|  Author | Topic: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan] (Read 193 times) |
constantine
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|  | Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Thread Started on Jun 5, 2007, 9:55am » | |
Constantine entered the musty room, eying it calmly: cliché, colorless walls, fake-wooden desks, unread books mounted against the wall, and...empty. He had his choice of seating, and without hesitation, approached the very corner chair. He slumped against the uncomfortable chair that was far too small for his five feet, ten inch frame. Why did he even bother showing up; there was no teacher, so how'd they even know the difference? It was, of course, his luck to earn an after-school detention on the first day of school. 'How did that transpire?' one might ask.
Well, there he had been, sitting in one of those inescapable, miniature chairs, minding his business, when the teacher, Mr. Mack, had called on him. Of course Constantine was hardly paying attention--why should he? He wasn't even American, and the United States' history was so predictably repetitive. Staring fiercely at some microscopic fascination on his desk, his mind had wandered across Trafalgar, the planet billions of miles from Earth, according to Kurt Vonnegut. Half the class behind the boring, and grumpy, and oblivious, sixty-year-old Mr. Mack had been asleep, but the new kid was picked from the group. Constantine had felt a shock running up through his every limb when the white slip entitled 'DETENTION' had been slapped upon his desk, though he resisted the urge to jump multiple feet into the air. He had merely lifted his eyes to the short, balding man's face, listening absently to his 'wise' instructions. "That's a detention. I want you actively participating in this class--as well as your others. I'll have a word with your teachers," his nasally voice had quieted with this last statement, talking more to himself than his victim of boredom, "Oh, and get your hair cut. You look like some scruffy, wild animal." And you look like a troll, Constantine had replied accurately within his brain.
So there he was, and there he would be for the next hour and forty-five minutes. He had remembered to bring a book, Utopia by Thomas More, but unfortunately had read through most his classes and lunch, and had finished the thing. He had, rather inconveniently, not though to bring headphones; if they were stolen or confiscated, he'd probably have a heart attack. His mind roamed the past, making a commentary of his day. He'd felt out of place in this new environment; someone had actually asked him why he had a food product on his vintage Cream tee. He simply gaped in unbelief. How anyone didn't know of the first power trio of the 60's, he'd never understand. In a matter of minutes, he was drowsing off, head lying down on his crossed arms. He'd ignored the protests of germs and grime his conscience had insisted were detestable: he had slept a meager three hours the previous night. Just as he had almost faded into slumber, the door opened, and he found himself, once more, wide awake.
[Sorry, I wrote this before I realized you were already roleplaying in this board. -.- Hope it's not a problem.]
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Dylan Stark
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« Reply #1 on Jun 5, 2007, 12:17pm » | |
Returning to his seat, after handing in his math test, Dylan Stark looked down to his hands and the pink square of paper his teacher had handed him, in exchange for his test. Yet another detention slip. Granted he only really showed up to class for the tests, not bothering to sit in the boring room, to only have mathematical terms and numbers shoved into his head all day. That just wasnt his thing. Setting himself back in his desk, he glanced around the room, watching other kids finish up their tests. This left Dylan to work on the task at hand, what to do with the slip. In previous dentions, he had allready gone with the balled up slip, the paper football, the airplane, and even a horrid attempt at a paper crane. But what to do with this one? Oh the things boredom can make one do. Deciding on a small paper hat, he went to work folding and such, until something slightly resembling a paper hat sat atop his fingertip, just as the bell wrang.
Shoving his books back into his back pack, he stood, shouldering the heavy bag, and shoving the dention slip into his pocket, making his way down the hall to that all to famillar room. Shoving the door open, Dylan slowly made his way into the room. It wasnt like he needed to make a grand entrance. Signing his name to the clipboard that sat on the desk at the head of the room, a sign that he had indeed gone to his dentention, pale blue eyes now scanned the room for a seat.
The other patrons of this afternoons detention seemed to have allready settled in fairly well. There were a couple of kids, who were known as stoners, all ready seeming asleep at their desks after a mid day toke. A girl who looked like she might be a little angry at the world sat scribbling something into a notebook. A small group of guys sat with an open text book, the latest issues of play boy resting within the pages, pointing out the centerfolds assests to each other. Dylan shook his head slightly as he walked past them. "You guys...those are fake."
