Alone (Open)

[Sam Mercer]

The dark small room that was the club was crammed full of hot bodied people. The smell of perfume, axe, sweat, and drinks filled the small room. People shouted, danced, and sang to the music they played over the speakers. The band was on break for a couple minutes so they had a cd playing to keep the guest entertained. The light lowered signaling the band coming back to play. This time though a voice came over the speakers.

"Joining the band for the next song is Sam Mercer. He will be singing Was it a Dream by 30 Seconds to Mars."

The lights stayed low an the sounds of thunder and rain flowed out of the speakers. Sam stood there quietly looking down as the drum started to give the song rhythm. Then the guitar started in slowly complimenting the rhythm of the drums. The came Sam's part. The lights lit up the stage showing Sam standing there his long hair hung over his face. His black dress shirt hung loose on his body the long sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark blue jeans clung to his body lightly as one of his black boots tapped out the beat. He lifted his face up to the mic and started to sing.

"Your defenses were on high
Your walls built deep inside
Yeah I'm a selfish bastard
But at least I'm not alone
My intentions never change
What I wanted stays the same
And I know what I should do
it's time to set myself on fire"

The pace of the song sped up as Sam sang louder.

"Was it a dream?
Was it a dream?
Is this the only evidence that proves it
A photograph of you and I"

The pace of the song slowed back down and Sam tookin a deep breath. He started to sing again.

"Your reflection I've erasedLike a thousand burned out yesterdaysBelieve me when I say goodbye forever
Is for good"

The pace picked back up and Sam gave it his all hitting every note perfect

"Was it a dream?
Was it a dream?
Is this the only evidence that proves it
A photograph of you and I"

The music drifted off to a soft back ground noise as the guitarist played a small solo. Sam softly breathed his head flowed with images. This song hit him very personally. The beat picked up and it was time for Sam to finish the song.

"Was it a dream?
Was it a dream?
Is this the only evidence that proves it
A photograph of you and I
"Was it a dream?
Was it a dream?
Is this the only evidence that proves it
A photograph of you and I...in love.."

The lights faded back to black and the stage was dark. Sounds of thunder and rain played over the speakers as the guitarist hit a couple more strings adding a bit of sound. Sam walked off the stage and out a side door into the cool air of the evening.

[Mason McQueen]

Why the hell am I here again?

It was his brother’s idea really. No matter how hard he tried to dissuade him from inviting him over, telling him all sorts of things from his supposed ability to make any conversation awkward to his unworldly lightweight-ness, he still got dragged by him and his friends to join them for a friendly night out. Andrei told him he needs to relax a bit; says he’s been knee-deep in his work that he’d likely just blow his fuse all of a sudden – not good. Their banter went on for a while, but in the end Mason simply went with it; as it was, Andrei seemed like he’d rather they argue until rapture comes than take ‘no’ for an answer. Great really.

So there he was, sighing as he took a sip off his drink (the one with the least alcohol content, no less), his face turning sour as soon as his lips touched the said liquid. Yes, he’s a year over thirty and still he’s not used to such tastes. The whole atmosphere, as well as the teasing he’s been getting (from his brother and his friends) as apparently he’s being hit on so many times already that he just doesn’t realize it, isn’t making him feel any better really. He just lazily sat there, eyes darting to and fro without a clear cut destination.

Then he saw the boy on stage.

He didn’t really listen much when the band stopped playing and the boy was introduced (he felt incredibly deaf right now) so he was rather surprised when he looked oddly familiar. A student? he asked himself, and as it turns out, he was. What’s he doing here then? As far as he know, minors aren’t allowed in the said club. Darn it.

Moral obligation kicking in, Mason promptly excused himself, standing up and walking towards the stage to follow the boy out. “Sam, was it?” he said, shaking his head. So the boy had the same name as his troublemaker best friend, what are the odds? “I’m going on a limb here and assume you’re well over 18 already. Are you?” Not that he’d report him or anything; he might be a walking moral compass at times, but he does know when to appropriate such sternness.

“Are you ok kid?”

ooc:
This took so long. D;. Hopefully it's not too late to jump in. I also apologize for the slight crappiness. =P
- Jam[/justify][/font]

[Cole Kessler]

OOC: Due to lack of activity in myself, I'm sorry for taking so long to jump in, Sam.

