SERIES/UNIVERSE: SG-7
DISCLAIMERS: M7 characters belong to Trilogy, et al, SG-1 characters belong to Gekko, MGM, and Showtime. Original characters (mainly Adriana in this story, though others are mentioned) are all mine ... don't mind if you borrow them, just ask first, give them back intact and give credit where credit is due. Mindy belongs to herself and my neighbors, though she still thinks my family and I belong to her.
SPOILERS: For Mag7, all twenty-one episodes are fair game, along with my previous stories, More than Friends, A Light in the Distance, Under the Sun, Days of Yearning, Sun, Fun, and Ezra on the Run, Full Circle, Open House and Return to Innocence; also all five seasons of Stargate SG-1.
WARNING: None that I know of ... I'm not planning on having any violence or any other mayhem in this story, but you know what the boys are like. Possibly some bad language.
Just as an fyi ... this series, this universe, ignores the events of the later fifth season of Stargate SG-1. Specifically, Meridian and Revelation. Which also gets rid of Jonas Quinn in sixth season.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Doubt anyone would make this mistake, but I don't own the rights to 'Someday out of the Blue,' nor did I write it (Elton John did) Just borrowed it.
At the same time as JD's appearance at the Larabee homestead, things were starting to mellow at the saloon. For the first ten minutes, there was usually chaos, as everyone got comfortable, found the best seats. Then the orders were taken, and while that was being done, couples often made a few circles around the dance floor. Vin wanted to wait for a very special song, before he took his lady out for a turn, so instead, he gave her a little nudge when Bucklin asked her to dance.
As she slid her hand into her brother's, Inez leaned forward from her position at the bar and winked at him. Moments later, the opening strains of Elton John's Someday Out of the Blue filled the saloon. Vin gave his friend's a thumb's up sign as Bucklin drew his sister into his arms The sharpshooter grinned, slouching down in his seat as Adriana put her feet atop her brother's, as if she was still a little girl.
The song, when he heard it on the radio, fit anyone who had been separated from someone they loved. But the more he listened to it, the more it seemed to be right for Bucklin and Drina, aside from a few lines. He made himself more comfortable in the booth, which wasn't difficult since everyone was now out there dancing ... except for the woman in the booth behind him. Her husband was currently in the men's room, which gave rise to a whole bunch of truly low humor.
Bucklin observed in a low voice to Vin that the shithead belonged in the shithole. Josiah put in that it shouldn't be so surprising, since the man had a potty mouth. And Mary, of all people, contributed with, it seemed like once more, Will Richmond had made everyone's shit list. Surprise surprise. From Mary, of all people! Vin turned his attention away from the annoying archaeologist and instead began to sing softly along.
"Someday out of the blue,
In a crowded street or a deserted square,
I'll turn and I'll see you, as if our love were new,
Some day we can start again, some day soon."
"Here comes the night ... here comes the memories,
Lost in your arms, down in the foreign fields.
Not so long ago, seems like an eternity
Love sweet afternoons, still capture me"
"Someday out of the blue,
In a crowded street or a deserted square
I'll turn and I'll see you, as if our love were new,
Some day we can start again, some day soon"
"I still believe ... I still put faith in us,
We had it all ... and watched it slip away,
Where are we now, not where we want to be.
Those hot afternoons ... still follow me."
Yup. Definitely Bucklin and Drina. 'Specially that bit about lettin' things slip away from 'em. They weren't the only ones. A whole lot of people came to mind, hearin' that. Himself included. Even now, years later, he still felt he could have found another way to protect Adriana from Eli Joe, without disappearing from her life. He hadn't realized he had stopped singing until a soft voice behind him said, "You know, you didn't have to stop. I'm not one who complains about someone else's singing." Vin turned and smiled at Charlotte. He hadn't seen her much since his transformation back to himself.
She looked tired. Vin asked softly, "How ya doin,' Carlota? Ya look kinda tired." She gave him a smile, the one she always wore when someone called her 'Carlota.' Funny. With all the times they called her that, no one had ever slipped and called her 'Carly.' Not that she and his twin looked anything alike ... but the similarities in the names were there, and no one could say otherwise.
