take me after noon (open)

[JULIUS BISHOP]

[bg=212121][atrb=style,border: 3px solid #121100; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 60px;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true] Three days out of his week he’d escape from the stale tedium of his High School classrooms only to enter another stone cage of the extra curricular sort. Stockton School of the Arts was by far a sight to behold. Nothing like the drab and almost expected appearance of Silver Springs, which offered little in regards to aesthetics, whereas Stockton seemed to shout how creative it was intended to be. Large outdoor pieces became the centerfold for landscaping, shrubbery and lawn trimmed in both tasteful as well as imaginative methods to depict a scene or to highlight the splendor of a particular piece artwork. Even Julius had to pause every so often to stand and stare and he could hardly muster the energy to participate in his own art class. However, what could be produced from a pottery wheel or what grandeur could be invoked with a brush and paint was not exactly his forte. His talents rested in a much more suited field of expertise – albeit not an ability that he pursued frivolously or even because he found pleasure in it. There was forever a motivation behind his actions and learning to play the violin was not an exception. Julius didn’t profess any particular fondness for the instrument really, it was more or less a means to and end. And by that he implied a means to have women like him because everyone knew a woman was a sucker for a sensitive man and apparently sensitively was assumed of those who played instruments. So three times a week he visited the school and received lessons on how to work the wood wind instrument. The polished black violin case always felt like a foreign weight whenever he had to carry it with him – it was almost unfathomable that such a lightweight musical tool weighed as much as it did. Not that it was a physical hindrance or anything, Julius simply didn’t like anything that he didn’t necessarily have to do and technically he didn’t have to carry the infernal thing with him. He did it solely for the sake of appearances. It looked good for him, a bright-eyed High School youth, coming up the walkway with his instrument, ready to learn and nurture a talent that he couldn’t care less about in truth. Switching the case to his left hand the boy padded up the cobblestone path, entered the building, flashed passerby’s a 1000-watt smile and ducked into the classroom assigned for his lessons, leaving the door slightly ajar. The teen made no motion to close it, again it was all for appearances. Even without his instructor being present he set to running the resin over the bow hair, dutifully tuning the violin before positioning it against his shoulder and resting his chin on the provided guard, before letting the notes float from the sweeping bow and cross of his bow. silly creature what's your feature? know the monster here is me

template by synchronicity

[Kumo Perry]

In truth, Kumo wasn’t one for school. She wasn’t naturally bright, and had to work harder than most others simply to get a pass grade- which she was failing to get even now. She had been held back a year, which was annoying, but she found it as an open opportunity at her feet. She figured she could get lessons or something for guitar. She loved the instrument, and self-teaching could only help so much. She walked slowly, admiring artistic effort that had been put on this particular piece of outdoor. Kumo’s hands clutched nervously on the strap of her plain brown messenger bag. She didn’t do this kind of thing... She didn’t do this kind of thing. Picking up a phone was hard enough, let alone actually speaking face to face with some instructor- who might turn her down or demand huge sums of money for lessons. The petite female could only afford so much.

Somehow Kumo had to fit in lessons along side school work, after school work, her volunteer job and the usual household chores that needed doing. But this time she was determined to do it all. Her life would be incredibly busy, and she wouldn’t have much time for social things- not that they really applied to her, she didn’t really have friends- but Kumo would some how live. She didn’t care much for friends, generally Kumo was to shy to approach, of even hack being approached, by someone she had never met or spoken to. It was just unheard of. Kumo shook her head chasing those thoughts from her mind. One day. One day she would have at least one friend.

Sliding her yellow and black-customised cat- headphones from her head to let them hang around her neck, Kumo continued down the path. She couldn’t remember one hundred per cent where she was supposed to be going. She wasn’t very good- like most things- at memorising maps. Skipping slightly, Kumo waved shyly at a couple of passers-by before passing through the doors. There were quite a few doors leading to different rooms, and Kumo took the time out to look into every single one- she didn’t want to be waiting in the wrong place for to long and then find out she had missed her chance to ask anybody anything. Her hands tightened their grip on her bag, her nerves growing.