Cole had been at the club for a while now. He'd been smoking like the proverbial freight train out back. Lately he'd been stressed out. Recent phone conversations had been less than pleasant. His parents recently found out that his younger brother has lukemia and must now undergo treatments. Very rarely did Cole ever cry, but this was one of those nights. His nine year old brother, now a patient at a local Cancer Treatment Center back home.

He'd heard his boss hit the mic, but couldn't make out his words. After the band started playing Cole had immediately recognized the song. He'd always loved a little 30 Seconds to Mars, and silently hummed, sang, and air guitared to the beat of the music. When the music stopped, Cole flicked the butt of his cigarette across the concrete and stepped back inside.

The manager came on the speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for COLE KESSLER!"

He grabbed his electric guitar and stepped up on stage, smiling all the while. He couldn't let anyone see him in pain, emotional or otherwise. He walked up to the mic and spoke, "Hey, everyone. Glad to be back tonight. Well, I received some bad news tonight..." He said and paused, waiting for it to all set in, "My younger brother, Cheyne, has been diagnosed with lukemia. He's nine years old and has his whole life ahead of him, so please, friends and neighbors, pray for him."

With that Cole checked his strings, "Now back on track, I'm glad to know that someone has warmed up my crowd for me." It was then he noticed Sam and Professor McQueen in the crowd themselves, "And I have a pretty good idea of who it was. Ladies and Gentlemen let's hear it one more time for SAM MERCER!" Cole said as he clapped for his best friend's recent performance. "And ladies, I do believe he's single, so have at him, girls. I'm gonna sing a song now." He laughed as he again checked his strings and their note. "How about some Danko Jones?" He asked over the mic and the crowd roared in approval.

He counted to the band and in synch with the music turned round and grabbed the mic:

I admit it, I've done a few things that I shouldn't be proud of.
I got no remorse, no regrets,
never happy endings, only downsets.
And if you wanna get down
I can go down as low as you wanna get.
I wouldn't try to push me
It'll only leave you with regret
DON'T TEST ME!

I can rip you off, and steal all your cash.
Suckerpunch you in the face, stand back and laugh.
Leave you stranded as fast as a heart-attack.
All day, I THINK BAD THOUGHTS.
I can break your heart at the drop of a hat.
Stab you in the back, in two minutes flat.
Screw your girl in the back of my Cadillac.
I think bad thoughts.

Take this to the streets, full of shit
Flush it down the toilet like you're taking a piss.
It should be good, to see, for a change
just a day, how the other half lives.
And when I take you out, I'll stare you down
Make sure you're getting nervous.
You won't understand
That's how it is as a knight in Satan's service.

(Chorus)

I THINK BAD THOUGHTS!
ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT LO-ONG!
I THINK BAD THOGUHTS!
DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK'S WRONG!

If you wanna judge my lifestyle
I'd love to see how you live.
Feel free to cast your stones
Don't cry when you're found bleeding.

In a heartbeat, I'll turn you white as a sheet
Begging for mercy on your goddamn knees.
It'll be hard to keep from laughing
Watching you cry will make my way.
Just test me, please test me
Push the button, pull a lever, trick or treat.
I'm asking, do you have the stuff
To find out if I can fuck you up.

I can rip you off, and steal all your cash.
Suckerpunch you in the face, stand back and laugh.
Leave you stranded as fast as a heart-attack.

I THINK BAD THOUGHTS!
ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT LO-ONG!
I THINK BAD THOGUHTS!
DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK'S WRONG!

I can tell you lies, 'till your left in disgrace.
Kick you when you're down, and spit in your face.
Lead you on 'till you're lost without a trace.

I THINK BAD THOUGHTS!
ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT LO-ONG!
I THINK BAD THOGUHTS!
DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK'S WRONG!

I can break your heart at the drop of a hat
Stab you in the back, in two minutes flat
Screw your girl in the back of my Cadillac
I think bad thoughts

As the song ended Cole added a little more of a guitar solo at the end; shredding the neck of notes and flinging his hair. Finally his guitar assault relented and he threw both fists in the air. Tonight, it wasn't about him. It wasn't about Taeyeon, or a date with her, it wasn't about Sam or his younger brother's news. Tonight was about pleasing his crowd.