"I am. Tansy's been sick the last week. Been up most of the last few nights with her. Will ... he's having flashbacks to when Allison died," Charlotte replied, choking a little on her late daughter's name, as she always did, and probably always would. Vin didn't push her. Will always did that when Tansy was sick. He was still running away from Allison's death, and Charlotte was just now starting to see that.
Vin wouldn't allow himself to judge Will for his reaction to his daughter's death, much as he sometimes wanted to ... especially when the man hurt his wife and living daughter. Truly, Vin had a hard enough time, thinking about losing any member of his family, much less losing his child. And, he knew quite well that both Chris and Buck had pushed members of their families away, after Sarah and Adam were murdered so many years earlier. But they both finally faced their loss and came through. Charlotte had faced the loss of Allison, and moved forward.
What would it take, Vin wondered, for Will to do the same? As the archaeologist returned to the booth, looking grim, it was as if Vin had stepped back in time. Once more, he was a young bounty hunter and guide, helping to find a lost child. The trouble was ... he wasn't that boy no more. He simply returned Will's glare as the archaeologist dumped himself beside his wife with a bored look of his own. Hell, if Larabee's glare didn't work on him, ain't no way Will's scowl would!
Will was on the verge of starting something, when the song ended and both Wilmington siblings bounded back to the table. Adriana sat down on Vin's lap, wrapping her arms around him and engaging him in a kiss that left his senses reeling. When they finally came up for air, he just looked at her, gasping for air. She smiled at him, a wicked smile which forced him to realize that the walls weren't just crumbling ... they were dissolving!
"Threatening my man again, Will? Really, by now you should know better than that," Adriana said, turning her attention to the sulking man in the next booth. That gave Vin a chance to catch his breath. The foul language that came from Will in response resulted in a war of words with Adriana. Since she had quicker wit than Will, Vin felt safe in not interfering. Instead, he looked over at Buck, who was watching him, his eyebrows raise questioningly. And while Vin didn't have the same sort of connection with Buck that he did with Chris, it didn't take no rocket scientist to figger out what Bucklin wanted.
I ain't 'bout to hurt her! Vin thought angrily, allowing his eyes to do his communicating for him. Buck knew that ... and if he didn't realize that by now, then he should! After everything they had been through together since their first meeting in Texas, didn't Buck know yet that Vin would walk through fire for Drina? Didn't he understand he would give up his own life for her ... that he would do everything within his power to make sure she was safe ... and happy? What more did Buck want from him?
I do know that ... just wanted to make sure ya knew the stakes and the consequences. Been a lot of that goin' around lately, Buck returned. Vin didn't stop to think about how he and Buck could communicate with words. Ever since Buck let down his guard (and Vin his own), it seemed to get easier and easier. And Vin couldn't argue with the other man about consequences. Aloud, he said as Mary and Chris, then Josiah and Vin's aunt Josie, returned to the table, "Reckon some folks don't never learn."
"Suppose you're right. Doesn't mean I like it," Drina replied, taking a sip of his beer as she turned her back on Will. She made a face, muttering, "Damn, why do I always forget how much I hate beer?" No one answered her, and after a moment, she continued, changing the subject, "Think Ezra looks real cute out on the dance floor with Toria." Vin smiled, seeing the negotiator dancing with Inez's six year old niece, who was in Colorado for a visit.
Since Inez's place was a bar and grill, children were allowed into the establishment. And besides, where else would Toria be while she was visiting her Tia Inez? Ezra, as ever, had allowed his mask to drop while with a child. Remembering another child, Vin tightened his arm about Adriana's waist and said softly, "Ez's got a real soft spot for little 'uns." Drina turned in his arms and nodded with a smile. Whatever she might have said was cut off as the food arrived.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In case you'd like to hear what the piece sounds like which Vin and Adriana dance to in this section, the composition is called 'Land of the Midnight Sun,' performed by the German group Cusco, from their 'Ancient Journeys: A Vision of the New World' CD.
Over the next thirty minutes, SG-7 and company ate and talked, traded insults and joked. Although, Chris was sure at one point he would have to rescue his kid brother from an overprotective brother ... namely Buck. Once Vin and Drina finished their respective dinners, they headed out onto the dance floor. As they did, Inez got a speculative grin on her face, which didn't bode well for someone.
