope you feel the same way.