The verb 'attempt' is followed by 'to' plus the infinitive e.g. 'attempted to talk'. Also, note that you can't 'cross out' a thought. We usually only cross things out on paper. When you write something using pen and paper and then decide it is wrong, you can cross it out. If I've understood correctly what you are trying to say in this sentence, a more natural expression would be, for example: 'I gave up on the idea of even attempting to talk to anybody.'

Thanks! I lean towards UK more, though. Can't truss da homies from damericas much!

Both are correct, The first is usual in the UK, The second one is most common in the USA. This is a good example of the subtle differences between British and American English.