As the music started, a slow, sexy bit of Latin-inspired instrumental piece, Vin and Adriana took their place in the middle of the dance floor. Mary murmured, "This should be good." Chris started to ask what she meant, until he saw two things. First, that Adriana's back was to Vin, and secondly, how his brother's hands were placed. One rested on Adriana's hip, while the other held Adriana's hand high over both of their heads, fingers laced together with hers. Adriana's free arm was draped over the back of Vin's neck.
"Did they plan this?" Chris asked softly as the pair began to move in time to the music, hips swaying in unison, Vin's hand slowly moving down Adriana's arm to rest on her waist. Adriana's hands followed his own, until they rested over Vin's hands, now settled on her hips. He couldn't look away from the sinuous, graceful movements of two people whom he barely recognized as members of his family.
"Mmm. I've seen them dancing to this song in the past. Charlotte got them hooked on the artist ... Cusco, I think they're called. Before we left, Inez called me to let me know she would be returning Charlotte's copy of the CD to her tonight. I asked her if she would play this piece," Mary answered softly as Adriana swung her torso down in a circle, Vin's hands never leaving her hips. And as she finished her rotation, Vin spun her around to face him, and again, Adriana rotated her body until she was leaning far back in Vin's arms
"You're a damn dangerous woman, Mary Travis," Chris said softly, looking away from his brother long enough to glance at Mary. He was rewarded with a smile that could be best described as devilish. Then he looked at Buck, whose mouth was hanging open. Josiah reached over and gently closed it with one hand, while Josie reached over and did the same to Ezra. Chris teased, "You're lettin' all the flies in, Buck!"
"He ... did ... did you see? What he's doing to ... with my sister?" Buck blurted out, his eyes never leaving the pair. Chris leaned back and grinned at Mary, who returned the grin. Buck continued, obviously agitated, "Did you see? It ain't decent! It ... oof!" He was cut off in mid-sentence as Josiah shoved him back into his seat, and it was all Chris could do to keep from laughing. Sure, the dance was a little on the suggestive side, but they weren't making love in the middle of the dance floor. Which Buck had been known to do, though not when there were people around to watch.
"Sit down, brother Buck," Josiah said gently, "in case you hadn't noticed, your sister ain't a little girl any more. She's a grown woman, and she ain't doin' nothing she don't want to be doin.' And it ain't like they're doing the sideways mambo." Chris nearly spit out his beer at that remark ... Nathan was laughing helplessly, slumping further into the booth, and Josie had buried her face in Josiah's shoulder, her shoulders shaking.
"Jo-si-ah! That's my baby sister you're talkin' about!" Buck blurted out, his face turning bright red. While it was something of a revelation to realize that his little princess really had grown up, Chris quickly adjusted to the knowledge and enjoyed watching the pair dance. Buck, on the other hand, was just now starting to grasp how much she had grown up. And it was proving to be very, very difficult for the ladies' man.
"She ain't a baby no more, Buck," Nathan chortled, his dark eyes twinkling with laughter, "that there's a fully-growed woman!" Buck glared daggers at the medic, who continued, "I mean, ya shoulda figgered that out when she come out of the spare bathroom, dressed to kill." By now, Buck's face was turning bright red with either embarrassment or anger ... or was it something else? Chris didn't know ... but he did know that his old friend was proving to be just as entertaining as the couple on the dance floor.
Who bounded back up to the table as the beginning strains of the next song filled the room. Adriana said breathlessly, "That was fun! I'll have to thank Inez for that. What did we miss? Bucklin, your face is redder than a fire engine!" She looked around the table for answers to her question, only to find everyone laughing hysterically. Adriana looked first at Buck, then at Vin, who just shrugged.
Finally, Mary managed to compose herself long enough to gasp out, "Buck was having a hard time, watching you on the dance floor. He was starting to overheat a bit." Now Adriana started blushing, and Buck lowered his eyes. Mary continued, taking a few deep breaths, "Now, have a seat, you're blocking our view." Chris was amused when Adriana took a page from Mary's book and stuck her tongue out, crossing her eyes at the same time. But, he noticed, they did take their seats.
