Breaking the mold didn't always mean a complete diversion from the original. Or, in this case, the stereotypical. Crossing his arms over his chest, Elliot covered a laugh with his hand and nodded as if seriously contemplating Rae's desire for a tattoo. "A butterfly, really? Did I ever mention I had a bat on my shoulder?" He shrugged, feeling a little sheepish. "I was nineteen, going through a rebellious phase, and wanted to commemorate my admiration for Batman and my favorite animal." He shook his head at the memory. "We ever run across a tattoo artist who still has all their supplies? You should go for it. Get that butterfly tat."
"Yes, having a good deal of awesome to work with would make it easier to be awesome, I agree," Elliot said, nodding sagely while a tiny smile played around his lips. "I'm not too worried about the expiration date. That is, as long as these Pop Rocks aren't Moldy Rocks. And even then, I might just say 'fuck it' and eat them anyway."
Elliot grinned. As much effort as she'd put into this party, Rae was right in thinking that he'd take her offer about making him a guitar seriously. "Is it next year yet? Because I seriously can't wait to see what you come up with for an awesomely bedazzled guitar. My ten-year-old self is jumping with joy at the very idea of this."
For the first time in a while, Elliot actually felt a little shy about what he was about to do. It was a foreign sensation, something he hadn't felt since he was a teenager. He reached up to straighten his wig again. "With you as a backup dancer? I'm pretty sure Bret Michaels really is jealous." If he's not a zombie.
Had his brother been here, Elliot wouldn't have thought twice about looking like a fool air-guitaring in a safehouse, but while he was among quite a few people who were enjoying the celebration? There was also a great deal more people watching the revelry with disapproval. A few of those people already didn't trust him to make sure their wife or father or sister or friend stayed alive.
He shook his head, realizing how stupid this sudden rush of insecurities was. This was a celebration. It was meant to bring a little fun back into their depressing existence. Elliot raised his arms in what was, at least in his opinion, the stance for beginning a proper air guitar solo, and began to rock.