[Sam Mercer]

Sam looked to the older man as he walked outside the hot club. He rolled his eyes slightly and wondered what a teacher was doing at a club like this. He smiled at the comment about his age as he leaned his back against the brick wall. Sam could hear a loud mouth up on stage and guest it must be Cole. About that time the teacher grabbed his attention when his asked if Sam was ok. Ok? Was he ok? He didn't know or really care he was just looking for the next good time.

"Am I ok? Far from it have you seen my grades in school?"

Sam Laughed trying to make a joke out of it. In reality is grades were not all that bad, not perfect, but not bad. He smiled and looked the man over.

"I am sorry I do not think I caught your name. I haven't really got to know any teachers. By the way what is a teacher doing in a place like this."

Sam pointed over his shoulder at the club.

"From the look of you it doesn't seem like your kind of place."

[Mason McQueen]

Mason felt just a tad bit irritated when the boy didn’t give him an answer regarding his age, but instead of prodding the boy even more, he’d simply resigned to the fact that the boy wouldn’t really reveal himself if he was a minor. And besides, maybe it was because of the stage lights and the general stuffiness of the club, but out in the open – under the streetlights, that is – the boy looked a whole lot older (no offense to him). Hopefully he really isn’t sneaking out or anything.

The man let out a laugh at Sam’s self-depreciation, though it was more out of courtesy than amusement – he isn’t one to advocate low self-esteem jokes, even if it was for a good laugh. “Well, grade-wise, they’re not bad, but you can improve. Maybe work a little harder in English and History?” Mason was, for his part, winging this as well. He wasn’t really privy to Sam’s grade (or any student’s, for that matter) outside his class; he doesn’t have access to it, and he thinks it’s unnecessary. Maybe if the boy was doing so badly in his class he’d try to ask if the performance has been the same for his other classes. But since Sam wasn’t like that, he’s somewhat off the hook. “I’m kidding. I don’t really know much about your grades in other classes. Unless you’re name is Vincent Verax or Samuel Rixon, student names are lost in the teacher’s lounge.”

The man heard another singer take up the stage, and would he had been inside still, he’d be mighty shaken to see two students belting it out in a club. It’s a good thing he went out to follow Sam then.

“Oh really? Guess I should take a mark off your exam then?” Mason teased, shaking his head. Though he wasn’t sure, was the guy even in one of his classes. He knew he was familiar, he just wasn’t sure. “I’m Mr. McQueen. Though since we’re in quite the place, Mason will suffice.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle at the boy’s observation. Either the boy’s really sharp, or he’s just darn too obvious. Or maybe it’s both. “N’aww. My younger brother dragged me here with his friends. Never really was the type to go to clubs and such. All the music and the dancing and the drinking is just too much for me.” He’d be lying if he said he didn’t jump for joy, at least for a bit, when he saw the kid walk out. It gave him the perfect excuse to get off the table and out the hell hole really. “I mean, if it wasn’t for a friend, who coincidentally was called Sam too, I’d probably know nothing about drinking and clubbing and whatnot.”

ooc:
Apologies for the delay. Life just wasn't friendly these last few days. >.<. Promise I'll try not to be late next time.^^.
- Jam

[Ryne Caliban]

Does anyone really need a reason to go dancing? The answer to that is "No." Dancing is just fun. Well, it depends on the type of dancing. Evie wasn't the type to do full on grinding with some random stranger in a crowded bar. No, he was more of the type to dance with his hands in the air bouncing around to rave music or something. He liked music that allowed him to express his deepest pains and emotions, but he also liked music that let him be careless. Right now, he wanted music where the only thing that could really be heard and felt is the thumping of the beat going "UNCE UNCE UNCE UNCE" He wanted to party.

Evie stepped out of the shower. Tonight, he was going to forget about any of his troubles, and what better way to do so than go clubbing. He shimmied his head, causing droplets of water to fly off the end of his blond hair. Tonight he was going to get so plastered, that he might end up passing out in a gutter or something. Yeah, tonight, was going to be a good night. Evie opened his closet and picked out something to wear. A simple t-shirt and faded jeans would suffice. With himself all dressed up, he made his way to the taxi awaiting outside his apartment.

