Vamps in Chaos

Chapter Ten: Lost in Translation

A week of relatively quiet nights had lulled Babe and Billy into a false sense of normalcy. The witches had gone silent, and there were no new council letters, no mysterious visitors—just blissful calm. But Babe, never one to let boredom win, decided it was high time for another "educational outing" for his favorite ancient vampire.

"Alright," Babe said, his eyes gleaming with excitement as they walked through the bustling streets. "Today's lesson? Social dynamics. And I have the perfect place in mind."

Billy eyed him warily. "Should I... be concerned?"

Babe smirked, giving Billy a friendly nudge. "Relax. We're going to a karaoke bar. It's like a... place for singing and socializing. People pick a song, sing it, usually off-key, and somehow, it's fun."

Billy looked dubious. "Singing... in public? Voluntarily?"

"Yep!" Babe grinned, practically bouncing on his heels. "It's modern bonding at its finest."

They walked through the doors, greeted by neon lights, the hum of pop music, and a crowd of people already buzzing with excitement. Billy's gaze flicked around, a mixture of horror and confusion as he took in the colorful decor and the massive screen showing lyrics in bright, blinding fonts.

"Welcome to modern culture, Billy," Babe said, leading him over to a small table. "Here's the plan: we order drinks, kick back, and just... vibe. Easy."

Billy glanced at the stage where a particularly enthusiastic group was belting out a pop song, each note wildly off-pitch. He winced, his shoulders tensing. "And... this is considered enjoyable?"

"Trust me, it's a blast," Babe replied, waving down a waiter and ordering them both a round. "You get used to it. Just think of it as... people celebrating their love of music."

When their drinks arrived, Babe raised his glass, gesturing for Billy to do the same. "To embracing the ridiculous!"

Billy gave him a skeptical look but clinked his glass with Babe's. "To... embracing the ridiculous."

As the night wore on, Babe loosened up, singing along to a few songs and thoroughly enjoying himself, while Billy observed with a mixture of bewilderment and something that looked suspiciously like amusement. Finally, after a few rounds of drinks and several cringe-worthy performances from fellow patrons, Babe nudged Billy, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Your turn, man."

Billy froze, setting down his glass with the kind of careful precision that suggested he was buying time. "You... want me to sing?"

Babe grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "Yep. Come on, pick a song. I'll even do backup if you want."

Billy looked at the screen, his expression utterly lost as he scanned the playlist of modern hits. "I... am unfamiliar with these... selections."

"Alright, let's make it easy. I'll pick a classic." Babe scrolled through the options, landing on a song that had survived generations: Sweet Caroline. "This one's a crowd-pleaser. Just follow my lead."

Before Billy could protest, the opening chords blared through the speakers, and Babe grabbed his arm, dragging him up to the microphone. Billy held the mic awkwardly, like it was some strange, foreign weapon, glancing around as the crowd clapped and cheered, clearly thrilled at the sight of a newcomer on stage.

"Just sing along to the lyrics," Babe whispered, giving him an encouraging smile. "It's easy, I swear."

Billy took a deep breath as the first verse started, his gaze flicking between the lyrics on the screen and the expectant faces in the crowd. He opened his mouth, his voice low and hesitant, but somehow, despite everything, he managed to keep up with the lyrics, his old-world charm adding an unintentionally dramatic flair to the simple lines.

When they hit the chorus, Babe took over, belting out "Sweet Caroline!" with enthusiastic abandon. The crowd joined in, and to Babe's surprise, Billy—faintly embarrassed but determined—not only kept up but actually leaned into the ridiculousness of it.

By the second chorus, Billy was smiling, a genuine, wide smile as he let the music carry him. He didn't even flinch when a group of strangers raised their drinks in a toast, cheering him on. And for a brief moment, Babe felt an odd warmth, watching Billy shed his usual reserve in favor of something freer, something unburdened.

As the song ended, the crowd erupted into applause, clapping and cheering as Babe gave Billy a victorious nudge. "See? Not so bad, huh?"

Billy shook his head, his cheeks slightly flushed. "It was... invigorating. And... strangely enjoyable."

"Welcome to modern bonding," Babe said, leading him back to their table. "Who knew all it took was a little Neil Diamond?"

Just as they were settling down, one of the patrons—a guy in a loud Hawaiian shirt and a slightly tipsy grin—stumbled over to their table, clapping Billy on the back with a little too much enthusiasm. "Dude, you were awesome up there! Where'd you learn to sing like that?"

Billy, looking vaguely horrified at the sudden contact, gave a polite, formal nod. "I... simply followed the lyrics."

The guy laughed, clearly oblivious to Billy's discomfort, and leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Alright, next round's on me! Let's get you guys some shots!"

Before Billy could protest, the guy disappeared to the bar, leaving Babe laughing as he watched Billy's mortified expression.

"Looks like you made a fan," Babe teased, nudging him.

Billy straightened, trying to regain his composure. "I... did not anticipate this level of... camaraderie."

The guy returned moments later with a tray of shots, distributing them with a cheer. "To new friends!" he announced, lifting his glass.

Babe raised his shot with a grin. "To new friends!" He nudged Billy, who hesitated, then raised his glass with resigned dignity.

"To... new friends," Billy said, clinking his glass and downing the shot in one smooth motion. The alcohol hit fast, and he blinked, his normally composed expression slipping into something almost bewildered as the warmth spread.

Babe stifled a laugh, watching Billy try to process the effects of the shot. "First time with tequila?"

Billy shook his head, his voice a touch unsteady. "It is... potent."

Just as Babe was about to suggest they call it a night, the crowd began chanting, urging them back onto the stage. Babe laughed, giving Billy a teasing glance. "Round two?"

Billy sighed, though there was a faint twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "Very well. If it must be done... let us proceed."

And as they took the stage once again, Babe couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was the most fun he'd had in a century.