Angelo shrugs at Aki's question, because there's no real good answer that wasn't a lie. Some days were better than others. Some were worse. It was hard to know which day would be which. It was all an adjustment. "Every day is different." Angelo finally replies, feeling his ex's eyes on him. Sipping from his coffee to keep from having to elaborate further right away, he clears his throat, feeling a bit awkward.
"You always thought I was a way better person than I was. Than I am." Angelo points out, though a small smile moves over his face. "Sounds like we've both had a shit time. Not sure if that makes me feel better or worse." Aki deserved more, deserved better; Angelo knew that. "I was in Seattle, one of the men's prisons up there. I had no need to go back to LA or anything, so...Hemlock Springs seemed as good as a place as any." He shrugs at that, quieting again when their food arrives, popping a fry into his mouth. "Do you...like it here?"
Akiak nods, "I feel that." He could understand some days being better than others, sometimes he didn't even want to get out of bed. "I think as long as you keep pushing forward, everything is going to fall into place." He smiles, before asking, "Did you have any food cravings while you were in there? Maybe we can make it a point to go and get some of them for you to enjoy. Even if it's something as simple as a chocolate bar." It was his attempt at trying to make the conversation a little light, while also letting Angelo know he was there for him if he needed anything.
"I'm not sure if you can tell but I had a pretty huge crush on you in high school, that might've had something to do with it," Aki teases, warmly smiling. It was nice to see Angelo smile a little. "I guess we have. I don't know what's better or worse either. You know what I do know? It can only go up from here for us, right?" He takes a sip of his beverage, listening to his ex, Aki gives a little nod at the response. "Yeah, I can't really argue that." He picks a piece of bacon off his burger, "Hemlock Springs is a nice little place; it certainly gives that homey feel almost instantly upon entering the town," he eats the piece of bacon, loving how perfectly crispy it was. " I'm enjoying it here." He's made a couple of friends, so really, could he even complain? "By chance, are you planning on attending Oktoberfest when it comes into town?"
open to: anyone! ( @hemlockstarters )
location: lucky penny saloon
event: oktoberfest celebration
"No, this isn't...this isn't Coyote Ugly, I'm not dancing on the bar." Indy half sighs, half groans, waving off the drunken patron before turning to the person waiting for a drink. "I'm sorry about that. What can I get you? We're having a promotion on beer."
"Next time they ask you if you're going to dance on the bar tell them that your new bartender is, and I'll gladly get up there and give them a show. It'll probably be some awkward dancing, considering I can't really dance, but still." Xander chuckles, "I'll have a pint of whatever Oktoberfest you have on drafts, please. Do you guys happen to have any of those mini pretzels?"
for: open ( @hemlockstarters )
location: l'arte district, fall art exhibit
Xander had been wandering the fall art exhibit for at least forty-five minutes by now, admiring the different styles on display. Various paintings adorned the walls and a couple of sculptures were roped off around the exhibit. He stopped in front of one particular photo, envisioning himself in it. Sometimes he wished he could jump into certain paintings, like The Starry Night. At the moment it was the one in front of him, even if he couldn't tell where the road started and ended in it. As far as he knew, art was a matter of perspective. He could be looking at this photo entirely lost but perhaps the person next to him was a different case. He turns to them, automatically offering an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry to interrupt your day." He looks back to the painting in front of them, "When you look at this, do you see where the road begins and ends? That's not a trick question. I swear. I am genuinely trying to figure it out."
Sebastian ran his fingers gingerly over the shelves of books. They’d received a new shipment just this morning and he’d yet to organize them all. In his personal space, Seb thrived on chaos. His room was an amalgamation of torn papers featuring lines he'd thought of or overheard and wanted to include in one story or the other and piles of books he’d yet to read, but in his professional life, Sebastian craved organization. He needed things to remain in their own spaces, which wasn’t always feasible in a space so controlled by patrons. Sighing, the bookshop clerk slipped a novel into its appropriately alphabetical space and glanced over his shoulder. “Feel free to browse,” he commented. “If there’s anything you need, I’m happy to assist.”
Word on the street is that Bella's Books had received a new shipment of books between the late-night hours of last night and the early morning hours of this morning. While Xander had only been in town for two weeks, he had made it a point to find out where to get the scoop on Bella's Books. He loved reading books, of all kinds, but especially horror ones. When he made his way over to the book shop, he didn't really have an exact book in mind, but he figured that he'd eventually find something that caught his attention. As he walked down the aisles of Bella's Books, admiring the neatly organized bookshelves, Xander looked over each title very carefully. "Actually," Xander says, his gaze traveling from the books to the bookstore employee, "I could use a bit of help, if you really don't mind. I didn't really come with a gameplan outside of leaving with a book involving something spooky. Could be based on true stories, fiction, local legends, but just something up that realm. Do you happen to have any recommendations?"
if you’re hearing ME, MYSLEF, & I by G-EAZY, BEBE REXHA playing, you have to know XANDER SINGH (HE/HIM; CIS MALE) is near by! the 35 year old BARTENDER AT DEVIL’S DEN has been in town for, like, TWO WEEKS. they’re known to be quite TIMID, but being ADVENTEROUS seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble RAYMOND ABLACK. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those SCATTERED POLOROID PICTURES ON BEDROOM WALLS, WASTING THE DAY AWAY PLAYING VIDEO GAMES, CHEESY ROMANTIC 80’s COMEDY, NEW GUY AROUND TOWN, AND LOUD MUSIC BLARING FROM GIANT SPEAKERS vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around DOWNTOWN long enough!
