Strike A Bargain

1. (Melia)

"Who's got the next round then?" roared Stefan. The noise level in the crowded pub was at a peak.

"Well it's Brian's turn, but of course he's nipped off to the loo or sommat." yelled Steve. "Typical of the little bugger." It was at that moment two things happened at once: Stefan bent over to pick up the cigarette he'd just dropped, narrowly escaping certain death from a misfired dart, and Brian returned from the bar with drinks for the lads.

"What's this? Brian has bought us drinks Stefan." Stef sat up and yanked the dart out of the woodwork and looked at it.

"That could have gone right in my eye. I might have died just now." He looked at his mates and then at the dart. "Right in my eye..." His voice trailed off.

"Stefan, just drink your pint. She'll be here any minute." said Steve.

"I really don't know why she said to meet her in this horrid pub. It's a jockrock bar for fuck's sake!" bellowed Brian, perhaps a little too loudly. Several rowdy patrons eyed little Brian Molko suspiciously.

He noticed this and yelled across the room, "Hello my lovelies!" and waved like a coquette.

Fortunately for Brian, the music picked up and drowned him out.

"Jesus Fecking Christ Brian, I think you actually enjoy getting your ass kicked." Steve sank as low as he could into his seat, trying in vain to look like he didn't know Brian.

"No I prefer other things done to my ass dear, I was just hoping one of those gentlemen would like to oblige me."

"You never know Steve," noted Stef, "They look quite repressed."

"Stefan, Brian, now is not the time to dick around with drunk rudeboys in a Firkin Pub. Max will be here soon."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Max plopped down next to Brian.

"Hello gorgeous. Who's buying?" She looked at the boys.

"Max, DARLING!" They cried in unison.

She flashed them a brilliant smile. "I'm sorry for making you guys come here, I know how much you despise it."

"Not at all honey, I was about to try my hand at pulling the bloke on the left with the mullet." grinned Brian.

"Well I got here just in time then!"

Steve left to get Max her drink and she engaged in some small talk until her returned.

Brian turned towards her, "Max why the fuck are we here anyway? You KNOW I hate Firkins!"

"Yes and that's precisely why I brought you here." She grinned devilishly. "Life is much more fun when you're out of your element - you never know what will happen!"

"Cheeky." He was a little put out, but laughed good-naturedly anyway.

Steve returned with her vodka and orange. She downed it in a couple swallows. Her mood became more solemn and she sighed a little. "Let's get out of here. Paul has something for you."

The three immediately became uneasy and they glanced at each other. It was Brian who broke the silence.

"Paul has something for us? Couldn't he just give it to you?"

"Oh no my beautiful one. I'm under strict orders, so let's be off."

They stood up and gathered their various cigarrette packs and lighters and headed for the door.

Brian couldn't resist one last, sort of 'Fuck-you' to the mullet-boy; he turned to him and mouthed the words "Call me".

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2. (Melia)

The foursome walked through the oddly deserted streets of Islington, Max leading the way. Occasionally some little goth girl or boy would pop out of some doorway and scream at Brian. It was a bit surreal.

"Funny how they appear in the dark like that, and yet we can sit in a flourescent-lit pub and no one recognises us." mused Brian as he sent a giggling goth boy off with an autograph and caught up Max.

"Well they're creatures of the night aren't they? So they keep telling me anyway. Harldy the type to hang out at the Finnock and Firkin." she answered.

"True enough. So where are we going?"

"Darling you know I'm not supposed to tell you until we get there. Paul's rules - you should know that." Max was a little disappointed in Brian. He knew the rules, yet he never failed to try and break them - or get her to break them. She quickened her pace a bit and Brian had a time of it trying to keep up, her stride was longer than his.

She turned left, passing a Sainsbury's, and headed up a street lined with rather posh rowhouses. She looked back and saw Brian struggling to keep up and smiled to herself. It's good to keep him on his toes, she thought to herself. Steve managed to grab Brian's hand and sort of pull him along.