Where to sit, it wasnt like there were many options, as the room was less than full of desks, and looked like it only got the junkiest of left overs from other class rooms. HIs eyes then fell to a guy in the corner, reading a book. "Well, that seems pretty harmless" The last thing Dylan needed was someone to irritate him further, and the guy looked like one to keep to himself.
Plopping himself down in the desk beside the guy, Dylan dropped his backpack to the floor, and sighed slightly, his eyes allready fixed on the slowly ticking clock on the wall.
[Not a problem at all, and jesus, that might have been the longest post ive ever done]
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #2 on Jun 6, 2007, 6:14pm » | |
Ah, so that's how they know... Constantine thought, enlightened, I'll just sign on my way out. The process seemed so very ineffective, but he discontinued any further thoughts on the issue. He observed the newcomer from head to foot: of a taller, more slender build than the average teen aged guy, dirty blonde hair, closer to the messy side, chillingly blue eyes and a carefree attitude. His sagacious eyes followed the senior until he took the seat next to him, which served as a cue to drop his penetrating sight to the desk once more.
He attempted to distract himself from the small, background noises that seemed to echo as they entered his ears, racking his brain for something that could amuse him for over an hour. He mentally rendered multiple songs. He kept track of how many times the group of guys (yes, the ones with the magazine) chuckled shamelessly. He predicted what each person was like just by the items on their person. But all these could only remain entertaining but for so long.
Fresh out of ideas, he resorted to a backup plan. He reached into the faded messenger bad leaning against his seat to remove an ordinary notebook (with a few odd phrases scribbled across the cover) and a Papermate pen. Opening to a random page--most were filled with tattoo drafts, conceptual art and bad handwriting--he began to allow his hand guide his thoughts.
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Dylan Stark
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Karma: 2 | | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #3 on Jun 6, 2007, 7:07pm » | |
Yawning slightly, Dylan turned to the kid next to him, however, his lack of words had started to create an awkward moment, and he turned his attention back to the clock on the wall. Reaching his hand into the confines of his back pack, he pulled out a beat up paper back copy of some book, that he had yet to even start reading for english.
Flipping through a few pages, his eyes had a hard time concentrating on the words before him, and he set the book down on the desk, with a heavy sigh. Dentention was always boring, but today was worse than usual. Finally turning back to the boy seated beside him, Dylan decided to turn on the small talk. "So, what did you do?"
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #4 on Jun 6, 2007, 7:33pm » | |
Constantine couldn't help but notice his neighboring student's new interest: a book. Peering from the corner of his eye, he read the title and returned his attention back to his aimless doodling. Some cliche, uneventful book all high school teachers plotted would bore their students to suicide, forcing their own ideas into innocent, vulnerable heads out of completely substantless writing. So it goes.
"So, what did you do?"
Feeling a bit surprised at being openly addressed, he faced Dylan and met him eye to eye for the first time. Once again, chillingly blue eyes. "Wasn't paying attention," he replied in a monotonous tone, "Yourself?" He unleashed a long sigh laden with apathy and inertia. If his face had any less expression, it would probably cave into his throat. Coffee! his taste buds grumbled, desperately desiring a source of energy. He blinked the thought away; if he started brooding over it now, his stomach would eat itself away by the end of the period.
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Dylan Stark
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Karma: 2 | | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #5 on Jun 6, 2007, 7:41pm » | |
A smirk twisted its way onto the face of the young man, as he listened to his new found companions explanation for landing in detention. Slowly nodded, he take a deep breath, as if he were going to give a long winded answer, before simply answering. "I showed up to class." Raising an eyebrow, he figured that sounded a bit silly and continued. "Well, I showed up. so thats why they gave me the dentention, it was allready written out from neumorous times of cutting class. But it was test day."
Wincing slightly as he could feel his own stomach growl a little, he picked up his backpack, rummaging around until he reached deep, his hand comming back out, producing a granola bar. Opening it, he had almost taken a bite, when he stopped himself, and pushed the bar in the direction of the other guy. "Want half?" It was really the least dylan could do. "Oh and Im Dylan by the way."
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #6 on Jun 6, 2007, 8:04pm » | |
Constantine gave a knowing grin, onyx braces shining in its first exposure of daylight. He now understood a great deal more of Dylan's character: he was very smart. Smart enough that he could show up on test day and still ace it without listening in class or so much as opening his book. Also, this revealed that he didn't care much for school; either he was restless, lacking ambition, or a combination of the two.
