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lyricaltitlesTitle: 'Under Neon Lights, We Claim This Town'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: First line of a song
Artist: Steve Perry
Album: Traces
Song: 'Still Here'
Summary: This is a large city. There's enough prey to go around.
The sparkling lights of the city dazzle the vision of anyone who looks at them. Any human, that is. With your far more acute vision, as a vampire, you can make out the subtleties between the almost ultraviolet neon glow, and the still lingering glimmer of twilight in the darkening sky.
Now and then, among the bustling human throng, you see others of your kind. Also out on the hunt. Blending in with the unsuspecting mortals.
You nod at each other as you pass by. Acknowledgement, subtle but present. No one ever interferes with another vampire's hunt. This is a large city. There's enough prey to go around. Enough that no one vampire has any specific claim. To stake claims is to invite conflict.
It's far simpler just to share.
Title: 'Glowing Dim as an Ember'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: PG
Warnings: Brief fantasy violence; murder
Notes: Song with a month in the title
Artist: Deana Carter
Album: Anastasia OST
Song: 'Once Upon a December'
Summary: "Nice piece of art," he muttered, turning away.
Al stared at the small crystal spike on the shelf, unimpressed.
"'Demon Encased in Quartz'," he read from the display card that rested on the shelf beside it. "Malarkey."
Indeed, it looked like a tiny figure was trapped within the clear quartz. Though dismissive, Al couldn't deny that he felt a strange sensation as he looked at the little thing. It looked somewhat humanoid, and filled with malice.
"Nice piece of art," he muttered, turning away. "But there's no such thing as a demon."
Then shatter the crystal.
He blinked at the suggestion that had abruptly formed somewhere in his mind. "Huh?"
Shatter the crystal, if you don't believe...
Slowly, Al turned back to the crystal. A moment ago, it had seemed mere quartz. Ordinary, apart from the humanoid occlusion at its center.
Shatter the crystal, mortal man...
Now, the crystal was gleaming. Flickering, like a faint and dying ember in a fireplace.
Shatter the crystal...release me...you will be rewarded...
Almost of its own volition, one of Al's hands reached out. Wrapped around the shard of quartz. It felt oddly hot to the touch.
He stepped back, crystal in hand. Opened his fingers, letting it drop to the floor.
It shattered in an explosion of glittering dust and sharp fragments. The eerie glow brightened, briefly dazzling Al's vision.
When his eyes cleared, an enormous being stood over him. It seemed almost to be formed of pure fire, or magma.
You have set me free, the figure stated, though still only in Al's mind. Now receive your payment...
It waved one huge, clawed hand. In one brief, agonizing instant, Al was enrobed in flames.
A moment later, he was nothing but ash.
Title: 'Nightfall Covers Me, But You Know The Plans I'm Making'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: No
Notes: Lyric with "night" or "day"
Artist: Duran Duran
Album: The Singles 1986-1995
Song: 'A View to a Kill'
Summary: "Perhaps my nemesis is on to something," he murmurs.
When Evil Ernest drags me into his lair, he doesn't even bother to tie me to the chair he places me in. He gave that up several abductions ago.
He sits across from me, smiling. "I suppose you'd like to hear my latest plans," he begins.
I shrug, getting comfortable. "Oh, I imagine it's the usual. The same as over the past few months. A few hours of pleasant chats, until your nemesis comes to my rescue."
Ernest laughs, pouring us each some wine. "Then the usual it is. Unless you miss the old maniacal cackling and gloating. Well, Kathie? What do you think? Would you care for that?"
"Nah; not really." I accept my glass, and take a sip; Ernest's long past the point of drugging it, so I know there's nothing to worry about. "That was honestly a little boring. I like you better like this, as a fun person to while away the time with."
He tilts his head, his smile widening. "I'm flattered; thank you. If you don't mind my saying so, you're a delightful pawn. I always look forward to abducting you."
Just then, the communications unit nearby begins to buzz. Surprised, Ernest turns to activate it. A screen blinks to life, and we both face it.
On the other end is Harvey the Hero. He waves, grinning. "Hello, you two. Enjoying yourselves?"
"Where in the world are you," Ernest asks. He consults his watch. "You're supposed to be on your way to my lair, right now. We're expecting you to burst in, in a few hours. Kathie's expecting you to come and save her from my clutches."
"I'm not coming tonight," Harvey replies. "I'll take a rain check."
I stare up at the screen. "A rain check," I echo, befuddled "So, what...you're not going to rescue me, this time?"
Harvey chuckles, rolling his eyes. "Honestly? At this rate, I ship you two, now. Enjoy yourselves. See you both some other night."
The transmission cuts out, the screen going black. Once again, Evil Ernest and I are alone.
"He ships us," I mutter, disbelieving. "Harvey actually ships us, like a fan watching their favorite television program? Us?"
Ernest turns back to face me. There's a befuddled look in his eyes; but there's also a sparkle there.
"Perhaps my nemesis is on to something," he murmurs. "We do enjoy each other's company, after all. Well," he continues, clapping his hands. "It looks like you're not getting away from me tonight, Kathie. Suppose we have a nice, long discussion about Hero Harvey's plans for us?"
