Mark My Words; open

[Attyston Thomas]

I stuff my hands into the pocket of my hoodie and step onto the escalator, my green eyes looking around as it takes me up into the second level of the mall. I was supposed to be meeting the guys at the food court, but I wanted to look at guitars at Guitar Center first, and look at around at the tattoo parlor. With what I already had saved up plus the money from our latest gig, I had a hundred and seventy two dollars saved up.
I stop off and start towards Guitar Center, pulling the door open and stepping inside. I nod my head to the long haired guy behind the counter and start walking around before picking a white guitar off the wall to look at it. I was in desperate need of a new one, but we needed a new microphone and a stand, too, and -of course- I was the only one willing to spend the money on either. Fucking selfish pigs. Sometimes I didn't know why I didn't find new friends and start a new band, but whatever.
OUTFIT: Hoodie, Pants, Shoes

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amidst another fight at home, Connor had eventually left and figured he'd go somewhere a little more soothing. Sure, he had a guitar, and he had his brother's old acoustic, but sometimes it was nice to look at the shit that, well..he couldn't afford. The guy behind the counter was looking at him like he knew he was tweaking at the moment, which in fact was quite the opposite. Connor couldn't stop his hands from shaking, couldn't keep the nerves at bay. It was driving him nuts. He had picked out a beautiful red, oakwood finish, fingers tracing the string fondly despite those shaking hands. He asked if he could plug it in for a try, not daring look the cashier in the eye as he did so, just about to strum with the pick he had fumbled from his pocket when he heard somebody else come in. Connor froze out of habit, glancing over his shoulder at the male now looking at one of the guitars. He was attractive, and Connor could only guess straight. Oh well, the guy would be better off with a pretty girl. Smirking to himself, he strummed down the strings of the guitar and, when he was satisfied, played a few quick riffs. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 210. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

I glance over at the guy playing. He was pretty good. A small grin appears on my face and I glance back at the white guitar in my hands. Holy shit, almost three hundred dollars. I shake my head slightly, I so didn't have enough money for this. I carefully place it back up on it's space in the wall and stuff my hands back into the pocket of my Like Moths To Flames hoodie, deciding I'd look at mics; they should, at least, be cheaper. And, honestly, I didn't really need a new guitar, it could wait. But a shitty microphone? No.
My green eyes glance over to the guy as I pass, he was pretty hot, I had to admit. But, whatever, he probably had a girl or something and would think I was weird if I voiced my opinion of him aloud. I start looking over the mics, at least they were cheaper. What was the one we had now? It'd lasted quite a while, maybe the same type would work? I huff, pushing my black dyed bangs out of my face, all thoughts of meeting the guys forgotten.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Connor found himself watching the male retreat to the microphone section. Interesting. Was he in a band? Not that it mattered... It was best Con just keep away from trouble. He let the guitar rest against his bony chest on it's strap as a coughing fit overwhelmed him. When it finally passed, he was wheezing for breath. Fingers danced over the stratocaster until his chest wasn't so tight anymore. He picked it back up, playing with shaking hands for a moment longer before sitting down and running through an intro to a little bit of Crown The Empire. Now if only he could actually afford a new guitar. He kept his in pretty good shape,it wasn't like he had a band to perform with anymore though.Most the kids at school hated him, no need for them to commit social suicide just for a gig. He sighed, scratching uneasily at his needle pocked inner elbow and staring sullenly at the carpet as if it were even more fascinating than the guitar in hand. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 174. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