To be totally honest, Kumo hadn’t been expecting anyone else to be where she wanted to go- well, she had been hoping. People usually meant conversation, and conversation meant she would actually have to speak to someone- she didn’t know. From the sounds of the notes it was a violin, the distinct music coming from the only room she hadn’t checked. She turned on her heel, swallowing a nervous lump in the back of her throat and knocked. The door hadn’t been shut properly and so slid open with the soft touch of her fist. Her hand snapped back to the strap or her bag, her back straightening as she caught sight of the male playing the instrument. Uneasily Kumo stepped into the room, looking around for an instructor but finding none. She would wait then. She didn’t want to interrupt the boy as he practised...

[JULIUS BISHOP]

[bg=212121][atrb=style,border: 3px solid #121100; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 60px;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true] As the notes spiraled in a fast paced crescendo the bow flying across its strings, carrying out into the hall and through the propped open window. A knot had formed in his brow during his session, fiercely concentrating on the finger placements as he sent thrill after thrill into the instrument and bowed slightly to accommodate a pitch he wished to achieve. He played into that tune fervently, almost desperate to reach the melody’s end and stopping abruptly as the light knock on the door sounded in the backdrop. At some point his eyes had closed, as though vision stole the efficiency of his playing and now he opened them to stare incredulously at the door. Julius hadn’t needed to stop but in all honesty his arm was getting tired and the strokes were so quick for this particular piece that it required more stamina that he wished to expend. Lowering his bow arm so that the back of the stiff item brushed his knee he peered over at the door and spoke clear in the sudden quiet. “Who’s there?” he called out, voice pleasantly neutral as he appraised what could be seen from the angle from which he stood. A girl – obviously not his instructor since she looked nearly as young as himself – was standing in the doorway looking meek and ambiguous of her very presence there. “May I help you? Are you looking for someone?” he asked quizzically, mildly annoyed that his instructor was late but having found a suitable enough distraction was content to indulge in the girl. silly creature what's your feature? know the monster here is me

template by synchronicity

[Kumo Perry]

It was pulling on her nerves. Just standing there in the room felt like she was simply intruding. Though Kumo had to admit to herself, the way the boy was playing was simply breath-taking. It wasn’t everyday that she saw a violin-player, but she knew how well he could actually play the instrument simply from her experience with playing the guitar. It was no wondered some women would swoon at the very mention of a violinist. She smiled softly to herself, head bowed as she looked at her feet, she was enjoying listening to him play. When the music stopped so abruptly she jerked backwards, her purple-coloured eyes swiftly looking up in the direction of the young musician.

She swallowed nervously, hands ringing her bag strap. Damn. She would have to say something. “U-Um...” She muttered, thinking quickly of what she could say in reply to his query. “S-sorry, I interrupted you...” Her voice was barely a whisper, her gaze quickly diverted to look somewhere other than the boy before her. I should get closer. She thought to herself, feet shuffling closer, wouldn’t be surprised if he asked me to repeat myself... Kumo looked back round, a small, timid smile gracing her face. “I-I'm Kumo.” There we go. That would do for an introduction. Now what? Say something else? Ah. Yes. Why she was here was a good a place to start as any.

“I was looking for the instructor... Or something.” Kumo exhaled deeply, relieved to have spat out a full sentence without so much as a stutter. It was quite an achievement. Feeling a little light on her feet, Kumo looked around nervously for the instructor- they were obviously late.

[JULIUS BISHOP]

[bg=212121][atrb=style,border: 3px solid #121100; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 60px;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true] People naturally don’t enjoy being stared at – at least not to the degree or intensity that Julius had, his gaze leveled on the violet eyed student. There was an obvious stillness to him, as though even looking at him one might blink and he’d be gone when they looked again. It was an allusion of the silence and his own personal decorum that made the already enigmatic youth become otherworldly as he watched the girl fidget and finally motion at last, in the form of a humoring smile. The expression looked genuine enough though it was shallower than a kiddie pool but none would be the wiser. “You don’t need to apologize, I was going to stop soon anyway.” He assured kindly, leaning casually against the piano that had been conveniently nearby. With obvious care Julius set his violin down on the polished black baby grand and set its bow alongside it, though his gentleness with the instrument could be misread for partiality. He didn’t give much thought to the item in truth; he had money enough to buy a factory of these ridiculously priced ornaments that would later be shoved into his closet where it would remain until his next visit. There was no love for the wooden apparatus. He was just bringing his attention back to the girl when he noticed she’d moved into the room, looking all sorts of uncomfortable, watching her feet and trying to be as amiable as possible. ‘Aw, isn’t that cute, like a little mouse.’ He couldn’t stave off the disparaging thought nor tried to keep the smile from his lips. “Nice to meet you, I’m Julius.” He grinned, stepping away in a slow strut toward her, hand extended. His face read it clearly, friendly, happy to meet you, nothing suspicious and not overpowering. Almost natural, if it weren’t for the less than affable thoughts spinning circle behind his eyes. “Sorry but I don’t know where the Instructor is at the moment, I only got here a little while ago myself. Are you new? Looking to take a course here?” silly creature what's your feature? know the monster here is me