He eyed the granola bar hungrily, eyes flickering back to Dylan's. "Yeah," he accepted the offer, "I'm Constantine. Or Dom. Whichever." The introduction sounded dumb in his ears, because one, he'd heard it so many times, and two, someone had recently asked him: 'Woah, do you have two names?' However unintelligent the question had been, he had realized that this made him sound undecisive, which he was, but didn't want everyone he met to know.
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Dylan Stark
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Karma: 2 | | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #7 on Jun 6, 2007, 8:13pm » | |
Nodding slightly, he broke the granola bar in half, handing him the remaining half in the wrapper. Taking a bite, he nodded slightly at the introduction. "Well, ya know, I think Ill pick and choose which I want to use. I suppose it makes life a little more interesting. I suppose." Not really sure what he was rambling about, Dylan fell silent for a moment, taking another bite of the granola bar.
Deciding to pick back up where he left off on the small talk, Dylan racked his brain, trying to think of a subject that could be discussed with little to no ease. Music. Yes that would do. And it would do quite nicely. "So, what kinda music are you into. I mean, you look like someone who's got a collection."
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #8 on Jun 7, 2007, 3:43pm » | |
Constantine held a quizzical look in his eyes, but didn't find anything unlikable about Dylan's remark. He wasn't the type to be disliked; easy to get along with, friendly, even, he never sent any sort of vibe that would find Constantine getting defensive. He pulled the wrapper back, savoring the taste of honey and oats as he consumed half of his portion.
"So, what kinda music are you into. I mean, you look like someone who's got a collection."
He smiled slightly, an air of coldness in the expression. It was always a challenge to summarize his taste with a few simple sentences. "You made the right assumption. Your question is roughly the equivalent to what food I prefer," he started, "Rock and roll, as a whole, with a few exceptions. I can appreciate some other stuff, as long as there's talent and originality: you know, reggae, funk, etcetera. I loathe any form of pop released after 1995; rap and country makes my ears bleed."
That was the introduction: he now proceeded to melt it down to genres. "I'm into some of the harder stuff: metal, hardcore, hard rock and the like. (Not the annoying, whiny sound. Closer to bash-your-head-open.) Some of the weirder psychadelic, experimental and progressive rock. I listen to some of the softer acoustic, indie and alternative type as well." He paused, inhaling slowly, "I consider it a relatively well-rounded selection. Anyways, that's as good a summary I can come up with."
Yes, of course he sounded opinionated, and likely to belittle those with less preference than he held. More proud than most found acceptable, he knew this; he acknowledged most of his faults, but generally accepted them as assets already burning into his nature. There were few who could equal him in passion when music entered a discussion; he hoped Dylan would be among that few. "So, what about you?"
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Dylan Stark
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Karma: 2 | | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #9 on Jun 7, 2007, 6:59pm » | |
Taking a few moments to let his explination of music sink in, Dylan started to think over his own musical taste. Pretty much most of alone time was spent with a set of head phones on, or with the radio cranked when he was alone in his dorm. Rubbing his chin slightly, as if in deep thought, he finally gave an answer. "Well, I try to give anything a shot once. Regardless of the genre. I think its best to keep an open mind, it makes finding music to listen to people with a lot easier. Though I find myself listening to primarily, alternative, punk and indie." He gave a simple shrug.
Nodding a little as if trying to agree with his own statements, Dylan continued. "Rap and country are really really low on my list. I think there are probably only a small, and I mean, very small handful of songs in those genres that I can tolerate." A smirk toyed at the corner of his mouth. "Ok, mister music man. Ive got one for you. Top ten bands or artists for you? What are they."
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #10 on Jun 7, 2007, 10:06pm » | |
Constantine gave a knowing nod as Dylan explained what he was interested in. "That's logical." As simple as the phrase was, it revealed his growing respect for the recipient of such a compliment--only one who knew him well would catch this. Not many could hold his high esteem; for only meeting minutes before, it was truly an accomplishment. "Top ten bands..." he stared at the desk once again, taking a few moments to come up with an answer.
Looking up, he spoke slowly but in a deliberate manner, as if justifying each answer within his head, "Well, to start off, there's Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Boston. Elliott Smith, for sure. Uhm, for more of the modern stuff, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, mewithoutYou, The Human Abstract...is that ten? Well, something like that. I have this habit where I'll get really into a band for about two weeks, and read up on 'em and stuff, so I probably should have left an open spot for that."