Title: 'As You Rock in the Misty Sea'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: Nursery rhyme
Artist: N/A; American Nursery Rhyme
Album: N/A; published March 9, 1889
Song: 'Wynken, Blynken, and Nod'
Summary: All around is the sharp scent of brine and kelp.
I walk along the shoreline, the sand soft underneath my feet. The sun is slowly dipping below the horizon, casting the scattered clouds overhead into hues of orange and pink.
Waves lap gently at the amber sands, occasionally sliding over my bare feet. It's cool and soothing, its sound a gentle and relaxing whispering in my ears.
All around is the sharp scent of brine and kelp. Sea birds dart about across the sand, trying to catch the sand fleas that occasionally are washed out of their burrows.
Off in the distance, I see a mist beginning to form, as the tide rolls in and the temperature cools.
I could stay here forever, just basking in it all.
Title: 'All That Red Wine and Candlelight'
Author:but_can_i_be_trusted
Fandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mind control; brief vampiric violence
Notes: Lyric with "red" "green" or "blue"
Artist: The Eagles
Album: Long Road out of Eden
Song: 'Frail Grasp on the Big Picture'
Summary: I try to stand, but his hands grip my shoulders, keeping me in place.
When I enter the apartment and find it lit only by flickering candlelight, and hear soft music, I'm brought up short.
"I thought you asked me up here to discuss business," I murmur, hearing Bertrand quietly locking the door behind me. "What kind of business is this supposed to be?"
Bertrand chuckles, guiding me to a table. "You'll find out soon enough," he tells me, offering me a seat.
Sitting down, I notice a bottle of wine. "If you think this 'business' is going to be some wine-and-dine seduction," I warn him, "then you've got another think coming. I don't drink."
"That's quite alright," he responds, standing over me. "I don't need mere alcohol to keep you compliant."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I try to stand, but his hands grip my shoulders, keeping me in place. "Let go!"
He leans in close, until our faces are inches apart. His eyes bore into mine, and his lips part in a smile. One that bares gleaming fangs.
"I don't intend to let go," he whispers, one hand leaving my shoulder, to grip my chin and hold my head in place. "Ever. That is the business I called you here for: To serve as tonight's meal. Now, hold still..."
Between his grip, and the hypnotic influence that I already feel myself falling under, I can't help keeping still. His grin widening, Bertrand leans in closer still, until his mouth is at my throat.
"It'll be over in minutes," he whispers against my skin, before biting.
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: First line of a song
Artist: Steve Perry
Album: Traces
Song: 'Still Here'
Summary: This is a large city. There's enough prey to go around.
The sparkling lights of the city dazzle the vision of anyone who looks at them. Any human, that is. With your far more acute vision, as a vampire, you can make out the subtleties between the almost ultraviolet neon glow, and the still lingering glimmer of twilight in the darkening sky.
Now and then, among the bustling human throng, you see others of your kind. Also out on the hunt. Blending in with the unsuspecting mortals.
You nod at each other as you pass by. Acknowledgement, subtle but present. No one ever interferes with another vampire's hunt. This is a large city. There's enough prey to go around. Enough that no one vampire has any specific claim. To stake claims is to invite conflict.
It's far simpler just to share.
Title: 'Glowing Dim as an Ember'
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: PG
Warnings: Brief fantasy violence; murder
Notes: Song with a month in the title
Artist: Deana Carter
Album: Anastasia OST
Song: 'Once Upon a December'
Summary: "Nice piece of art," he muttered, turning away.
Al stared at the small crystal spike on the shelf, unimpressed.
"'Demon Encased in Quartz'," he read from the display card that rested on the shelf beside it. "Malarkey."
Indeed, it looked like a tiny figure was trapped within the clear quartz. Though dismissive, Al couldn't deny that he felt a strange sensation as he looked at the little thing. It looked somewhat humanoid, and filled with malice.
"Nice piece of art," he muttered, turning away. "But there's no such thing as a demon."
Then shatter the crystal.
He blinked at the suggestion that had abruptly formed somewhere in his mind. "Huh?"
Shatter the crystal, if you don't believe...
Slowly, Al turned back to the crystal. A moment ago, it had seemed mere quartz. Ordinary, apart from the humanoid occlusion at its center.
Shatter the crystal, mortal man...
Now, the crystal was gleaming. Flickering, like a faint and dying ember in a fireplace.
Shatter the crystal...release me...you will be rewarded...
Almost of its own volition, one of Al's hands reached out. Wrapped around the shard of quartz. It felt oddly hot to the touch.
He stepped back, crystal in hand. Opened his fingers, letting it drop to the floor.
It shattered in an explosion of glittering dust and sharp fragments. The eerie glow brightened, briefly dazzling Al's vision.
When his eyes cleared, an enormous being stood over him. It seemed almost to be formed of pure fire, or magma.
You have set me free, the figure stated, though still only in Al's mind. Now receive your payment...