"Nearly there boys!" she called back.

Brian was huffing. Even Stefan had difficulty keeping up with Max. they're apprehension grew with each step.

"What's the fucking rush Max?" Brian asked, out of breath.

"I've got a schedule to keep my lovely. Paul will be very unhappy with me if I don't keep to it and might not let me play with you anymore."

She stopped in front of one of the homes. It was nondescript, like every other place along the road: three stories up with balconies at each level. The only odd thing was the light coming from the windows. It wasn't very brilliant - sort of shimmery, as if it were candlelight. It was a cold, black night with no moon out and this gave a even creepier feel to the place. They stood together in the unkempt garden, Brian clinging to Steve, and gazed at the house. Max was at the door.

"Well? Come on fellas, you have to get it over with. It won't be so bad, I promise." With that, Max disappeared inside.

"Fuck me it's cold out here." whined Stefan. "Let's get inside." He looked at his mates, hoping one of them would take the first step towards the ominous-looking house. They stared back as if to say "You first.".

He sighed and headed for the door.

Brian looked up at Steve. "I'm a little frightened Steve. What if Paul is actually in there?" Steve didn't say it, but he'd been worried about the very same thing and knowing it frightened the usually unflappable Brian worried him even more.

"Well Stefan is inside now and I don't hear any screaming, so it's probably ok." he didn't sound very convincing.

Somehow they gathered up their resolve and walked into the house. The first thing that confronted them was Paul. He smiled at them and took pleasure in seeing them falter.

"P-Paul!" Brian and Steve remained close to the front door, ready to bolt. Stefan was not far off, trying to stand behind Max, hoping Paul wouldn't look his way. But he did.

"Stefan... Brian.. Steven.. Please follow me." Paul gestured towards the red-carpeted staircase and bade them to follow him. With a flourish he turned on his heel, his thick velvet robe billowing out behind him as he climbed the steps.

"Fuck it." Brian stepped away from Steve and followed Paul. Steve and Stefan spared one last glance at each other and reluctantly followed.

Paul led them into a darkened room on the third level. What little light in the room was given off by a fire in the hearth at the end of the room. There was a bed in the middle of the room and placed a little to the left of that were two chairs. One for him and one for Max. Other than that, the room was devoid of any decoration. No pictures on the ruby-red walls, no rugs on the polished wood floor. Paul took his seat in one of the two large wing-backed chairs facing the bed. Max seated herself in the other and looked at the boys apologetically.

Brian ventured to speak, clearing his throat a little. "Erm... What did you have to show us Paul?" His skin felt clammy, a thin veil of sweat appeared on his brow.

"All in good time Brian. All in good time. Please..." He gestured towards the bed, "Have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable."

Brian, Stef and Steve automatically did as they were told and situated themselves on the bed. It was a large four-poster affair. Brian sat in the middle, resting his back against the headboard while Stefan and Steve crowded close to him on either side.

"I realise you are rather bewildered right now, and no doubt are a little frightened. I will set your mind at ease." He reached underneath his chair and pulled out a smallish-box tied with a green satin bow and tossed it to Brian. "Open it Brian.. Brian the beautiful..."

Brian slowly untied the bow and lifted the lid. Inside he found several black silk scarves. He felt his body lurch as he began to get an idea of what Paul wanted. He lifted them up and looked at Paul.

"The time has come. I have upheld my end of the deal and you are now 'famous rock stars'. Now it is your turn to uphold your end."

Max shifted in her seat and looked uncomfortable. Until now, she had no idea what Paul wanted with her friends. Now though... Now she understood and she felt very sorry for the boys.

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3. (Melia)
May 12, 1994....

