But . . . I need you – Writing Prompt #38

Taking a quick break from grinding out a scene in EG to do a writing prompt. I’ve been trying (against my nature) to work on EG without an outline. It has been helpful in some aspects, letting me just write and not stress too much over the plotting right now. With only a rough idea of what happens next in each scene though, it’s a bit like walking through a house in the dark. You only vaguely know where things are.

A short and snappy writing prompt is just what I need.

Today we’re tackling dialogue like a hit and run. The scene of the crime? Each prompt starts with “But . . . I need you.” Write someone’s response to that sentence. It’s a one-line offense and you need to keep it moving. How many can you attack?

PS. These don’t have to make sense to everyone, but it’s not just about random words, either. You should know why your characters reply like they do.

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Here’s mine:

“But . . . I need you.”
“You don’t need me, you need my car.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“You should have thought of that before you set fire to my eggs.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Like you needed her?”

“But . . . I need you.”
“I’ll be back in just a minute with help. Hang on.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“So does my cat.”

“But . . . I need you.”
*just a cold look, no words*

“But . . . I need you.”
“You don’t even know me.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“No one needs anyone. Not really. All you need is yourself, and you are complete. I certainly don’t need you.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“I’ll be here, right where you’re leaving me.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“You . . . you do?”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Like a lion needs an antelope.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“In the end, that’s not enough. You have to want me. Do you want me? Or do you only need me, against your will.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“I can’t stay.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Saying what I want to hear doesn’t make us any more real.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Tell me you love me.”

“But . . . I need you.”
“Great. A zombie needs me. Now my day is complete.”