Who: Edward and Lily What: A Night Out When: Sunday, 19th July 1950 Where: The Streets of Hollywood Rating: Mid - Death and violence Status: Complete
It was a rather pleasant for summer and knowing that Eva would be busy that night Edward had asked Lily if she would like to head into Hollywood to have a look around, maybe do some shopping and find some vagrant they could enjoy for dinner. It would be much easier to get away with murder now than it was in 2020. Plus he also enjoyed Lily's company very much and they hadn't spent a lot together lately.
As the sun set and the darkness started spreading across the sky Edward knocked at the door of Lily's wagon, he was dressed in a simple black suit with a burgandy shirt and of course looked dapper as always.
Going into Hollywood sounded lovely in the time they were in now. 2020 seemed too noisy, busy. It would take time in more than one way for her to adjust when they reached that point naturally. Lily was anxious to experience life in what she had heard was ritzy, glamorous.
Accepting Edward’s offer, the older vampire had gone into town just long enough to find herself a dress and return to the carnival and her wagon to freshen up and dressed. In a total blue-colored dress tha flowed at the sleeves and skirt with black kitten heels, she brushed her brunette hair and let it flow in. A side part. It seemed just about right
Hearing the knock, she went over and opened the door. “Hello Edward. You look...very nice tonight.”
1950 was still a bit busier than 1920 but he was enjoying it much more than 2020 already, though he doesn't miss the silly humans at the vampire club and also young Andrea but both he and Eva knew the fledgling vampire would be fine by herself.
Edward smiled widely as Lily opened the door of her wagon, she was beautiful in that dress. "And you look absolutely divine tonight, my dear! Shall we go into town and cause some havoc?"
The lights and cars were much more powerful in the 1950 than 1920 and that had Lily fascinated. She didn’t have much going on in New Orleans - mostly seeing old homes and listening to how French was different.
“Thank you, Edward.” Lily smiled warmly. She would have worn slacks, but the dress seemed to be more appealing to more people. If they were going to have some fun and also feed, best to put on a good display. “We shall.” Lily nodded and stepped down, closing her wagon’s door.
It would be interesting to see what was different from their own time, while it wouldn't be as spectacular as 2020 Edward felt it would be more like home than they had seen for a while. Especially the outfits.
Edward's suit was modern thanks to Dom, giving him pointers on how to dress and draw more men into the coochie show tent. When Lily stepped down from her wagon he offered her his arm. "That new lad - Dom - gave me some ideas of good places for us to explore… and where we might get an inconspicuous meal." Local knowledge was useful indeed.
Lily had decided she liked the air, the scent 1950 had. It was much closer to 1920 and she had grown accustomed to it. The clothes were lovely and it seemed people still cared about the wilds of the land and machinery.
“Oh,” she spoke as she took Edward’s arm as soon as her feet touched the ground. “Is he a new pet?” Lily only had a few people in the carnival she usually spoke to or mingled around.
Everything was much cleaner now and it made him feel more at home. He really hoped they'd get back to 1920 but with hints of what would happen in the future he knew that alcohol would become a sort after commodity and decided he'd stock up and sell for inflated prices when they got back.
Walking along with Lily on his arm, Edward chuckled. "No, not a new pet. He plays guitar outside of the coochie tent to distract the women so the men can sneak in to watch the ladies dance." A good partnership indeed.
It seemed to Lily the world was always at war. She had seen it her entire life. From what she had heard bits and pieces of, there could be another in more or less violent way for those who were once slaves who strived to be an equal.
“Mmm, oh. Sorry I thought.” She shook her head and sighed. “I haven’t been using my head much lately.” In truth, Lily kept her attention on engine parts to pass the time. Better that than sleeping the day away.
"It's all right, my love. There are a few new people, a couple from 2020 and I've seen two from this era. It is all so confusing at times." There could be more but he was unsure, not like he joined the humans at meal times or anything, only what he learned from others or through his pet Kerr. Edward patted the back of Lily's hand. "I think this night out will do us both good."
“Mmm, it’s good to have new people.” Lily smiled at Edward. She sometimes stopped by where the humans ate. But not too much. The trucks called to her with their needed repairs and she liked seeing the roustabouts working with the rigging during shoes. Simple technology often amused her. But these days, she needed a little more. “I think so too. I’m hungry for some entertainment.”