template by synchronicity

[Kumo Perry]

“Ah. Thats good...” She muttered more or less to herself, glad that she wasn’t the only reason that he stopped. She hated standing out so that would have just made the whole thing more complicated. She watched as he placed the violin down carefully, her eyes never once leaving the polished wood. Those things cost a fortune to buy... He wither saved up a lot to buy it, or he was simply rich- which from the looks of him was the better option.

Kumo tensed slightly as he approached and only once again relaxed when he told her his name. Wow. This was more progress than she had ever managed to make with someone. Maybe she was getting more confidence? “I'm Kumo!” She beamed happily, she took his hand and shook it a couple of times before letting go and returning her hand to its former position. “Nice to meet you too.” He seemed nice... Maybe they could actually be friends- or something. A friend would be nice...

“Eh? Oh yeah.” She shook her head, having been lost in her own thoughts for a moment. “Mhm. I was hoping to get lessons for guitar.” It was typical that the instructor wasn’t here when she wanted them. Kumo had simply wanted to talk tot he instructor, find out what she needed to find out and then leave. Simple. No hassle. No bumping into people. Her heart skipped. But it was going so well... Kumo couldn’t help but smile.

[JULIUS BISHOP]

[bg=212121][atrb=style,border: 3px solid #121100; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 60px;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true] Watching her reactions was like trying to stare into a kaleidoscope and fixate on but one of its many colors. Her expressiveness caught him somewhat off-guard although Julius never appeared to lose his composure or his lethargic mien. He watched her with his one visible eye locked on a fresh target that seemed very receptive to his gleeful mannerism and was apparently all too happy to reciprocate the niceties and expand upon the open window she believed to have found in him. Julius giggled into his hand, distantly acknowledging the urge to recoil from her touch and letting her hand fall into his in a firm handshake. Her exuberance was only surpassed by her absentmindedness, not even realizing she’d introduced herself twice. “You already told me.” He smiled, chuckling as she retreated and resumed her previous stance. As she withdrew Julius was able to reassess the girl, making it as subtle as humanly possible as he scrutinized over who this new acquaintance of his was. He wasn’t familiar with the girl’s name; did she also go to Silver Springs? She didn’t physically look any older than he was but appearances lie, something he was all too aware of. “I’m sorry the Instructor isn’t here yet. I didn’t get a notice saying he’d be absent but you never know.” He said with a shrug of his shoulders, ever the amiable little prodigy. “May I ask why you want to learn guitar? Do you like it?” silly creature what's your feature? know the monster here is me

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[Kumo Perry]

Kumo blushed furiously. Oh damn. There she went again, god damn she was so forgetful... “Oh...” She giggled much like a little child would, “Whoops” She felt a little more comfortable, having gotten used to Julius’ presence a little, but still a little flushed from her previous embarrassing moment- one of many she could list. It wasn’t uncommon for Kumo to do something stupid, if anything her life was full of stupid words and actions, gullible beliefs and dense misunderstandings. She found herself to be a dreadful judge of character, though she managed to get by, and she wasn’t exactly to best at sensing an atmosphere- alas, she wasn’t the most perceptive of folk.

She looked to be older than Julius was, though no one would have figured, but she didn’t mind being friends with younger people. If anything it was actually easier to get along with those a few years younger. Kumo could get along with children better than people of her age simply because they were as childish in mind and behaviour as she was when it came down to the nitty-gritty. Young children were easily pleased, and quickly became best friends and she was happy with that most of the time. It was just nice to talk to someone roughly her age.