Something was said from the booth beside them, where Will and Charlotte Richmond were sitting. Though he didn't know it, Chris agreed with Buck that the surly archaeologist should have stayed at home and babysat his daughter, rather than drag everyone else down with him. Jesus, what was wrong with the man? He'd been acting like a bear with a sore ass for weeks now, and it didn't look to get any better. Chris nearly choked on his beer a second time when Adriana fired back, "Bite me, Will!"
Vin added, "Naw, don't do that ... cause if ya bit m'lady, Richmond, ya wouldn't be bitin' nothin' else, ever. Ya'd be gummin' yer food." For the third time in less than an hour, Chris found himself practically inhaling what he was drinking. A quick glance told him that his brother was glaring steadily at Richmond, his face a cold mask. Evidently, he had stared the other man into submission for both Vin and Adriana took their seats. Oh yeah ... things were definitely gonna get interesting tonight!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: 'Shut Up and Kiss Me' was first released on Mary Chapin Carpenter's CD 'Stones in the Road,' released in 1994.
The singing started fifteen minutes later, once the dance floor cleared. Mary had signed herself and Adriana up, while the archaeologist witnessed her boyfriend signing up his brother. Vin winked at her as Inez picked up the sheet, which contained the names of the singers along with the songs they intended to sing. For Mary and Adriana, it was a no-brainer. With their men, there was only one song to sing.
They suffered and tried not to groan at the other singers ... Vin or Adriana taking turns bopping Will Richmond upside the head with something when he made a rude remark. Karaoke Night was about singing, whether you were any good or night. And in some of these cases, the singers knew they were bad. By the time they managed to get to the stage, half of them were drunk. Finally, it was Mary and Adriana's turn.
Mary was pleasantly surprised that Adriana was neither drunk, nor did Mary have to practically carry her friend up to the stage. While she had been improving in recent months, especially since coming back from Busch Gardens, Adriana was still on the shy side. Although, Mary had to admit as she took to the stage, that wasn't true tonight. If she didn't know better, she would have sworn someone slipped Adriana something.
But ... on the other hand, Adriana was seducing her boyfriend in her own peculiar way, and it was working. Even if Vin didn't realize what Adriana was doing, Buck did, and it was making him very nervous. Mary pushed her hair over her shoulder, saying into the microphone, "We chose for our selection Mary Chapin Carpenter's Shut Up and Kiss Me. If you know our respective men, the reasoning is obvious. So ... this is for Christopher and for Kevin."
Mary knew she would have to watch her back for calling him 'Kevin' in public, and she grinned at him as she started to singing, Adriana's contralto chiming in as the words played out over the tv screen directly in front of them. They didn't need the words ... they had listened to the song enough times to know the lyrics backwards and forward. But that would be cheating, sort of, and the two women sang,
Don't mean to get a little forward with you,
Don't mean to get ahead of where we are.
Don't mean to act a little nervous around you,
I'm just a little nervous about my heart.
Cause it's been a while since I felt this feeling
That everything you do gives me.
It's been too long since somebody whispered,
Shut up and kiss me
Didn't expect to be in this position,
Didn't expect to have to rise above my reputation for cynicism,
I've been a jaded lady when it comes to love but
Oh baby, just to feel this feeling that everything you do gives me.
It's been too long since somebody whispered
Shut up and kiss me.
There's something about the silent type attracting me to you.
All business none of the hype, that no talker can live up to
Here the music took over, while Mary and Adriana swayed in time to the music. Swaying, since Adriana didn't believe she could dance. Mary glanced at their table, saw the brothers gaping at them, while Buck wore a broad grin. Then ...
Come closer, baby, I can't hear you,
Just another whisper if you please.
Don't worry’ 'bout the details, you've got the kind of mind I love to read.
Talk is cheap, baby, and time's expensive,
So why waste another minute more.
Life's too short to be so apprehensive,
Love's just as much a symptom, darlin,' as the cure.
Oh baby when I feel this feeling,
It's like genuine voodoo hits me.
It's been too long since somebody whispered ...
Oh baby, I can feel this feeling
That everything you do gives me,
It's been too long since somebody whispered,
Shut up and kiss me ... shut up and kiss me.
The pair ended to applause, much warmer than the dutiful hand-clapping to what had gone before, and Mary took Adriana's hand, both women bowing in response. As she rose, Mary noted the appearance of Carly, who looked a little haggard, though that might have been due to sitting with Will and Charlotte. Putting up with Will would make anyone look like they'd been put through the wringer. For that matter, it would make anyone feel that way.