Fresh faces were good, maybe they could use their charm and turn me of them into a pet, time would tell. "But stay clear of a scruffy man called Martin, he seems like a real bastard." Edward had actively avoided him and so far it seemed to be working, though he was still smug that the human could not satisfy Kerr. "What kind of entertainment do you want to see? A picture show? Or a gallery?"
“I will. Hmm, there always has to be one.” Lily smirked. She kept about Riley as they worked on engines. The older vampire seemed to move about as a ghost, observing others more than interacting. Keeping to Edward and Eva was the easiest for her. Birds of a feather. “Perhaps a gallery. I do not want to linger unless we find someone to feed on.” There it was. She could be blunt when she wanted.
Humans in general, even those who were gifted in some way, were boring to them, they went scurrying around like ants, doing their tasks during the day while he and Eva rested and talked. One would think after so long together they'd run out of topics to talk about but they never did. "A gallery sounds perfect." He smiled, the tips of his fangs showing. "I'm told that if you want to leave no trace, the alleys are the place to hunt." Just like in 1920, no one missed the homeless or those addicted to drugs.
Lily often left Edward and Eva to their own company, not wanting to disrupt the incredibly sacred and close relationship they had. Most times, she really didn’t want to be reminded of her murdered sire, Viktor. She missed him so much. It was as if he had died yesterday. But it had been nearly a year - which was a breath in vampire years. Nodding, she smiled softly. “Mmm,” she hummed bright-eyed up at Edward and then lightly flashed her fangs. “Let’s find a clean one, nice to look at.” She envisioned a poor youthful soul down on their luck, never shooting as high as the so-called “movie stars”.
While Edward never had that relationship with his own sire he could see the sadness that Lily had and even when the three of them were curled up together he knew it just wasn't the same for her. He chuckled at Lily's suggestion for a meal. "I do like that idea, I'm sure they'll be much tastier than a drunken vagrant." He leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of Lily's head as they got to the cars. "After you, my dear."
Not being alone in a bed was something she needed. The times she was invited to curl up with them, Lily didn’t refuse. It was a luxury. “Much better. Much sweeter perhaps?” Then she breathed out a smiling sigh at Edward’s kiss. “Thank you.” Lily said as she opened the door to one of the cars and climbed in.
Getting around to the driver's side Edward got in and started up the car. It didn't take them long until they were in the city amongst the bright lights and found somewhere out of the way to park. Putting the keys into his pocket he offered his arm to Lily again. "Let's go explore Hollywood."
Driving an automobile was something Lily didn’t do often and liked the idea of someone taking her own on the town. She looked out, watching the people and seeing the architecture of the buildings. Beautiful. Stepping out of the car, Lily took his arm again. “Let’s! The city is wonderful-looking!”
It did look wonderful, so much had happened since they were last in Los Angeles, for them it was only months ago but because of the strange occurrence it was now 30 years ago. "Remember when we went to the theatre and Eva found us that tasty old man?" There were definitely more people around as well but no one seemed to pay them any attention as they walked along the street.
The light was wonderful with the different glow with the seemingly opaque glass covers. Thirty years definitely made a difference. Just look at the cars! “I do. Much the affair in that private box. And then that walk on the beach.” Lily smiled softly as she gently squeezed Edward’s arm.
The cars were definitely not as advanced but they did have much more aesthetically pleasing shapes compared to those from 2020. Even the sidewalks were clearer and the air crisper, a pleasant breeze was also drifting in from the west. "We might skip the walk along the beach tonight, these streets seem more interesting than the ocean." Edward gave Lily a light nudge as he saw a rather nice looking person up ahead of them. "And the people are nicer too."
Turning her head towards the breeze, Lily sniffed the air. Wonderful. “I agree,” she grinned and looked over at that person ahead of them. “They are. Much more intune with their surroundings.”
As attractive as that person was they seemed too well dressed and more likely to be missed than the kind of prey they were looking for, Lily would know that Edward much preferred to feast on males, they usually had more blood and he knew he wouldn't be leaving any children without a mother, one thing he refused to do. "Let us keep looking, we can always come back this way later."
But, yes, she knew the night would be more for finding a male. Lily wanted a handsome one in their own way. “All right. Let’s find a nice-looking, but down and out young man. I want a bit of vigor.” She spoke softly and reached over to pat his arm. There had to be quite a few strapping young men looking for their own fame and fortune. Or at least that was what she heard when she had ventured on her own to one of the diners.
They were usually a bit more difficult to control but it didn't matter to Edward, the more they fought usually the more satisfying the meal. And by killing the man they'd be satisfied for longer. "Whatever your wish my dear, you can charm anyone." Or play the innocent lady, although that was usually Eva's rouse before she ripped into them.
