I am aware that both movies have different views on vampires. I just wanted to at least try something out. If you haven't heard of Byzantium, go look up the trailer or read a review. It's supposed to be pretty good.

Right now the rough idea is that Clara and Eleanor have traveled to Las Vegas (for some reason or another) and are living with Peter Vincent, because Clara has been hired as one of his assistants (and that would make sense, considering she works as a prostitute and has probably picked up some acting tips in the 200 years she's been a vampire). That's as far as I've gotten so far, and it might change after I see Byzantium.

If I ever get something wrong, or something doesn't make sense, LET ME KNOW. Please. I want to make sure I do my research and make this as coherent as possible. I'm always open to feedback and suggestions, so don't be afraid to review!

The Meadow. It was ironic, because this place was as far from a meadow as one could possibly imagine. A thriving city, neon lights, and small clustered neighborhoods surrounding it. Concrete and mortar, with the occasional patch of grass.

Las Vegas, indeed.

She hated how bright the sun was here. Back in Europe, they'd chosen places that were clouded over most of the time. She could hardly understand why her mother had decided to uproot them and move to a place where the sun was harsh and there were plenty of people around to catch them. But she had her reasoning, and Eleanor needed to trust her.

She still felt self-conscious with her new clothing. It was odd, showing as much skin as she was; she was used to jumpers, not tank tops. But her mother had said she'd be uncomfortable if she wore heaving fabric, and so she was made to adapt to the customs of this strange new place. (Although she refused to part with her red hoodie.)

She was still puzzling over her new bike - she could switch the gears, and the bike would make numerous clicking sounds - and had a difficult time keeping her balance. She walked everywhere in her old homes, but her mother had insisted she use a bike here. It was faster, more convenient. Eleanor wasn't sure if riding a noisy contraption was more convenient than walking, but she had to admit she'd gotten out of the city much quicker than she expected to.

The houses all looked the same here: big, tan, and nonthreatening. There were a few people out for walks, a jogger with his earbuds blasting music, a dog trying to drink water from a leaking hose. Eleanor glanced back at the address she'd been given, breaking in front of one of the many uniform structures.

The one thing that set this apart from the other houses was the van in the driveway. It had a Century 21 logo on the side, and Eleanor could see stakes and signs in the back window. She gently laid her bike down, cautiously walking up to the front door and ringing the bell.

A woman with strawberry-blond hair and high-heeled shoes answered. She regarded Eleanor with suspicion (the red hoodie couldn't have helped, given it was 96 degrees today), a line appearing between her eyebrows. "Yes?"

"My name is Eleanor Webb." She held herself upright, trying not to show her apprehension. "I'm here to see Charley Brewster."

"Are you a friend from school?"

"No. I…my mother works for Peter Vincent. He sent me here with a message for Charley."

"Oh, you know Mr. Vincent?" The woman's face immediately relaxed, a smile spreading across her face. "I wasn't aware any of his employees had children."

"We just moved here about two weeks ago, and -"

"You're new here? Do you have anywhere to stay? I'm a real estate agent, so if your mom's looking for a house, you can give her my card."

"Mr. Vincent has given us a few rooms in his penthouse, thank you," Eleanor answered.

The woman nodded. "Oh, where are my manners, I haven't even introduced myself." She laughed, sticking out her hand. "I'm Jane Brewster, Charley's mom."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Brewster." Eleanor hesitantly shook her hand. "So…is Charley here, then?"

"Oh, right! Charley's out at the moment, but I think he'll be home in a few minutes. Would you like to come in and wait for him?"

Eleanor tensed. "N-no…I mean, thank you, but I really should get back. I can just leave this here and -"

A loud motor cut through her words, followed by the sputtering of gas and a string of curse words. Eleanor turned, seeing a bright-yellow motorbike being wheeled down the street by a lanky boy in a plaid shirt and…puce shoes?

"There he is. Charley!" Jane waved at him, stepping out of the house to meet her son. "Charley, there's someone you need to meet."

Eleanor followed Jane down the driveway, meeting Charley at the end. He kicked the front wheel of the bike for good measure, muttering something about taking it to the junk yard.

"Were they not able to fix your bike?"

"300 bucks. I said forget it, I'd try to fix it myself." He shrugged. "I think it's time to get a new one." His eyes fell on Eleanor, eyebrows pulling together. "Who's this?"

"This is Eleanor Webb. Her mother works for Mr. Vincent."

"Peter didn't mention he had anyone new."

"They just moved in." Jane nudged Charley by the shoulder. "Well, go on. Don't be rude."

He gave his mother a look, running a hand through his dark hair. "Nice to meet you," he said, holding out his hand.

"You as well." Eleanor was surprised at the firm grip he had. "I…Mr. Vincent wanted me to give you this." She held out the envelope. "He would have sent it by mail, but my mother insisted I hand deliver it. She thinks I spend too much time indoors."

"Have the two of you gone sightseeing yet?" Jane asked.

"No, unfortunately. Mr. Vincent is very…demanding, and Mother has been working nonstop."

"Sounds like Peter," Charley said, rolling his eyes.

"Well, how about you ask Mr. Vincent if you and your mom can have a day off sometime soon? Charley and I would love to show you around."

"What?" Charley and Eleanor exchanged a glance, shocked at the proposition and at the fact that they'd voiced it at the same time.

"It'll be fun! I haven't really been out to the city in quite a while." She gave Charley a stern look. "And I'm sure you'll be a perfect gentleman, won't you, Charley?"

He folded his arms, sighing. "Yeah, Mom, whatever."

"Keep me informed, alright?" She smiled. "It was nice meeting you, Eleanor. I have to get back to work now. Lots of paperwork to take care of." She turned on her heel, heading back into the house.

Eleanor stood for a moment, not sure what to say. Charley cleared his throat. "Sorry about that. My mom can get…enthusiastic sometimes."

"It's alright." Eleanor forced a smile. "I really should get back. Mr. Vincent may have another errand for me."

"Right." Charley regarded her with curious eyes. "You know anyone else around here?"

Eleanor shook her head. "Mr. Vincent and the other employees are the only ones Mother and I see on a regular basis."

"Oh. Well…" Charley looked reluctant, but took a deep breath. "Listen, if you ever want to…you know…hang out or something…that'd be cool with me. I know it sucks being in a new place and not knowing anyone."

"You don't have to pity me, Charley. The company I have now is sufficient."

He peered at her, confused. "I…what?"

"If you wish to spend time with me, I'd rather it be on your terms and not on the fact that I'm new here."

"Okay…" he said slowly. "So is that a no?"

She smiled a little. "I'll think about it." She righted her bike, climbing on. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Charley Brewster."

"Yeah…you, too."

She blinked at him, expectant.

"What?"

"It would be nice if you addressed me with the same respect as I have given you."

"What the hell?" Charley shook his head, laughing. "What planet are you from?"

She didn't answer, watching him and waiting.

"I can't remember your name. Melanie Webb, right?"

"Eleanor."

"Okay, then. It was a pleasure to meet you, Eleanor Webb." He bowed slightly. "I hope we see each other again."

"Thank you." She pedaled away, a new-found excitement blooming in her heart.