“Hmm.” Kumo bit the side of her mouth, looks like things wouldn’t be going anywhere near as according to her little ‘plan’. She perked at his question, the petite female beaming as she spoke. “I love to play it. Its fun and...” She smiled sheepishly, “...I’m actually good at it.”

[JULIUS BISHOP]

[bg=212121][atrb=style,border: 3px solid #121100; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 60px;][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true] Julius’ smile carried into the blue pool of his left eye, filling the once vacant space with something more concrete than the one-dimensional state of expressions most mistook for genuineness. There were days when he couldn’t make his facial expressions reach his eye, days when he didn’t feel like accommodating others to that degree. Whether or not this ditzy little girl was worth such favor was unclear but teen was certain of one thing – she was providing him with a diversion and he welcomed the superficial niceties of conversation to the session he was supposed to be having this very moment. Although he was making a mental note to have one of the house staff phone the campus tomorrow and alert the Stockton faculty to the blatant negligence. The instructor would have to make do with half of his usual pay for this week. “That’s great!” he explained, letting the words themselves do the majority of the work. His performance was convincing enough and Kumo didn’t strike him as the brightest crayon in the box so he was hardly worried that she’d have any mistrustful premonitions toward his returning interest. The teen promptly followed up his small encouragement by crossing the floor between them and clasping the girls hand, leading her toward the seats and beaming like a the child he often was mistaken for. “If you love it then I’m sure you’ll do well! Can you play for me? Right now maybe? Please?” hurling his requests at her as he gently nudged her into a seat and skipping around the piano to retrieve his own instrument. “Hey, if I know the song I’ll play along too.” Brimming with energy he plunked down across from her, resting the violin across his lap and the bow held loose in his hand as he watched her expectantly. Yes, he was pressuring her to perform. The impression he’d gotten from the other was that of someone who didn’t like to stand out too much, a little introverted but not quite by choice so much as design. Prompting her so powerfully was like forcing a shy animal into a room full of its own kind and expecting it to get used to it and act accordingly. In its own way it was cruel. Knowing this and merely not caring how it turned out was just one of the many benefits to being spoiled and lacking consideration for anyone but himself. silly creature what's your feature? know the monster here is me

template by synchronicity

[Kumo Perry]

(((Heck. I'll just make it so she had her guitar with her... XD)))

Whether she was just refusing to not see it, or whether she simply couldn’t, Kumo never once thought he might be putting on a front. It just wasn’t in her to understand how two-faced some people could be. Still smiling softly, Kumo was beginning to feel like the instructor not being there was actually a good thing- it gave her and Julius more time to talk and get to know one another better. For a brief moment, Kumo felt as though her heart was swelling, that she was just so overflowing with happiness that Julius was sure to feel it. It was a strange thought really, one of many Kumo has had.

Kumo beamed at what Julius next said and watched, a little nervously, as he crossed the space between them and to her hand. It felt hot against her cold skin and, maybe it was just her being stupid, unwanted. She felt uncomfortable with the contact but didn’t dare say anything that might offend Julius. No. Instead she just followed obediently as he pulled her over to the seats. She was hit with multiple questions all at the same time, all asking her to do something she never really did. Play? In front of someone? That was crazy... She sat, hands folded in her lap as she watch Julius skip round the piano and fetch his violin. She swallowed. “I-I don’t know...” She whispered, head turning to the side ever so slightly.

But he just seemed so- so- happy, if that was the right word to describe it. "Alright..." She said meekly. With shaking hands, Kumo removed her guitar from her shoulder, unzipping the case it had been in and slowly, carefully, removing the polish instrument. Having discarded the case, she now rested the guitar on her lap, a hand reaching up to slid her headphones up onto her head to cover to ears whilst the other quickly flicked through a couple of songs. Having selected one, she closed her eyes briefly, getting into the rhythm of the song before her fingers started tracing up the neck, nimble fingers pressing down on multiple tabs, her other hand striking and plucking the strings in the centre the guitars body. It was one of her favourites... It made her feel slightly more relaxed to be playing something so familiar, but still her heart was pounding nervously, her face tinted a faint red. She felt so out of place, it was slightly uncomfortable. But really, Kumo would do anything for anyone if she thought it would earn her a friend.

(((Heres the song shes playing )))