When the intent and drive was there, Lily could be quite formidable. And this was a hunt for their sustenance, why not have a little fun? “Mmm, thank you. Yet you are quite the charmer.” Falling into the routine of finding a meal often brought the older vampire to an even keel among other activities. As they walked, she could hear a voice singing. It was a young man, early twenties. His skin looked slightly darkened by standing out in the sun a touch too long. His shoulders spoke of working hard lifting and pushing heavy cargo. He would do.
Both of his lovely ladies were skilled hunters and he was proud of them both and knew he never had to worry about them if they went off hunting on their own, it was the humans that should look out. "Well most of the time they prefer a beautiful lady rather than a charming gentleman." Though he was not afraid to cross that boundary when it came to securing a meal. He could see that Lily had chosen her prey and smiled, leaning in to whisper. "I'll be close if you need me."
“I agree. But why limit oneself.” It was a selfish answer, but that was how Lily was. Sometimes feeding was more important. “All right. I will leave you some .” She whispered in response before gently walking towards the young man.
Her movements were slow, fluid as she seemed in line with the man’s singing.
Edward watched from a distance, blending into the shadows the best that he could as Lily walked up to the man and started to use her beauty and charm to hypnotize him in a way. It might seem voyeuristic in a way but female vampires always seemed to hunt in such a different way, he found it beautiful to watch.
Lily’s ability to entice or overpower was not nearly as strong as that of a nightwalker. But she tried. She began to sing in harmony with the human as she drew closer and soon it was quite evident that she had taken hold of her prey. He soon stopped singing and so did she. Her lithe but strong hands had gently grasped his and brought his arms around her waist. Lily was still aware of the manners of the decade. But infatuation was just that and she was hunting.
“Can we go over there?” she whispered and motioned over to a nearby alley that was remarkably clean but for the well-organized trash cans and dumpster.
He smiled as he watched Lily motion towards the alley, normally with Eva he'd go and hide in the alley and wait for her and the victim but he stayed where he was, letting Lily have her fun and he'd only come over when she motioned for him, or if she started to feed.
It came as no surprise that the man followed her without a second thought.
With an arm around him and one around her, Lily led the young man towards and into the alley. As soon as they were about to disappear from the public’s sight, she looked over her shoulder at Edward and nodded.
When the older vampire was on a hunt, she often didn’t play with her prey for too long before it was much too late for him. Lily liked the looks of Tony. He had already told her his name. Not that she needed or wanted to know.
Name, age and occupation didn't matter when you were going to die and be left in an alley like trash. And really, that's how they saw most of humanity, only those deemed special enough to be pets, or for Edward, Eva and Lily - those within Zion were off limits.
When he saw Lily nod in his direction he crossed the road and followed her into the alley, wondering what the man would taste like.
He was going to die under the stairs in the city of angels and stars. Much gentler fate than most. Lily could be a romantic, but it just seemed to work out didn’t it. Softly she spoke encouragement and pulled the young man and stepped backward in the alley under her back rested against a wall. Her movements were much like her dancing earlier, this time stoking a fire in the young man until he kissed her and she returned it.
The older vampire kept an eye out for Edward as her prey rolled his hips against her, wrinkling her dress and exhibiting a firm hint of his interest in her. Lily moved against him as they kissed and her right hand grasped the back of the young man’s head and neck.
Edward could see the man had Lily against the wall and that they were kissing, probably making him feel like he actually had a chance. He stepped closer but still a step or two away but the man was still too distracted to notice the company. This was Lily's hunt and he was just there for backup and to enjoy the results.
He reached out and lightly brushed Lily's hand, letting her know that he was there.
Lily let her other hand drift down grasp one of her prey’s hands and place it on her hip to keep him distracted. She briefly paused as she felt Edward’s hand brush hers. Words of want would never leave her lips, not being able to falsely testify such emotions that her heart was still too fragile to express. Actions were what she could do.
Her lips left the young man’s to press against his cheek and then tilt her head to one side for him to kiss her neck and press harder against her and even attempt to arouse her. Letting out a groan, Lily tightened her grip on the back of her prey’s head and leaned in to press her lips against his neck and nose his collar away. Primal motions were so easy especially when they were brief and led to the catch.
Baring her fangs, Lily sank them into the young man’s neck. First a half-moment struggle, then the euphoria mixed with continued want. Her grip was strong as she fed and pulled him against her to let the wall hold them. Then she curled a finger, giving Edward the signal to join in.