It waved one huge, clawed hand. In one brief, agonizing instant, Al was enrobed in flames.
A moment later, he was nothing but ash.
Title: 'Nightfall Covers Me, But You Know The Plans I'm Making'
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: No
Notes: Lyric with "night" or "day"
Artist: Duran Duran
Album: The Singles 1986-1995
Song: 'A View to a Kill'
Summary: "Perhaps my nemesis is on to something," he murmurs.
When Evil Ernest drags me into his lair, he doesn't even bother to tie me to the chair he places me in. He gave that up several abductions ago.
He sits across from me, smiling. "I suppose you'd like to hear my latest plans," he begins.
I shrug, getting comfortable. "Oh, I imagine it's the usual. The same as over the past few months. A few hours of pleasant chats, until your nemesis comes to my rescue."
Ernest laughs, pouring us each some wine. "Then the usual it is. Unless you miss the old maniacal cackling and gloating. Well, Kathie? What do you think? Would you care for that?"
"Nah; not really." I accept my glass, and take a sip; Ernest's long past the point of drugging it, so I know there's nothing to worry about. "That was honestly a little boring. I like you better like this, as a fun person to while away the time with."
He tilts his head, his smile widening. "I'm flattered; thank you. If you don't mind my saying so, you're a delightful pawn. I always look forward to abducting you."
Just then, the communications unit nearby begins to buzz. Surprised, Ernest turns to activate it. A screen blinks to life, and we both face it.
On the other end is Harvey the Hero. He waves, grinning. "Hello, you two. Enjoying yourselves?"
"Where in the world are you," Ernest asks. He consults his watch. "You're supposed to be on your way to my lair, right now. We're expecting you to burst in, in a few hours. Kathie's expecting you to come and save her from my clutches."
"I'm not coming tonight," Harvey replies. "I'll take a rain check."
I stare up at the screen. "A rain check," I echo, befuddled "So, what...you're not going to rescue me, this time?"
Harvey chuckles, rolling his eyes. "Honestly? At this rate, I ship you two, now. Enjoy yourselves. See you both some other night."
The transmission cuts out, the screen going black. Once again, Evil Ernest and I are alone.
"He ships us," I mutter, disbelieving. "Harvey actually ships us, like a fan watching their favorite television program? Us?"
Ernest turns back to face me. There's a befuddled look in his eyes; but there's also a sparkle there.
"Perhaps my nemesis is on to something," he murmurs. "We do enjoy each other's company, after all. Well," he continues, clapping his hands. "It looks like you're not getting away from me tonight, Kathie. Suppose we have a nice, long discussion about Hero Harvey's plans for us?"
Title: 'As You Rock in the Misty Sea'
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Notes: Nursery rhyme
Artist: N/A; American Nursery Rhyme
Album: N/A; published March 9, 1889
Song: 'Wynken, Blynken, and Nod'
Summary: All around is the sharp scent of brine and kelp.
I walk along the shoreline, the sand soft underneath my feet. The sun is slowly dipping below the horizon, casting the scattered clouds overhead into hues of orange and pink.
Waves lap gently at the amber sands, occasionally sliding over my bare feet. It's cool and soothing, its sound a gentle and relaxing whispering in my ears.
All around is the sharp scent of brine and kelp. Sea birds dart about across the sand, trying to catch the sand fleas that occasionally are washed out of their burrows.
Off in the distance, I see a mist beginning to form, as the tide rolls in and the temperature cools.
I could stay here forever, just basking in it all.
Title: 'All That Red Wine and Candlelight'
Author:
but_can_i_be_trustedFandom: Original Fiction
Characters: Original
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mind control; brief vampiric violence
Notes: Lyric with "red" "green" or "blue"
Artist: The Eagles
Album: Long Road out of Eden
Song: 'Frail Grasp on the Big Picture'
Summary: I try to stand, but his hands grip my shoulders, keeping me in place.
When I enter the apartment and find it lit only by flickering candlelight, and hear soft music, I'm brought up short.
"I thought you asked me up here to discuss business," I murmur, hearing Bertrand quietly locking the door behind me. "What kind of business is this supposed to be?"
Bertrand chuckles, guiding me to a table. "You'll find out soon enough," he tells me, offering me a seat.
Sitting down, I notice a bottle of wine. "If you think this 'business' is going to be some wine-and-dine seduction," I warn him, "then you've got another think coming. I don't drink."
"That's quite alright," he responds, standing over me. "I don't need mere alcohol to keep you compliant."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I try to stand, but his hands grip my shoulders, keeping me in place. "Let go!"
He leans in close, until our faces are inches apart. His eyes bore into mine, and his lips part in a smile. One that bares gleaming fangs.
"I don't intend to let go," he whispers, one hand leaving my shoulder, to grip my chin and hold my head in place. "Ever. That is the business I called you here for: To serve as tonight's meal. Now, hold still..."
Between his grip, and the hypnotic influence that I already feel myself falling under, I can't help keeping still. His grin widening, Bertrand leans in closer still, until his mouth is at my throat.
"It'll be over in minutes," he whispers against my skin, before biting.