Excitement built up inside him as the entrance came into view. He was ready to let loose. The boy was all smiles...until he actually stepped foot into the club. The lights were dimmed, the sound of thunder and rain echoed the room, along with a boy's voice. A voice that sounded vaguely familiar. Either way, the music wasn't upbeat at all. In fact, it was slightly gloomy, the same way Evie's own mood was becoming. It seemed that he had arrived on the one night where they weren't playing dance music on a continuous loop. "Fuck me." Evie swore to himself.

Stepping further in the club with downcast eyes, he figured he could at least put the second part of his plan into action: getting hammered. He wanted some alcohol in his system. Being underage was not an issue of his, not at all. When one as a fake ID, it's amazing what one can accomplish. The performer that was on stage had taken leave, along with his depressing aura. Evie couldn't help but inwardly sneer at him. Albeit he really had no reason to, it wasn't the other boy's fault that Evie came on a shitty night. Another performer came on stage, and already Evie was cringing inwardly. The man had much too long of hair, which probably meant he was going to sing some wretched heavy metal or rock song. Before he began, he gave a shout out to the previous singer. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Evie couldn't really place it.

Lo and behold, the music wasn't Evie's cup of tea, or in this case shot of vodka. It was more upbeat than the last song, so he had to give credit to that at least. The young summoner felt a sufficient buzz coming along, before he made a decision. "Fuck it. If I'm going to have fun, I'm doing it my way." Quickly he made his way to the manager. With a little bit of bribery in the form of a fifty dollar bill, Evie Caliban had become the next performer of the night.

The blond boy hopped on the stage and stole the mic, as his music started to play. Oh yeah. Now, he was having fun.

"You are the girl that I've been dreaming of
Ever since I was a little girl
You are the girl that I've been dreaming of
Ever since I was a little girl

One!
I'm biting my tongue
Two!
He's kissing on you
Three!
Oh, why can't you see?
One! Two! Three! Four!

Word's on the streets and it's on the news:
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you
He's got two left feet and he bites my moves
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance!
The second I do, I know we're gonna be through
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance with you
He don't suspect a thing, I wish he'd get a clue
I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance!"

notes;; Eek...sorry for jumping in like this, but I'm getting back into the swing of things. <<; Also, I'm sorry I wasn't able to interact with anyone. I'm trying to keep it natural, and not forced. Also, the song is "I'm not going to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you" by Black Kids

[Cole Kessler]

Cole was taken aback by the young boy as he jumped opn stage and started singing. Cole was a little aggitated at first but then got into it as he watched the boy sing and dance on the stage. He stepped down from the stage went over and spoke with the boss, "So, boss, who is this kid?"

"Name's Ryne Caliban. He's a student from that institute you go to, Cole."

"And just how did he get you to let him on stage when it's not Open Mic Night?" Cole asked and watched as his boss flashed a green sheet with Ulysses Grant's face on it, "Ah, okay. That makes sense." Cole said as he continued to watch the boy's performance. He thought for a bit more, "You know, half of that fiddy is mine, right?" He asked jokingly and started laughing along with his boss, "I'll say this, the kid's got some talent. He difinitely knows how to work the crowd." Cole said as he looked around. The song began to near it's end and Cole headed back to the stage.

As Ryne finished, Cole walked back up into the light. He grabbed the spare mic from a nearby stand, "Ladies and Gentlemen, let's hear it one more time for RYNE CALIBAN!" Cole yelled and began clapping. He held off and let the crowd quiet down before speaking again, "Let's see if he can keep this ovation after the next song. I'm sorry to say this'll be the last song of the night, but we're gonna give you a good one to go home with. We all remember Creed?" Cole asked and the crowd roared in approval. "For those of you who know this song, join in. For those of you who don't know this song, look at the person next to ya and read their fuckin' lips. and do the same. This is Rain by Creed." He laughed with a smile. The song picked up:

Can you help me out?
Can you let me a hand?
It's safe to say that
I'm stuck again

Trapped between this life and the light
I just can't figure out
How to make it right

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more
Something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
With every tomorrow comes another life

I feel it's gonna rain
For days and days
I feel it's gonna rain

I tried to figure out
I can understand
What it means to live on again

Trapped between the truth and the consequence
Nothings real
Nothings making sense

A thousand times before
I've wondered if there's something more
Something more...