The pair bounded down from the stage, still holding on to each other's hands and still flying high. Buck, Josiah, and Josie all slid out of the booth, so Mary could slide in next to Chris, while Adriana approached her man. She didn't even have the chance to say anything. Vin grasped her wrist and pulled her onto his lap, kissing her passionately. Hmmm, Mary thought just before Chris claimed her own mouth, maybe we should have sung Passionate Kisses instead?
She didn't think anything for the next several seconds, nothing but the feel of Chris Larabee's mouth against her own seemed real. By the time he let her up for air, leaving Mary breathless and nearly senseless, Buck was saying, "Damn! Reckon you boys took that song a bit personal!" Adriana looked up, her eyes wide and dilated. Mary was sure she looked as out of it as Adriana ... as out of it as she felt.
"Reckon that was the idea, Bucklin," Vin answered, before kissing his lady again. Adriana had seemingly melted against him. In fact, if it weren't for the different colors the pair were wearing, Mary couldn't have said where one began and the other ended. Mary blinked, trying to regain her composure, but Chris didn't give her that chance as he kissed her again. That lasted as long as the previous kiss, and by the time she could think clearly again, they had gone through several more singers.
At last, Vin shifted Adriana off his lap, keeping her tucked against his side. There was another rude remark from the booth beside theirs, and Mary wondered if Chris had brought his gun. Because if he had, by the end of the night, there would be a fight ... over who got to shoot Will Richmond. Vin and Adriana said over their respective shoulders, "Oh, shut UP, Will!" They shook their heads and returned their attention to each other.
Okay, so maybe Vin did realize that Adriana was slowly, carefully, quietly seducing him. Mary would have been disappointed if Vin didn't at least have a clue from Adriana's apparel tonight. She deliberately chose an outfit to showcase her slim, athletic body ... and to remind Vin that she was no longer the awkward, unattractive nineteen year old girl she was when she and Vin met. Her words. Not Mary's, who had seen pictures of that nineteen year old girl.
It was then that Buck broke the spell, saying, "Well now, this is real nice, but I think someone else should get up there. I know it ain't gonna be Vin ... so how about you, Caroline?" Mary stifled a laugh as she witnessed Carly's reaction to Buck's suggestion ... as well as his use of her full name, which was never something you used. Buck pouted, "Well, ya don't have to be ugly about it. We all know how I feel about ugly."
"Yeah," Josie said, her dark eyes glittering, "and it's sitting in the booth right beside us. I don't mean either of the ladies, either." Ouch!
Although, Will deserved it. The way he had been acting lately, Mary was starting to wonder if he was rubbing off on JD, or the other way around. Josie continued, catching Adriana's eye, "What about you, Chris? Your lady and Adriana were willing to get up on that stage and sing ... potentially make idiots out of themselves, though they acquitted themselves nicely." Mary cocked her brow at the other blonde woman ... who winked.
Mary would never know whether what came next was scripted, but Buck retorted, "Chris? Hell! Ain't no way Chris would ever get up on that stage? Wouldja, old buddy? Hell, he wouldn't even do it on a dare! I dare ya, Chris, I double dare ya!" Mary closed her eyes. Oh Buck. You just had to say the magic words, didn't you? There was one thing that Chris Larabee couldn't pass up ... and that was a challenge of some kind.
"I've got fifty on Chris taking that dare!" Adriana piped up. Mary looked at her friend. She knew Adriana bet on sure things ... like Vin ... and Chris taking a dare was a sure thing. But fifty dollars. Adriana caught her eye ... and winked. Uh-oh. She was up to something. She was proved right only a moment later, when Adriana added with a wicked grin, "Fifty dollars, and if you lose, Bucklin, you have to sing a song of my choice during the free-for-all."
"Done!" Buck boomed, practically leaping across the table to shake his sister's hand. Nathan held out his hand, sighing as the others made their wagers. Mary chose to stay out of the bet. She would exact her own payment later. In the bedroom. Ezra, however, was backing Buck, while Vin backed his brother and Adriana. Josiah and Carly both stayed out of it, while Charlotte called over a ten dollar wager on Chris.