Brian stormed downstairs to the pub. He couldn't take much more of Robert's shit, homophobic bastard that he was. The band was never going to get anywhere with him in the lineup and it frustrated him. He had big plans and none of them involved Robert. He grabbed his pint and stomped over to where Stefan had been quietly sitting, waiting for the storm to pass.
"I'm sorry Stef. He just pisses me off! Why don't you ever get angry with him? I can tell you hate his fag jokes."
"I do. But what good is yelling and screaming going to do? It's futile. So I come down here and get a drink. It calms me down. C'mon Bri - let it go this time, we have a gig in a couple of hours."
Brian growled. He scanned the room, hoping Robert had decided to hole up in their room above the pub. "At least I won't have to look at him before the show." he thought to himself. It was then that he noticed the man. He was seated in the far corner of the room, silently boring his eyes right into Brian's. Brian found he couldn't turn away - the man was mesmerizing! His hair was shimmery, silver-white hair was slicked back. His feral green eyes stood out against his pale skin and blood-red lips. He was dressed impeccably in a crisp, black Armani.
The man stood up suddenly, but Brian didn't take his eyes off of him as he made his way over to their table. He stood towering over Brian, looking down on him with a benign smile on his rather gaunt features.
"Hello my lovely." He ran a cold finger along Brian's chin.
The man pulled a chair over and gracefully sat down, crossing his legs. He extended his hand towards Stefan. "My name is Paul. I've been watching you boys for some time now and I couldn't help notice that you're having a bit of a problem with your little band."
"How did you..." began Stefan, absently grasping his hand, grimacing at it's coolness.
"Nevermind how I know this. Suffice to say that Brian here is very vocal, and I'm very intuitive... I can help you with your problem, if you'll let me..."
Brian spoke up now. "How did you know my name?"
"As I said, I'm intuitive, as well as observant. I know that your name is Brian Molko, this gentleman to my left is Stefan Olsdal, and your third member is called Robert Scultzberg. I know that you Stefan, are gay but still 'in the closet' so to speak." Stefan was shocked. "And you Brian, you prefer boys and girls. A commendable attitude if I do say so myself. Your problem lies in the fact that Robert is very homophobic."
"Who the hell are you?" asked Brian, completely taken aback.
"I'm called Paul. I like you Brian, very much. I want to help you, but you must want to be helped. You must ask me. I can make you famous."
"Brian," interrupted Stefan. "he's probably some old queen who wants a shag."
This sent Paul into peals of laughter. "Oh my dears.. I'm not 'some old queen' as you so eloquently put it. I'm merely someone who wishes to give you what you long for..." At this he looked deeply into Brian's eyes. "Think of it Brian. Your name in lights? Headlining act with bands to support *you* for a change - No more playing in back alley dives with terrible acoustics. Freedom to do what you want, say what you want... fuck who you want? I can give you all of that. You just have to ask."
Brian felt drawn to this man. He couldn't explain it, but Paul seemed so... so... sinister, despite his upscale clothes and impeccable upper-class accent, yet he couldn't help but believe his wild promises.
Stefan cut in. "And what do we have to do for you then? Sign our names in blood? Promise our souls? Suck your cock?"
That laughter again.
"Nothing like that my darling. When the time comes for me to redeem my part of the bargain, you'll know. Until then all you have to do is enjoy your successes and excesses."
Stefan was leery and Brian was wavering. "How will you perform this magic trick, Paul?" Brian queried.
"That leibschen, is a trade secret, and you will simply have to trust me. A leap of faith, I know."
Sensing Stefan's reluctance, he sighed. "We need to think it over Paul. This is a just a little bit wierd, you know?"
"I understand Brian. I will be waiting." Brian glanced at Stef who was looking down at his drink. When he turned back to say something to Paul, he was gone. Startled, Brian stood up, knocking over his chair and looked all over the pub. Paul was nowhere to be found.
"Jesus! That was fucking crazy!" Stefan was saying. "What the fuck does he mean, he can make us famous? What utter bullshit Brian."
Brian picked up his chair and sat back down, thinking hard. "What if it's true though Stef? Maybe he's just an agent with an odd approach? What if he really can make it happen for us? I want to do it."
"Brian do you hear yourself? The man was obviously psycho, and you're ready to go along with him???"
"Life is about taking chances Stefan. we're not going anywhere right now, what harm could it do to see what Paul has up his sleeve?"
Stefan sighed, knowing that arguing with Brian was like arguing with a brick wall. Once he got an idea in his head, he was unstoppable.
"Fine then Brian, but when that old man corners you in some filthy toilet and makes you suck his dick, don't bitch about it to me."
---
The next night Brian went down to the pub to buy some more smokes and was standing at the bar when Paul whispered in his ear, "Have you made your decision?"
"Fuck! You scared the hell out of me!"
Paul smiled. "I'm sorry." He said nothing more for some time. Brian waited until the bartender handed him his pack. He deliberately took his time packing it and unwrapping the cellophane. He shook one out and offered it to Paul, who declined. He took it himself and lit it.
"So how famous will we be then?"
---
Later in the week, after one of their best gigs yet, a man from Hut Records approached them and begged Placebo to sign with his label. Soon after they did they were cutting their first album. 'Nancy Boy' was a huge hit, despite Brian's embarrassment at having written such a cak song but he couldn't complain about all the attention the band were getting. Occasionally they would get a note from Paul telling them where they'd play next. They never saw Paul at all. The notes were usually delivered by an exquisite young lady called Max whom Brian quite fancied. The parties she invited them to were outrageous. It really was a rock and roll lifestyle and he was enjoying it to the hilt. There was still the question of Robert though.
---
Max arrived backstage, out of breath, and she had someone with her. Brian and Stefan were nicking a quick fag before the show. Robert, as usual, was sulking in the dressing room.
"Hey boys! You remember Steve?"
"Steve!!!" they shouted together. Steve grinned at them. "I just wanted to congratulate you guys, you're doing very well!" he said.
"And..." added Max, "Steve is available if you want him."
Stefan's ears perked up and noticing this, Max gave him a wicked grin. "To play drums for Placebo you naughty boy. Steve is straight as an arrow, aren't you darling?"
"Well, yeah, but that's not important." he answered, looking sheepish.
Brian was a little bewildered. "What do you mean available to play for us? What about Robert?"
"Simple Brian honey, Paul says to dump him. He's crap and you know it."
"Dump him? Right now?"
"It's the only way to realise your dreams Brian."