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
So let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this
Rain like this

Fall down
Wash away my yesterdays
Fall down
So let the rain fall down on me

I feel it's gonna rain like this for days
Let it rain down and wash everything away
I hope that tomorrow the sun will shine
I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this
Rain like this

I feel it's gonna rain like this
Rain like this

I feel it's gonna rain like this
I feel it's gonna rain...

[Sam Mercer]

Sam listen to the teacher talk about classes and his brother. About that time a strange music started to play. The song killed his ears and was just not his style. He looked to Mason.

"I am so sorry about running off on you but i have to do something about that music its killing me."

He patted mason on the shoulder and headed for the door.

"Maybe we can hang out sometime?"

Sam yelled that as he ran back in the door to find Cole jumping back on stage. Sam sighed in relief but then heard Cole say it was the last song of the night. Sam smirked. Not if he had anything to say about it. He ran up to the owner of the club.

"Hey ill give you fifty bucks if you let me sing after Cole gets done."

The manager just looks at him.

"Sorry kid its closing time. Plus we are running out of drinks"

Sam reached for his wallet and pulled out two fifty dollar bills.

"How about a hundred?"

The managers eyes got wide as he took the two bills and shoved them in his pocket.

"Ok but make it quick"

Sam ran to the side of the stage and as Cole finished his song Sam ran up on stage with Cole. He patted his friend on the shoulder and took the mic.

"Ladies and Gents we will be having one last song tonight thanks to the wonderful owner. So to say thanks and buy another drink!"

Sam leaned over and whispered to Cole and the band.

"Erase my scars by Evans Blue."

Sam put the mic back in the stand and started to unbutton his shirt as the music started to play he yanked it off and threw it into the crowd. The bright light shined on his muscular body but also showed all his scars off to the crowd. Sam grabbed the mic off the stand and started to sing.

Reckless and weary,
The truth has been buried,
Held down by the hand,
That refuses to carry.
The burden you built,
The lies, do you hear me?
The insult, the white flag,
You refuse to carry.
I'm letting you go,
And all that you showed me.
I'm letting you know,
That you don't control me.
The feeling is cold,
And life is unfolding.
Reckless and weary,
I'm desperately holding on.

So if you can't get a word in,
Its because I don't care what you think,
Don't be alone inside,
A world that's filled with make-believe.

Broke! Inside,
This life, you can never be reborn within,
I came this far erase my scars.
Fight! This time,
Inside, take a break from the lie you live,
I came this far, erase my scars.

Find my control,
Find reasons to beat this,
Find truth below,
The lies and the wreckage.
I can't let go,
I'm too close, too restless,
I'm letting you know,
I'm far too aggressive.

So if you can't get a word in,
Its because I don't care what you think,
Don't be alone inside,
A world that's filled with make-believe.

Broke! Inside,
This life, you can never be reborn within,
I came this far erase my scars.
Fight! This time,
Inside, take a break from the lie you live,
I came this far erase my scars.

Five weeks ago,
My life was affected,
By years of hope and learning life lessons.
You let me know,
By leaving me helpless,
What then was unknown is now unprotected.

I'm so!
Broke! Inside,
This life, you can never be reborn within,
I came this far erase my scars.
Fight! This time,
Inside, take a break from the lie you live,
I came this far, erase my scars.

Sam put the mic back as sweat poured down his body. He watched at the crowd cheered and clapped and a few of the drunk girls screamed out. Sam smirked and patted Cole on the shoulder He pumped one hand in the air and yelled into the mic.

"Goodnight every body!"

Sam exited the stage and walked out the side door again to cool down.

