For once in his life, Holden was actually determined to make a good impression (not that he intended to look bad usually - he just tended towards apathy when it came to how others felt about him). He couldn't put his finger on why, exactly, nor could he figure out why he came to trust Mitch so easily. Maybe it was just the kind of... chaotic way they presented themself that made them relatable. Like, Holden saw the greasy hair and the self-conscious amble and thought 'fuck it.' Even so, he wanted to maintain a certain image, one that didn't embarrass him, and there were few topics he had expertise on that [i]weren't[/i] boring or otherwise not applicable. '[i]I'm good at guitar 'cause I was always too sick to ever go to school,[/i]' or '[i]I still live with my mom,[/i]' or '[i]I've been in, like, thirty unsuccessful bands[/i]' were all very true facts that came to mind but were somehow not appropriate for his self-furthering cause.

But if he put on some show now, he wouldn't be able to maintain it later, and most of all he wanted them to like him. So. May as well try to be normal and hope for the best. When he tried for a subtle compliment towards their music they seemed a little shy, enough that Holden was almost sorry he'd said it, but Mitch was charismatic enough to bring him back to earth. [i]Thanks, I guess you’ll see.[/i] It was Holden's turn to look somewhat sheepish and he was quick to fetch them beers, concealing the tiny excited smile that rose to his face upon hearing that promise. He barely noticed their disinterest in the drink, but in all fairness he wasn't focused on much of anything other than Mitch themself. Call him hopeless romantic, whatever; the webs of his hands told the story already that he made a habit of falling pretty quickly.

[i]As long as you write me, like, a personal message. Spell my name right. It’s Mitchell, with a double l.[/i] Holden realised he hadn't even asked for clarification on their name or anything - he must've been so focused on how pleased he was that they'd already known his. But he was very certain he'd known it in the first place, and was too quick to stop himself from saying so. [b]"Oh, I know,"[/b] he said with a faltering grin, already hating himself for sounding like a nerd, then quickly tacked on something to distract. [b]"Who spells it with a single 'L'? I'll remember."[/b] Laughter naturally hung off his speech and he drank his beer witheringly, thinking that even if 'Mitchel' was kinda weird, Holden was way worse. Holden, who plays in Pencey Prep. Man. He distantly hoped Mitch, double L, wasn't much of a literati.

The shift in attention from his currently bland personality to his far more interesting array of tattoos was welcome, although he got mixed reviews on the scorpion tattoo's backstory. [i]Got all night.[/i] Holden studied them for a second, a smile playing on his lips, before settling in to spill. [b]"Okay, uh, when I joined Pencey, and I was in front of the biggest crowd I'd ever been, I realised I didn't wanna get a real job. Like, I don't wanna sit in a fuckin' cubicle in a tie and slacks or whatever, [i]ever.[/i] 'Cause this is what I'll always want to do. So I'm gonna make it impossible to get hired, naturally."[/b] He laughed a little, close to the punchline but knowing the story sounded even more stupid as it went on. [b]"But I'm broke, so I go to my guy and tell him '[i]I've got thirty-four bucks, give me whatever as high up as you can,[/i]' and I come out with this. Didn't get one on my face 'cause I'm too dreamy."[/b] Holden leaned back, holding his arms out slightly like he was presenting said dreaminess.

When he presented more ink, Mitch seemed actually genuinely interested, as opposed to how others might give it all a once-over and 'cool!' about 3/4s of the time. Holden ended up just appreciating the way they stared, not even bothering to feel self-conscious - though that was a rarity in itself regardless. [i]Not if you use the space right. I mean...[/i] Holden hadn't expected real suggestions - just the idea alone - but alas he'd closed the exhibit too early to hear whatever Mitch had had to say. Seemed like they were a little distracted, anyway. [i]I relate.[/i] Holden glanced down at the hands they held out, enthralled instantly. Of [i]course[/i] they were an artist - he could've guessed from a mile away if he hadn't been so focused on the present. Well, maybe 'focused' was inaccurate terminology, but. He was already grinning when he looked back up, content with this new information

[i]Struggling artist on your six.[/i] Struggling. Interesting. Holden made a note to force his wide social circle to spread the word and make the struggle not-so-real. [i]Welcome to my twisted mind.[/i] Holden rolled his eyes skyward, leaning slightly towards Mitch subconsciously when they proved themself even more charming - in spite of their sort-of-intimidating-sort-of-sexy canines. Fangs? Probably a costume thing; the band was procuring a certain image anyway. [b]"I could have guessed, actually. Not many people show up here with such a, uh, tangible aesthetic for their group."[/b] Holden was one example. He came in a hoodie and jeans and ratty sneakers all too big for him, his guitarist was in a button-up too clean for the bar, he was pretty sure his drummer's shirt had disappeared at some point. Yeah, none of them were particularly artistic.

[i]None of us are. Can I see your hand ones?[/i] Pretty much instantly, Holden put his can down and levelled his hands out, palms facing down. 'HOPELESS/ROMANTIC' followed the curve of either bridge between his thumb and index finger, 'HALLOWEEN' was printed between each first knuckle, 'BOOKWORM' followed it in a trickier formation. Different designs followed further down and trailed off into ink-painted sleeves, he had some random concert band still on his wrist from weeks ago. [b]"Yeah! These are the ones that make people think I'm gonna steal from their store."[/b] Holden barely laughed 'cause it wasn't a joke - more of an anecdote he apparently thought was normal to share. [b]"My birthday's Halloween, that's why I've got that. And, uh, it looks like '[i]rwob okom...[/i]' but it's 'bookworm,' when you read it right."[/b] He demonstrated 'right,' lacing his fingers together for them, but looked back up soon after, tilting his head at Mitch. [b]"You're pretty chill. Usually people don't care much."[/b]