That gig was one of the best gigs they ever played. Steve must have been practicing their stuff because he was spot on every beat. Brian was ecstatic and it showed. The audience screamed for more and they did 4 encores before collapsing backstage in a tired, happy heap. Things could only get better.

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4. (Melia)

Present Day

Brian looked at the scarves. There were ten of them in all, each about two feet in length. They felt cool and soft against his skin. A strange kind of numbing apathy spread through him. He felt like a nonchalant witness to the scene in the room.

"What are those for Paul?" asked Stefan, his voice quivering.

"Why, they are for you... and for Steven... Brian," Paul's voice took on a rather sharp tone, "bind your friends together. Max, please leave us." She stepped from the room, her spirits low.

"What the fuck do you mean bind us together? Brian what the hell are you doing?" Brian had begun to entwine the scarves around Steve's wrist, tying a tight knot. He bound the other end of the scarf to Stefan's wrist. Stefan struggled, but Brian looked at him and shook his head. Stefan became complacent though Steve tried in vain to get off the bed. But Paul swiftly moved to his side and stared deeply into his eyes, rendering him immobile.

Brian completed his work and stepped back from the bed to view his friends. They were lying next to each other, their bound wrists and ankles touching, their other limbs were tied to the posts of the bed. Both of them stared vacantly at Brian, each lost in a sort of reverie.

Paul had returned to his seat. "Now their eyes Brian... it will make it easier for you."

A single tear slid down Brian's cheek as he moved to bind his dear friend's eyes with the final two scarves. With mechanical stiffness, Brian took a seat in Max's vacated chair and turned to Paul.

"I see that you're troubled Brian and I see that you're frightened. I am sorry for your fear, but it must happen now, for I've grown weary to my very bones. I have watched you for several years now and my sweet prince... You are the one..."