[Mason McQueen]

As lame as it may sound, it seems that Mason’s hearing still hasn’t returned to normal despite him spending a good chunk of time outside the club already. Seems being away from such places for around three years or so (he’s declined his best friend’s offers to join him ever since Angela got sick; it just doesn’t seem right after all) has affected his tolerance for such loud noises. One would assume though that someone who deals with loud, hormonal teenagers each day (some with special abilities even that enhance their already active vocal cords) would be fully equipped to quickly adapt to such extreme noises sounds. Then again, for every rule, there’s an exception.

“Oh? Go. It’s not like you have a legal obligation to stay and entertain me anyway.” People reading is definitely not Mason’s strongest suit (especially since he has a tendency to be dense and oblivious at times) but he has a feeling that the boy’s not really leaving because he feels rather awkward talking to an instructor of his in such an informal situation – a good thing, at least in the man’s eyes. In fact, looking at how he handled Mason’s presence the moment he saw him, he could say that the boy was actually amused at such a discovery. “That sounds swell,” he grinned, though inwardly he’s asking himself about the boy’s definition of ‘hanging out’. Mason really wants to connect with his students in more ways than just in the classroom (as he thinks students learn better when they have better rapport with their instructor) and well, such an invitation is the perfect opportunity. Hopefully a ‘generation gap’ won’t be much of a problem.

As he watched the boy rush into the club once more, he finally caught a glimpse of two more familiar figures. Good Lord. Please, please, please let them be legal? He kept on telling himself as he waded through the crowd in an effort to catch the blonde (the long haired guy is apparently on stage still; it’ll be really embarrassing to go up there and tell him off in the middle of a performance). “Hey,” said Mason, patting the boy’s shoulder in case his greeting wasn’t heard over the loud beats, “I forgot your name but I’m fairly sure you’re in one of my classes in Hammel. Pardon my asking, but I just want to clear my conscience. You are of legal age, right?” Oh how he hates his conscience at times.

When the screaming suddenly got louder, he found himself instinctively looking at the stage and quickly shaking his head in a mix of surprise and disappointment. “God. He didn’t seem that wild a few moments earlier. I should’ve known,” he mumbled.

ooc:
I apologize for the crappy quality. My muse isn't just working well this week. D;
- Jam[/justify][/font]

[Ryne Caliban]

It was actually pretty surprising that Evie didn't fall off the stage with the way he was dancing up there. But he had to let loose and go all out before he went crazy with bored. As he finished the final notes, he was met with gracious applause. He could feel himself out of breath after only that one song, but that tended to happen when one was moving around, instead of sitting and playing an instrument. The man who announced the previous performer, as well as performed himself, came over the speakers again. The blond boy's three minutes of fun was over. And soon enough the slightly downbeat music was playing once again.

The best solution to this problem was to go back to getting wasted. Sitting at the bar, Evie ordered another drink, letting his buzz turn into something more. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and quickly turned around to see who it was. He wasn't in the mood for anyone hitting on him, which was new to say the least. Before, he didn't really mind the attention that he had gotten when random girls, and even some guys tried to get with him. Especially when the end result was free booze. Now though, it was different.He wasn't really used to technically having a boyfriend, assuming that's what he could call Terrance.

The summoner's eyes widened a little bit as he realized that it was a teacher from Hammel. Quickly, he tried to regain control of his heart rate. "O-of course I'm legal. You mean drinking right? I mean I'm here at the bar...drinking it...so I must be l-legal right?" Damn this stutter. Evie had hoped that the older man wouldn't notice how horrible he was at lying sometimes, and he also hoped that somehow his logic would throw him off. "I don't think I'm in any of your classes anymore. I'm mostly at Hammel for training courses and maybe a few extra classes that they didn't really offer at the local college." The summoner said hastily trying to steer the subject away from his age. When it came to legal matters, he didn't want to be in more trouble than he really needed to be. Hopefully mentioning that he was in college helped.

Over the speakers, he could hear the boy who he heard singing first, now screaming into the microphone. Evie cringed outwardly. Other than the fact that it was very loud, it really wasn't his type of music. "On the plus side, at least that was the last song...I think." The blond boy grinned. "The manager seems to be easily bribed." Perhaps it was drunken stupidity, or maybe it was the childish, impulsive side of Evie that made him do what he did next. "How about you? What would you do for a fifty?" With that, he gave a devilish, toothy smile and a wink. In his mind, he was laughing.