Once the signal was given he moved to the other side of the man's neck, sinking his fangs in and started sucking down the life force of this pathetic creature. A groan left his lips, this young one was tasty indeed and he could feel the warmth spreading throughout his body, it would keep them satisfied for a few more days.
When he had drunk his fill he pulled back, letting Lily enjoy whatever was left. Though he did move a hand down between Lily and the man to undo the man's fly, make it look as if he was killed while trying to get pleasure from the wrong person, before they left he'd slit the man's throat to complete the cover up tale and remove any speculation that it was them.
Doing her best not to touch Edward despite the pleasure she felt as she drank from the young man and felt his vigor against her. One could get lost in sensation. Life was lived and then it was gone like a spark. Lily always was mindful to enjoy the hunts she led.
She lifted her head a little to watch Edward pull back. She turned her hip a little to give his hand room. Lily felt the young man lose a bit of his spark and she slipped a hand into his pants to pleasure him as she drained him and he faded away. As the prey’s head fell forward, she felt his heart slow and stop against her breast. With a sigh she withdrew her fangs and her hand. “Le morte, fragile cher.” Lily whispered as she removed her hand and began to ease the dead young man away.
The older vampire leaned down and placed him on the ground by the dumpster as if he were a porcelain doll instead of dropping him like a rag one.
Edward could set there were differences between Lily and Eva, Eva would have discarded the man like trash, maybe this was the difference between day and night walkers.
Once the dead man was placed against the dumpster Edward took the flip blade he always carried with him and slit the man's throat, hiding their bite marks in the process. There was still a bit of blood left, enough to ooze from the wound.
Getting back up he walked over to Lily, smoothing down her hair and fixing the top of her dress that the human had crumpled. "Shall we find ourselves a gallery?"
If the young man had been rude, Lily would have discarded him lik Eva would. Be she was kind in return. A bit of the grieving process still a bit evident as she turned away as Edward took care of staging the body to hide their tracks.
She smoothed the skin of her dress and licked her lips clean as Edward helped her freshen up. “Thank you,” she whispered and gently patted Edward’s shoulder. “Yes, we shall.” The flow of warm blood in her always seemed to mellow her. It was a feeling that said things were on even keel.
Edward had wiped any blood off from around his lips and cleaned the blade before slipping it into his coat pocket. He smiled at Lily who looked radiant as ever, maybe more so because of the fresh blood.
He offered her his arm and they walked out of the alley to find a gallery or some place that would be interesting to look at now that their appetites were satisfied.
Lily took Edward’s arm and smiled warmly at him as they walked out of the alley. It had been a good evening so far. She did look radiant, also alive and with a light purely vampire.
“Did Dom mention any places of interest?” she asked.
It always felt good to get their bloodlust satisfied early on, giving them both plenty of time to enjoy the rest of their night without getting distracted by potential prey. If they were lucky enough to stumble on someone else that night, they would probably feast again but for that moment they were happy and walking down one of the streets.
“He mentioned a few that might be of interest, there’s a movie theatre that he says is in a Chinese style and quite a beautiful thing to look as well as a few other things but I do not think they would be of interest to us.” What use would they have for bars to drink in or restaurants to eat in?
“Chinese style? Have you seen such before?” Lily asked, having only been familiar with French, Spanish, and English styles. She was curious though. And then she thought she saw something on the hills a ways off.
She could always hunt some more, but for now she was enjoying the first one. Perhaps, maybe. Who knew? “Did he say what was on that hill?” Lily asked and pointed towards a building with domes and further to one side letters - “Hollywood”.
“I haven’t, which is why I thought that it would be interesting to visit. It’s always good to see something new and exciting.” While part of Edward did wonder what this place would have looked like in 2020, part of him was glad that they were here now when the world wasn’t as populated and they could walk along the streets without crowds of other people.
Looking up where she pointed. “That must be the observatory that he mentioned. If you wish we could drive up there and have a look, it would have a lovely view.”
“Let’s see it,” she nodded. Lily liked Hollywood of their year than any other. It was clean, new, yet with a sense of danger. She could see time changing things. The fashion was turning foul already.
“Oh? I would like to see that.”
“Whatever you wish to do, my dear Lily.” As they walked Edward looked up at the street signs, remembering the street name that Dom had told him, the one where they’d find the unusual picture theatre, from there they would walk around a bit before going back to the car and heading up into the hills to see the observatory and look down at the view of the city at night.