Chris rose to his feet, a wicked gleam appearing in his green eyes as he said, "Well, then. Looks like you just lost your bet, Buck. Little princess ... think of something good for him to sing. Because I know exactly what I'll be singing." Buck and Ezra's respective jaws dropped as the other side allowed Chris out of the booth. He paused long enough to kiss the top of Adriana's head, then sauntered up to the stage. Inez joined him, nodding when he made his request. This ... should be good.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sold (The Grundy County Auction) was written by Robb Royer and Richard Fagan, and released by John Michael Montgomery on his self-titled CD
Aw hell, cowboy ... ya wouldn't! Oh ... he definitely would!
Vin Tanner looked between his older brother and Buck Wilmington's shocked face. Not only had he lost money to his sister, but he had lost big. And while Buck would never be considered shy ... so his turn at singing wouldn't bother him ... neither he nor Vin had any idea what Adriana would choose for her older brother to sing.
His Drina was a devious lady, damn near capable of anything. He, of all people, had figured that out. Even before, he knew how devious she was. In fact, it wouldn't surprise him in the least if his brother and Drina set up this whole thing with Buck. Or at least, discussed what song Chris would sing, if Buck could figure out a way to git him up onto the damn stage in the first place. Yeah. That was real plausible.
As the lighting changed, a change came over Chris at the same time, even before the opening strains of 'Sold (The Grundy County Auction)' filled the room. Adriana laughed, clapping her hands in delight, while Vin glanced over at Mary. She was blushing and grinning at the same time. Evidently, she had figured out what was coming as well. Well, she should. Vin always knew she was a smart lady.
He had been thinking at the beginning of the night, that he wished more people could see his brother the way he, and the rest of his family, did. He had to remember to be careful what he wished for. An almost-silly grin was plastered to his brother's face, and most of the tension which had been so obvious in Chris was now gone. He looked relaxed. Too relaxed, in fact. And then Chris began to sing,
Well I went down to the Grundy County Auction
Where I saw something I just had to have
My mind told me I should proceed with caution
But my heart said, "Go ahead an' make a bid on that!"
An' I said, hey, pretty lady, won'cha gimme a sign
I'd give anything to make you mine all mine
I'll do your biddin' an' be at your beckon call
Yeah, I never seen anyone lookin' so fine
Man, I gotta have her, she's a one-of-a-kind
I'm goin' once, goin' twice,
I'm sold! On the lady in the second row
She's an eight, she's a nine, she's a ten, I know
She's got ruby red lips, blond hair, blue eyes
An' I'm about to bid my heart good-bye!
Well, the auctioneer was goin' about a mile a minute
He was takin' bids an' callin' them out loud
An' I guess I was really gettin' in it
'Cause I just shouted out above the crowd!
An' I said, hey, pretty lady, won'cha gimme a sign
I'd give anything to make you mine all mine
I'll do your biddin' an' be at your beckon call
Yeah, I never seen anyone lookin' so fine
Man, I gotta have her, she's a one-of-a-kind
I'm goin' once, goin' twice,
I'm sold! On the lady in the long black dress
Well she won my heart it was no contest
With her ruby red lips, blond hair, blue eyes
Well I'm about to bid my heart good-bye!
Yeah, we found love on the auction block
An' I hauled her heart away
Now we still love to laugh about
The way we met that day
When I said, hey, pretty lady, won'cha gimme a sign
I'd give anything to make you mine all mine
I'll do your biddin' an' be at your beckon call
Yeah, I never seen anyone lookin' so fine
Man, I gotta have her, she's a one-of-a-kind
I'm goin' once, goin' twice,
I'm sold! On the lady in the second row
She's an eight, she's a nine, she's a ten, I know
She's got ruby red lips, blond hair blue eyes
An' I'm about to bid my heart good-bye!
By now, Vin and Drina were both singing along, clapping and laughing, especially after Chris concluded with a triumphant 'Whoo!' Vin glanced over at Mary, whose face had turned about five shades of red in the last few minutes. But she was grinning and clapping along with everyone else. With a devilish grin of his own (and those were going around tonight), Chris replaced the microphone in its stand, swept a neat bow of his own, and bounded off the stage.
