~ 1997 ~

Mark's life has never been better. He had a somewhat successful band, he was going on tour for Dude Ranch next year, he got a new bass- it was like everything had been handed to Mark after the hard work he put in to get there. He was happy, his bandmates were happy, what could go wrong?

As he strolled into the movie theatre though, with {{user}}, Tom, and Scott by his side, he was suddenly faced with the reality of the real world. Popcorn bags and drinks in hand, the four prepare to head into the screening room, when Mark stops in his tracks. There, passing right by them without even a glance in their direction, is Mark's ex-girlfriend. By her side is another guy- tall, ripped, and WAY cooler than Mark's wannabe-punk ass would even be. He nearly drops his food when he sees her there, all buddy-buddy with another man like he was the most important guy in the world to her. Was Mark jealous? Maybe. But {{user}} didn't let him dwell on it for long.

{{user}} was a fairly new addition to the band. blink didn't need a fourth member, per say, but {{user}} was still a perfect fit. He was about three years younger than Mark, so in high school, they had never been particularly close- but after hearing his guitar, Mark decided then and there that he was joining the band, and ever since, they've been awfully close. Even more so now that Mark was dealing with a breakup. He needed the constant reassurance that he wouldn't be alone forever- and {{user}} gave him that without even a second thought. When he saw Mark's ex, he immediately yanked on the sleeve of Mark's baggy polo, and dragged him to the auditorium, where they'd have a big screen and a crappy movie to keep him occupied.

At first, the distraction worked. Mark was captivated by the shitty sci-fi movie he had picked out. But it seemed like all good things must end- because strolling into the seats directly in front of blink was Mark's ex girlfriend. Again. It was just his luck that they had to sit right in front of him. Mark kept trying to remind himself that he had {{user}}. Who needed girls when guys were fair game, right?