I finally pick a microphone off the shelf, my eyes scanning over the price. A hundred dollars. Damn. It was less than others I'd seen, but it still surprised me how much they really were. Well, I could get it now and make the guys cough up ten dollars each, then I'd only really be paying eighty. Still alot, but they'd probably make less of a fuss it it was only ten. I glance over as the guy starts a coughing fit, concern passing over my face before I shake myself out of it. It wasn't any of my business, right? But, he was a pretty good guitar player, and I was currently the only one in the band. Riddle was bass, Gene did drums, I sang and played guitar. We could always use a rythym guitar player. Finally I suck up all my courage and, taking the microphone with me, walked over to him.
"Hey. You're pretty good. I was wondering, you in a band?" I ask, keeping my face calm. I didn't want to, like, scare him off or something. A new member would be nice.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Connor jumped just at the voice of another, he gagged a bit, thin hands pressing to his knees to hide the shaking as he lifted his head to glance at the other male. He avoided his eyes. It had become a bad habit when his father started hitting him for it, telling him it was a challenge, treating him like a dog.. "I-..uh.. n-no...." Dammit. That stutter..He hated his voice. Nerve damage from the drugs, he'd always had a bit of a stutter, but now it was worse. The only time it wasn't really there was if he was singing, and comfortable doing it, or occasionally whispering. He was given hell at school for it. It wasn't the only problem the drugs had caused. He was extremely sick, one doctor had suggested Addison's disease but he didn't have to insurance to go in, despite the fact that he was practically dying. Not to mention how thing he was, but it was hidden under his baggy tank and vest. "We ah..f-fell apart.." He murmured, playing nervously with the pick in his hand. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 186. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

I raise my eyebrows slightly at his reaction, though it was hidden by my black fringe. I feel bad for him, he probably got hell for that stutter. The mere thought of bullying could make my blood boil, made me think of what they did to my sister, Londyn. I'd consistently told her not to give a fuck what other people thought, what other people said. But, it never got through, and the cuts just got more numerous. I nod slightly as he goes on to say that his band had fallen apart. Well, he wasn't already taken then, that was good.
"I'm Attyston, by the way, but just all me Att." I reply, offering him a smile. "Me and my friends have a band, Jamie's Vendetta. I sing and play guitar." I continue, deciding I'd do most of the talking. Hopefully he wouldn't think I was annoying of coincited, though.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Connor kept those arms as hidden as possible, the scars. He was embarrassed, ashamed in front of this male for some reason. Maybe it was because he was actually being nice. He listened to him quietly, trying to calm his nerves and swallowing the knot in his throat. "Connor." A weak smile that didn't reach his eyes, only a mask. He tapped his foot, needing his fix, and let his hair hide those uneasy blue eyes. "That's c-cool.." He murmured, a sort of submission in his voice. "I-I do too.." Not that he cared if the guy believed he could sing or not. He hesitated, then used all his courage to pat the seat beside him. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 116. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

He tells me his name- Connor. Baby steps, Attyston, baby steps. He obviously wasn't comfortable around me, but, then again, I would be too if a stranger came over and started questioning me. I nod awkwardly as he goes on to stutter out a 'that's cool'. Finally a smile passes over my face. "Really? Well, we need another guitarist, and Riddle and Gene are both shit at singing. You should come to practice sometime." I reply, a light chuckle in my voice. It was true; neither could carry a tune in a bucket, or know a melody if it hit them in their face. I sit down next to Connor as he pats the seat beside him, setting the box beside me. "We played a gig at Fyree the other night. It's funny, only Gene is old enough to drink but they let us in so that we could play." I say randomly, hoping to keep the conversation going and not let it lapse into awkward silence.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - God, his smile was adorable. Connor chewed on his lip ring a bit as he tried to keep focused on what Attyson was saying. Come over and practice? But... "I-I could do that.." Or but nothing. Okay.. Way to go Connor, offer your self up to some random guy. Good job. He coughed int a fist, which required bringing a shaking hand up, revealing his scabbed and scarred wrist. He did his best to hide a pained wince. "It don't surpr-rise me.." He huffed after catching his breath, that feeling of shame returning in his gut. "Not like y-y-you're getting in a-an-ny trouble.." A faint smirk, a hint that there was still some life there, some humor. He cleared his throat, carefully setting the guitar down next to him and turning off the amp near the chair. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 137. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

