Flash Fiction Friday #2: Biting the Dust

Writing Song of the Day: "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen (obviously!)

Yay, it's our second official Flash Fiction Friday event over at the Paper Hangover blog.

Here's the deal -- every week a different contributor is going to give you a writing prompt. Something to get the words flowing, get you thinking, and help hone your writing skills. Then, link your post in the comments over on Paper Hangover, and we'll jump around and comment.

It's meant to be fun. You can take the prompt seriously, or have a little fun with it. You're choice. This week:

In 300 words or less, write a story beginning with the cliche, "Another one bites the dust."

Okay, here's my entry:

“Another one bites the dust.”

That’s what Marcus says each time he kills a zombie or alien or whatever supernatural being that’s trying to destroy the world. Of course, he’s playing with my Xbox 360. Marcus would be the first person dead in an ambush. He’s not very good at fighting or running or…anything, really. Been like that since 4th grade. Last one chosen to play kickball, except if I was the captain. But that was over 10 years ago—and I’m tired of being charitable.

I shoot a text to Chloe: Save Me!

“You want next?” His eyes are pasted on the TV screen. We never look at each other anymore. He wouldn’t even be here if my mom hadn’t invited him.

You two used to be so close. You should stay in touch, she told me. He makes the salt and pepper shakers dance with each other at lunch, I wanted to say. But we had a deal—an hour with Marcus, then off to Chloe’s party.

I shake my head, stab at the keys on my cell phone again.

The blaring music from the game stops and he shifts closer to me. Crap.

“Do you want to talk, Leah?” he asks.

Again, crap. “About what?” I peel my eyes away from my phone and glance at him.

He shrugs, his shoulders touching his earlobes. “Dunno. Anything?” He bites his lip. He does that when he’s nervous. Or he used to. I’m not sure anymore.

I shake my head again. “Are you almost done? I’m heading over to Chloe’s.”

He stares at me and it kind of burns. “Yeah. Sure thing.” He leans back and un-pauses the game. He doesn’t even make a sound when he decapitates one of the walking dead. Another one bites the dust.