Brian felt the reference was a little hokey, but he shivered nonetheless. He had been expecting this for some time. Placebo's success has exceeded his dreams but always, at the back of his mind, was his promise to Paul. He hated to see his friends lying so dormant on the bed, but he felt powerless to stop his actions. He felt horrid. He looked at Stefan and Steve again as a sob escaped his lips.

Paul had been waiting for this moment for a long time and he could barely contain his excitement. When Brian looked away from him to gaze at his friends, he took the opportunity to grab him and pull him into his embrace, causing Brian to gasp and struggle against him. Paul only held him tighter, covering his face with hard passionate kisses. Brian was quickly overwhelmed and surrendered to that odd numb feeling creeping through him again. He felt Paul's lips press to his, felt the needle-sharp teeth nip at his tongue but the pain barely registered. He clung limply to Paul, his eyes vacant. Paul, however, was engorged with passion. He had dreamt of this moment, now it was here and it was sublime. He held Brian tightly, biting on his lower lip, drawing blood. Each droplet was like electricity shocking him over and over until he could take it no more. Paul tilted Brian's head back and allowed himself one more, loving look at his chosen one. His breath quickened as he found the pulsing area on his neck and plunged his head down, his teeth puncturing Brian's skin. In his long, long life, Paul could not recall a sweeter, more sublime nectar. He moaned again and again with each swallow, drinking, gorging himself.

Brian's eyes had been closed as Paul kissed him, but when he felt the sharp pain in his neck they flew open. However, he did not see the room. Instead he saw flickers of his past flying by, leaving vague impressions in his mind like footprints in wet sand. As his life's blood flowed out of him, he felt aroused and sickened at the same time. His body weakened. The images in his mind still flickered by, but were interspersed with a sheer black void. With a weakened, hoarse voice he whispered, "So this is death then..."

"Oh no my love. This is the brink of death. You are on the fence, so to speak. You have choices to make now Brian my darling." Paul's lips were stained with Brian's blood, a droplet trickled down his chin. He ran his fingers through Brian's slick black hair.

"Choices...?" Brian asked quietly.

"Yes my love.. You can choose to live, or you can choose to step off the brink and into oblivion."

"Well of course I'm going to choose life then." Brian managed a weak smile.

"But I must warn you, if you choose to live, I require a sacrifice. Steven or Stefan's life for your eternal one."

Brian gasped, "Wh-what?"

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5. (Melia)

"Who will it be Brian... Stefan, whom you've known since your adolescence... or Steven, your other-husband. Hurry now... you don't have much time..."

Brian reached his hand up and delicately brushed aside a lock of his hair that had fallen in his eyes. "And if I choose neither?"

"Then you'll die."

"I can't choose between my friends. How selfish would that make me? I mean, I know I have a bit of a reputation, but really it's groundless. Paul, I love them. I couldn't make a choice like that. But neither do I want to die..."

Paul kneeled before Brian, caressing his cold hands. "Yes it's quite a decision, I'll give you that. Brian I chose you to carry on in my stead for one reason: your strength. And you're beauty - all right two reasons, but it's principally your strength that drew me to you. I have watched you negotiate the treacherous waters of the media and you have come out on top. You have shown a certain degree of ruthlessness that is, unfortunately, sometimes necessary. And you have shown no regret for your decisions. All I ask is for one more decision, and it will prove to be the best one you've ever made." Pauls' voice grew in intensity. "There are no limits Brian. The world would be yours to command..."

Brian felt lulled by Paul's melodic tones. Just say a name... Stefan... Steven... Another thought occured to him that jerked him out of his trance: "You know Paul, I've read Anne Rice. Her vampires are quite tortured. It seems to me that if Louis, or Claudia - even Armand had the chance to choose between 'eternal life' and death, they would choose death. I'd have to drink blood all the time... kill people to survive... and what about sex? No sex? I -"

Mad laughter filled the room. "You're going to base this momentous decision on a work of fiction? Anne Rice writes beautiful words Brian, but they are just that. Words. Nothing more. Lestat, Gabrielle... Akasha.. they don't exist. Really Brian." Paul was becoming agitated. He could feel Brian's death looming near.