Drina bounced out of the booth and into Larabee's arms, hugging him tightly and exclaiming, "That was great, Chris, even better than when I was a kid!" Chris returned the embrace, swinging her around as if she was a small girl, before finally putting her on her feet once more. Vin scooted out of the booth behind his lady, exchanging his forearm to his brother. Chris reciprocated as the others on their side of the booth slid out to make room for him.
"Who's next? And Buck, not you ... you heard the lady. You have to wait until the free-for-all. At least to sing. I believe you owe your sister fifty dollars?" Chris asked, settling next to Mary once more. Bucklin was as good as his word, removing money from his wallet, and pulling out whatever he could spare, glaring at Chris all along. Adriana accepted the money happily, giving her brother a devastating smile. At least, Vin always found it devastating.
"Let's see ... I know better than to ask my nephew to get up on the stage. Who else signed up?" Aunt Jo asked, laughing. Her dark eyes moved over her companions, and Vin could actually see his aunt checking off names on a mental check list. She was right about one thing. There weren't no way in hell nobody was gittin' him up on that stage! He got too damn nervous in front of crowds.
"Well, Chris, Mary and Adriana have all done it. Buck will be doing it at the end of the night, from what I've been able to gather. Josiah ... Ezra ... what about you guys?" Carly questioned from behind Vin and Adriana.
"My turn is coming up, I'm sure ... I signed up and so did Ezra. Which reminds me, brother Ezra ... what song did you choose?" Josiah asked, looking at the negotiator. Vin raised his eyebrows, looking first at his lady, then twisting around to look at his sister. Carly was looking just as confused. Though that may have had something to do with her tryin' to figure out where Rafael Martinez was, since he was supposed to meet her.
"That, Dr. Sanchez, is between myself and ... oh screw this. You'll find out when I sing!" Ezra retorted. Vin blinked and looked around, seeing everyone else looking as confused as he now felt. At least until his eyes lit on someone who was talking to Inez at the bar. It took another minute before Vin's mind registered the identity of the newcomer. Aw hell ... Maude? What the hell was Maude doing here?
"This could get interesting," Drina murmured, her hand resting lightly on Vin's leg. Interesting? That was one way of looking at it, and Drina's voice dropped lower, "Although, that explains a lot. Ezra may decide to lose his convoluted speech for the night, just to irritate Maude. Hello ... what's this?" Vin tore his eyes away from Maude still talking to Inez and felt his jaw drop as Charlotte walked quietly up to the stage. Now what was she up to?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: 'Black Velvet' can be found on Alannah Myles' self-titled debut album, released in 1989, along with 'Lover of Mine.' Which would have been Charlotte's song, if I could have found the lyrics.
Years ago, when she thought about becoming a teacher of some kind, Charlotte had taken Public Speaking. It wasn't that she really considered herself shy ... she didn't. But if it could make her a better teacher, so much the better. Much to her surprise, she found she actually liked it. She called upon those lessons now, trying to still the demons in her heart and in her head. She had come to Karaoke Night to have fun ... dammit, it was time she did just that!
She steadily ignored Will glaring at her as she made her way up to the stage. She was so angry with him, she was afraid if she didn't ignore him, she would end up in jail, Tansy would end up in the custody of the state, and Will would end up six feet under. What was particularly troublesome to the archaeologist was how little that prospect bothered her. The idea of Will being six feet under at least, though she had no desire to end up in jail or to see her daughter end up as a ward of the state.
Charlotte made a mental note as she reached the top of the stairs and made eye contact with Inez, to signal she was ready, to ask Adriana how she would feel about becoming Tansy's legal guardian. Just in case. As Inez set up things from her end, Charlotte stepped closer to the microphone and said, "When I was in Texas, there was a female singer who was very popular with my own little group."
Charlotte's eyes drifted to the booth containing most of the Seven, and their ladies. She saw Adriana straightening up a bit in her seat ... and Carly doing the same in Charlotte's own booth. The archaeologist took a deep breath, then continued, "We would sit in the living room of my friend Dawn's apartment and listen to the album which produced this song. There was actually another song from that album which I wanted to sing tonight, but the lyrics aren't available for that."
Here, she smiled at Inez, then continued, "When all is said and done, 'Lover of Mine' says what needs to be said ... but I think 'Black Velvet' will work just as well. Alannah Myles was that singer, from so long ago ... no, not Alanis Morrisette, although she's also Canadian." Charlotte was rewarded with a laugh from the younger members of the audience, and she smiled, even as the opening keys of 'Black Velvet' echoed through the room.