As he finished ruminating over his answer, he added, "Damn, that's a good question. I'll have to think about it. There's just so much bloody music out there. Anyways, what'd make your top ten, Mister Curiosity?" He peered into those intimidating blue eyes, inwardly eager for a creditable, if not thorough, reply.
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Dylan Stark
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« Reply #11 on Jun 8, 2007, 11:38am » | |
A smile played across his face, as he intently listened to the list of bands. "Oh man, Elliott Smith is right up there for me. The man was an amazing musician. Sort of a shame he had to end it the way he did ya know?" Falling silent as he pondered over his play lists Dylan was taking his time, really wanting to give a decent list. Finally he spoke once again.
"Well, Elliott Smith is deffinately in there. Journey, Weezer, uhhh...let see, that is three" Falling silent again, he once again began to think. " Jim Croce, Motion City Soundtrack, The Eagles, Jimmy Eat World" Realizing the he had only came up with seven, he smirked a little. "I think I would reserve the last four for a rotationg line up of about five other bands."
Cracking his knuckles slightly, he turned his eyes to the clock on the wall for a moment. "Besides, I think I can find something about almost any musician that I can respect, even if I dont like their particular music"
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constantine
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| | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #12 on Jun 8, 2007, 3:16pm » | |
"Yeah, I know. I'm not entirely sure if he was responsible though," a look of suspicion crossed his freckled countenance, "I mean he'd had drug problems, and struggled with depression, but the drug addiction had worn off, and his friends said he had gotten over depression and was happier than ever...it just doesn't add up. I mean, I can understand Kurt Cobain, and Layne Staley. But..." he broke off, with no intentions of finishing his thought aloud. He found it a strange coincidence that so many musicians had committed suicide; maybe that was why Constantine had never found a desire to be famous within himself. In the words of Elliott Smith, "I'm just the wrong kind of person to be really big and famous."
Of course this reminded him that Brad Delp, the frontman of Boston, had recently died. Compassionate, quick-witted, and known as 'the nicest man in rock and roll,' Constantine had always held a deep respect for the singer. He had one hell of a voice. When he first auditioned for the band, he didn't even warm up or anything; he just listened to the intrumental track once, and sang it, right there. He did all the backup and harmony vocals with ease, emotion and technical precision. Truly, a great musician.
After Dylan had recited his list, he allowed a small, crooked smile to prey upon his face. "You've got a good list going there. I grew up to Jim Croce, The Eagles and Journey. I'm a fan of Weezer's older albums." Motion City Soundtrack was a little too 'poppish' for his style, but, surprisingly, he didn't mention it: he didn't want to sound pretentious or offensive. Jimmy Eat World's Futures was certainly worth listening to, though.
"I think I can find something about almost any musician that I can respect, even if I dont like their particular music."
His limpid eyes squinted slightly in dissention, "I'm afraid I can't agree with you on that. I can't find any appreciation for bands that are: one, sell outs; two, unoriginal; and, three, inept. Sell outs aren't in the business for the music anymore, they just want to get as much money as they can while they still have the chance, which really gets under my skin, because music should never be that superficial. Bands that copy others' sounds (intentionally, at least), or don't have talent, don't deserve respect in my book. Of course, there's also the issue on what makes one a musician. I wouldn't consider, say, Avril Lavigne a musician. Her voice is bloody horrible--thanks to those fucking studios they fixed it up--and no matter if she denies it, she certainly can't play the guitar. Just 'cause she holds one in her videos doesn't mean a thing." He shrugged; that was how he felt about it. He probably sounded overbearing, but he'd already spoken, so it was too late anyways.
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Dylan Stark
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Karma: 2 | | Re: Foreplay/Long Time [Dylan]
« Reply #13 on Jun 9, 2007, 2:33pm » | |
Nodding slightly, taking in the last comment, he thought up his rebuttal for the words he had last spoken. "Well, see everything in the world these days is based on how much money you have, how popular you are and what is cool. Its sad really, but I try to look at the upside of the music industry. I mean, there are those bands that clearly sell out, and that is by no means cool. But, I hate when people use the term sell out so loosely that they lable any band who has gained more popularity as sell outs. After all, that is the reason most people are in bands, they aspire to be something more than a group of kids stuck in a garage."
Trying to study the face of Constantine, hoping he hadn't hit a sour note, he continued. "See, I totally agree with your statement, but at the same time, I try to see beyond some of the labels that are thrown onto some artists. Really, all it comes down to is personal opinion."
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