"Brian you must choose and choose now. My life has been extraordinary. The things I have seen and done! I have watched history create itself - don't you want that same opportunity?"

Slurring his words, Brian quietly replied, "If it's so bloody brilliant, why are you ending it?"

Startled, Paul was at a loss to answer. "I... I..." Exasperated, Paul slashed his sharpened fingernail along the vein in his wrist.

"Damnit Brian! I can't let you choose death! You really are the one who must follow me!"

Paul pressed his wrist to Brian's dry mouth. The first droplets dissolved along the crevices of his lips, creating a tiny pool in the corner of his mouth. Brian slowly ran his tongue against his lower lip, smearing the drops against it like a ghastly lipstick. The taste of the blood was like water to a thirsty man. He soon pressed his lips fully to Paul's wrist, sucking gently at first, stimulating the flow until it came in veritable gushes, filling him up and putting colour back into his flesh. He clutched at Paul's forearm with a vise-like grip. He felt a great warmth spread through his entire body, not unlike the warmth through his body after an intense orgasm.

Soon, a scream ripped through the room. "Enough! That's enough!" Paul collapsed at Brian's feet, gasping and holding his wrist. Brian remained in the chair, grinning with blood smeared all over his lips and chin. He felt triumphant. He'd gotten his way yet again, a thought which caused him to begin laughing in that mad cackle he was famous for. He knew Paul wouldn't let him die, he needed him too much. So he kept Paul talking. Of course he took a risk, and could very well have died anyway. But he'd always been a risk-taker.

He stood up and walked over to his two friends, taking a minute just to gaze at them and he was thankful neither of them had to die. He was also grateful for not having to choose between his own life or theirs. He wasn't sure he could have been unselfish when it came down to it. It was at that moment of reflection that Paul rose from the floor and moved with peternatural swiftness to Stefan's side of the bed. He grasped the sides of his head, roughly tilting it backwards.

"NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Brian screamed, his voice was deafening.

6. (fishboy)

Paul didn’t even bother to turn around despite the anguish in Brian’s voice. Brian felt fury skid along his veins like the blood that Paul had (oh so generously) decided to share with him. His vision turned red, but he could still see enough to leap on Paul, dragging him away from Stefan. Paul snarled at him, eyes gone feral.
“Let go of me, Brian. Or—" Paul began. Brian backed away from him, suddenly fearful. What was he going to do, take on a centuries old vampire and still get away with it? Hah, not likely. Paul was knocked back by the weight of Max’s body landing on him, her strong legs firmly holding him immobile.
“Or you’ll do what?” She asked quietly. She didn’t allow him to answer, but rammed the side of her hand down hard, crushing his windpipe. Brian looked away revolted. She got off him and calmly went out of the room. She returned armed with a large meat cleaver. “We have to separate the parts of his body and burn them – preferably on sacred ground.”

Brian inhaled and said shakily,
“Um, cut him up you mean?”
“Yes.” Brian looked at her serene features, she had undergone a massive change from the light hearted Max that he knew so well. He amended that – maybe he perhaps *didn’t* know so well. Brian decided to ask no further questions she was still staring at him, eyes pools of cold dead heat. Brian dragged his gaze away, hurrying to the bed where Stefan and Steve lay bound together like conjoined twins. His numb fingers had terrible trouble with the slippery scarves but he persisted until they were undone. He massaged his immobile friends hoping that that would break the trance that they were in. Again Max spoke up.