Charlotte held the microphone a little more firmly, her eyes connecting first with Will, then with the Seven. The ladies would understand why she had chosen that ... and maybe, if Carly didn't feel like killing Will, she could explain it to him. The words washed over her, returning to that time ... a time of friendship and total acceptance. A time when it wasn't necessary to make a promise to her best friend that she would leave her husband if he turned abusive.
Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high
Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky
The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for
Now Charlotte gave herself completely over to the words, the way she always did when she sang as a girl. She could almost feel that Mississippi heat, she who had grown up in the Texas heat. In her mind's eye, she could see her mother dancing against the setting sun in the summer sky. Despite the sultry tone of the song, it returned her to her own age of innocence, just as surely as that Gou'ald desire machine did the same to Vin. Remembering the sweet five year old boy who had briefly taken Vin's place, remembering that little boy's smile, Charlotte's heart ached and she sang out clearly, her voice ringing with passion,
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave
White lightning, bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl
"Love Me Tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle
The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for
Longing. That was something she knew well. Longing to turn back the clock to the day before Allison's death ... later, longing to see her husband smile at her, or touch her the way he did before their baby died. And later still, a simple longing for kindness of any kind. A gentle word, a gentle touch, a warm smile. Oh yes, longing was something Charlotte Richmond knew a great deal about.
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
Every word of every song that he sang was for you
In a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?
Will. Charlotte was grateful for the instrumental in this section, because the tightness in her chest when she thought of five year old Kevin had pushed into her throat when she thought about her husband and the way her marriage was dissolving around her. She lowered her head, moving in time to the music, but that was as much to hide the tears as anything else. In a flash he was gone ... what could you do? What could she do?
She didn't have the energy to keep fighting for a marriage, if she was the only one fighting for it. She still loved Will ... that hadn't changed. But her patience was wearing away, and grieving for those years before Allison's death, for those months after she and Will joined Stargate Command, and Will's insecurity resurfaced, made her angry, and the anger made her voice all the more passionate as she sang defiantly,
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
If you please, if you please, if you please.
So lost she was in her memories, Charlotte would have forgotten that she was singing for an audience, if Inez hadn't thoughtfully changed the lighting again. Inez, followed by Carly bounding to her feet, applauding like mad. Charlotte forced a smile and bowed, just as she was taught in elementary school, then replaced the microphone, once more leaving the stage to ever-growing applause.
And as she approached her booth, she saw in the faces of those important people who had been with her in Texas ... understanding.
She was especially glad for that understanding, particularly from a very special couple, when she reached her booth and Will grabbed her arm, hissing, "What the hell did you think you were doing, getting up and singing that song? You made me look like a fool, and yourself like a slut!" Anything else he might have said was quickly silenced when he was surrounded by two very pissed off Tanner twins, and an equally pissed off junior Wilmington.
"You best sit your ass down, Will ... because there are a few gentlemen at the next table who know how to treat a lady. And they really don't like a jackass who manhandles his wife for singing a song the way it's meant to be sung," Carly Tanner advised in a low voice as Adriana pulled Charlotte back. Will started forward, no doubt to push past Carly, but a third complication arrived in the form of Rafael Martinez.
"Sit ... down ... Dr. Richmond. If you were any kind of husband, you would have offered your support when your wife went up onto the stage. She is still recovering from a broken ankle ... remember?" the Latino colonel hissed. Charlotte was starting to remember. She had been so busy, taking care of Tansy the last few days, she had forgotten about her ankle. And now, it was killing her. Damn. Her daughter was well again, but the same couldn't be said of Charlotte. One of these days, that stubborn streak would get her into trouble.
Forced back into his seat by a combination of a Carly Tanner Glower, a Vin Tanner Look, and Rafael's words, Will continued to sulk. Charlotte thought longingly about taking her daughter and spending the night elsewhere, then remembered how Will often stayed out all night when he was sulking. Satisfied that Will would behave himself, Vin and Drina went back to what they were doing, while first Rafael, then Carly slipped into the booth before Carly helped Charlotte sit down. It was worth it. Just to sing again. It was worth it.
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