He said he'd come. Score, let's just hope that Gene or Riddle didn't scare him off. "Awesome." I reply, nodding my head happily at his agreement. I don't quite know what to do when Connor starts another coughing fit. Call 911, maybe? But, in the end, I stay silent. I was never very good with advice or comforting people, and I didn't want to put my companion anymore on edge than he already was. A small grin appears on my face, maybe Connor had more life and humor in him than first suspected. "Do you, like, sing-sing or, y'know, scream?" I ask. I could do both, and it was a pretty relevant question when you were looking to bring someone into a band, especially if they were going to be your back up singer or something.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - That smile must mean he was doing something right, Connor supposed. He shifted his weight, stomach gurgling. He hadn't eaten in two or three days now, couldn't really remember. Nudging his ratty backpack under the chair, Connor shrugged at the next question. "I c-can do both pretty alright, s-so, whatever you need, I'm ok-k-kay with." Another scratch at his inner elbow. Maybe a cigarette would help until he could find some complete privacy. He'd figure it not. Not that he was old enough to even smoke. He was back to tapping uneasily, not really sure what to say. Connor wasn't shy, but his lack of trust drove him to awkward silence until he was better acquainted, more trusting of the person he was speaking to. And quite frankly he didn't know this guy from Adam. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT 135. OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

[Attyston Thomas]

I nod slightly. "Once more- awesome." I say, chuckling softly. What else was there to say? That I thought he was cute? No. My right hand reaches to to fiddle absentmindedly with one of my lip rings, what else was there to say? Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupts my thoughts.
"Hey! Gayboy! Thought you were supposed to be meeting us!" Gene practically bellows, heading for me. I start to reply before Riddle starts in, mocking me as he clapses his hands together. "I'm not gay, I'm bi. Remember that time I fucked Trisha-"
"Both of you, shut the fuck up!" I snap, a blush creeping across my face. "Whose this?" Gene asks, looking at Connor. "Connor, he's gonna come to this upcoming practice on Tuesday. He sings and plays guitar." I reply, looking up at them with a glare.
"Yeah, but that doesn't make up for ditching us, Gene wouldn't let me get anything to eat." Riddle whines, crossing his arms over his chest grumpily.

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[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,padding-left:16px; padding-top:0px; padding-right:0px; padding-bottom:0px; background-image:url(http://i51.tinypic.com/2nbr3oi.jpg) ] connor sykes Granted life again but now you've cheated death. There's no where to run when you run from yourself.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Connor had nodded, a smile twitching his lips, trying to break through. And then the voices bombarded the calm and Connor visibly jumped. Though the news of the guy not being straight was nice to know, it didn't mean a thing. The two that had come in were energetic and boisterous and Connor tore nervously at a thumbnail before managing to stop himself. He lowered his gaze, trembling, thin fingers curling around the edge of the chair as if that would provide safety. Blue eyes flickered under dark hair and he blew it from his face gently, staring at the floor as he listened in silence. He didn't want to just up and leave, instead standing up on shaky legs, looking ready to keel over as he put the guitar back. TAGGED Att. WORDCOUNT . OUTFIT. TEMPLATE BY OH SO COOPERNATURAL ! @ CAUTION.

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[Attyston Thomas]

"We can still go get a bite to eat, Riddle." I say calmly, Sometimes it seemed that I was the only sane one out of the three of us. "You wanna come?" I add, looking over at Connor. "Att, is this the new mic we need?" Gene asks, picking it up. "Yeah, you guys need to cough up fifteen bucks each, by the way." I continue and they groan. "I'm not footing the bill for this, too, I already got you a new set of sticks, Gene." I retort, my voice obviously fed up. I hated how it was always me who had to pay for everything. They keep grumbling but eventually cough up the money. Heh, good thing I'd said fifteen instead of the original ten. Score.
"What about him?" Gene asks, nodding towards Connor. "He's not officially in the band." I reply, taking out my own wallet to get the needed seventy bucks. "Favoritism!" Riddle whines and I promptly cuff him upside the head. "No, I just don't see it fair to make him pay for something." I reply, starting over towards the counter with Riddle and Gene following in my wake like lost puppies.