“They are enthralled Brian, the only way to break the enchantment is to perform ‘final rites’ on Paul’s body. The spell stays in place otherwise. We have to hurry. He will wake soon.” Brian reflexively eyed the still form on the floor, the grey haired man no longer as attractive as before – nor as hypnotic. As if reading his thoughts Max interjected again,
“He has given his blood to you, so you are immune.”
“Oh,” Brian couldn’t think of anything to say.
“But your friends aren’t which is why we have to dispatch before he comes around–” That galvanized Brian.
“Um aren’t we meant to stake him or something? Like on Buffy?” Max rolled her eyes.
“No Brian, I’m afraid that all we stake around here are plants!”
“Okay.” Brian glimpsed the cleaver and felt his stomach drop to the vicinity of his shoes.
“Are you ready?” She asked him. Brian nodded almost imperceptibly not looking forward to it one bit.

Brian closed his eyes as the cleaver went down separating Paul’s head from his body with a neat ‘thwack’. Brian thought to himself, ‘I’m just listening to the butcher chop some meat – nothing more…’ When he next opened his eyes, Paul was unrecognizable. Brian couldn’t see the body all he could make out were the parts, his brain refusing to believe it was a person. It was like a jigsaw puzzle without the box, the bits scattered around, nothing whole. Although maybe you couldn’t call Paul a person could you? Was a vampire still a person? Maybe not. “Okay we need to get some garbage bags – you’ll find some tough yellow contaminated waste bags in the kitchen in the bottom drawer.” Brian went in search of the bags, still reeling at Max’s transformation from PA to vampire slayer. They hauled the pieces into the bags, Brian being surprised that the parts were so heavy. He and Max struggled under the weight of the two bags to the car. As Max locked the door behind them, she said quietly, “Don’t worry your friends will be find as soon as we…” Brian nodded trusting Max. Although it was her that had got them into this mess in the first place. Be fair one part of him said, ‘It’s you that accepted Paul’s offer in the first place…’

Max drove, Nick Cave and the bad seed’s ‘Red Right Hand’ blaring from the high quality speakers. Brian switched the station quickly.
“Where are we going?”
“Bath.” Brian could see the reason why, Bath is said to be built originally by the Romans for their goddess Minerva. But it was hardly deserted… Again Max read his mind.
“Don’t worry – I’ve done this before. I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay.” There was a soft noise from the boot, like plastic shifting. “Oh shit!” Max pulled up at the shoulder of the road. “We’re in trouble! Why can’t the bastard remain dead?!” The boot exploded open.

7. (fishboy)

Paul had gelled back together, Brian and Max had heard the bones snapping sickeningly into place. Brian had cowered terrified in the passenger seat while Max rummaged in a bag in the back.
“What are we going to do?” Brian’s question came out as a croak.
“You’ll do nothing, distract him for me to finish the job! Okay got that? Let’s get out of the car so he can’t pin us in an enclosed space.
“Okay.” Brian shakily got out of the car. He unwillingly pushed open the door to be faced by Paul, miraculously whole again, silver hair glimmering in the moonlight. He had the unearthly beauty back on his features, Brian getting a jolt of fear and lust at the same time.

“So my little one. You don’t care for me at all do you? I should have realized that a long time ago… You body ached for fame and fortune and not me.” Paul sounded sad. Brian caught himself feeling sorry for the vampire but then remembered his demand for one of his friends’ lives. Paul placed a cold finger under Brian’s chin forcing him to look up. “Did you enjoy it? Fans at your feet, money in your hands? Did you Brian?”
“Yes,” he said simply. “But I wouldn’t exchange it for Stefan or Steve.”
“Ah, you’re a better person than I took you for, you care… That’s why people are so drawn to your music… the pain that you share with the world.” Brian kept staring at empty green eyes glittering with tears. “I used to care but that was a long time ago… You make me wish that I did…” Paul said nothing as Max came up behind him and poured something over him. He shook the liquid out of his eyes and hair. He said nothing as she flicked a flame into being with her lighter and set Paul on fire. Paul stared at him while his skin blackened quickly, the smell of burning hair and flesh almost too much to bear. “Make the world care Brian… because I couldn’t…”

The End.