STATS
Name: Xander Singh
Nickname(s): X, Singh
Age: 35
Pronouns: He/Him
Sexuality: Pansexual
Relationship Status: Single
BACKSTORY:
tw: death tw
he was originally born in miami, florida xander's parents gave him up for adoption the moment he was born (04/01/89). he was quickly adopted by a newly married couple and soon relocated to greenville, maine.
xander's new home was warm for the most part, occasionally he and his siblings would get in trouble for some misbehaving. he grew up very aware of the fact that he was adopted but it never bothered him, and his family never made him anything less than loved over that fact. his parents were honest about his biological ones and wouldn't hesitate to give him answers to questions he had, if they had said answers.
he grew up to be a social type of person and very easily made friends wherever he went. he always greeted everyone with a bright smile, because he always wanted to be a reason that someone's world turned upside if it was gloomy. he became fascinated with video gaming from the moment his father introduced him and his siblings to super smash bros. from that moment forward, his passion arose. his older sibling became the reason that xander's passion for music blossomed. from a young age, he picked up a pic and guitar. he was in a punk rock band from the ages of fourteen through sixteen. they only broke up because of his friends moved out of town.
one thing that he never stopped doing was singing. he continued to sing, more so in the shower, and hoped one day he'd be able to perform once more. after graduating high school, xander left to attend colombia university school of the arts in new york. he wanted to ultimately get a degree in film, but complications with his mom's health put that dream on hold for a while. after a year and a half of attending the university, xander returned home to help take care of his mom.
his mom ends up passing when he is twenty-six, a loss that he took pretty hard. rather than turning to drugs or alchohol to cope with the loss, he turns to video gaming as an escape. for a while he works as a clerk at the local little game shop in his town, eventually becoming a manager. a year ago, however, xander got the itch for something more out of life. as sad as it was to leave a place he's known as home for pretty much his entire life, he wanted to hit the reset button just once.
he came across hemlock spring thanks to one of his online gaming buddies who actually lived there. they had known each other for a couple of years, facetiming and all. he works as a bartender at devil's den and even though it's only been two weeks, xander is enjoying his time in hemlock springs.
Damien had always loved his big family. Though Mathias was his cousin he tended to treat him like a brother. He'd managed to keep up with him along the years and he was honestly thankful to see him back in town, if in part that Alicia now got to spend time with her two uncles. Even if he and Aria were still figuring things out, he wanted his daughter to experience the love of having aunts and uncles around to support her.
He makes his way up to the deck as he heard a voice from outside. "Hey Matty, I hope you don't mind dinner on the boat, I'm trying to get a few last nights in it before it goes into dry dock for the winter"
"Not at all, man. I'm actually pretty excited that it's the boat. Doesn't hurt to have a change of scenery, having dinner on land can become so dull." Mathias had been looking forward to dinner with Damien all day. He loved spending time with his family, but especially Damien and Ethan. They were his cousins, yet he viewed them both as his brothers. He makes his way onto the boat, holding up a bottle of Don Julio, "I didn't come empty handed. I'm not trying to get drunk or anything. I just didn't have anything else to bring. You could also save it for a rainy day, either way, it's yours to keep." He chuckles, handing the bottle over to Damien.
"How have you been?" He asks, making himself comfortable. "Also, do you need help with anything?"
Mariana had been hiking all around the world. She took a few trips a year, nearly always one overseas. Living in Washington there were so many parks within driving distance, so many she could hit on a weekend trip or a day trip in between her bigger trip. Olympic national park was her favorite, whenever she needed to get away, needed to calm she could likely be found there camping along an overlook.
Taking a deep breath of the ocean air as they reached one of her favorite spots her head turns back to Andreas. "I'm not sure I'll ever get over this sight, mind if we pause here for a bit, I think Toby could use a little rest"
Andreas had been more than excited for his hike with Mariana. He hadn't been on a hike in some time, and Olympic National Park was one of his favorite places to go hiking at. It was the perfect place for a little get away, without a doubt. He used to go camping there quite often, but admittedly, it had been some time since he had gone camping in general. Being surrounded by the beauty of the park made him reconsider getting back to it soon, though, especially since the weather was perfect these days for it.
He admired the view, "It's a breathtaking sight, I must agree." Andreas shakes his head when asked if he minded them pausing for a moment, smiling, "I don't mind one bit. I think that's a brilliant idea." He sits down, letting out a happy sigh, "I have to say, this was a great idea." He pulls up his water bottle, taking a swing of it. "How often do you come up here?"
Angelo stuck to ordering a cup of coffee - black, nothing fancy - his attention turning back to Aki once the waiter has finished with their orders. "I—" He starts to say something and then stops when the other starts to speak, listening quietly. Angelo understood the feeling completely, probably more than Akiak would ever know. He appreciated Aki sharing and that he felt comfortable doing so, but that meant he'd have to get into his own whereabouts from the last 20 years, which was something Angelo never liked talking about. Aki at least had some good memories left of him, and he was about to ruin it, he was sure. "I didn't, if that makes you feel better. Have the same number." Angelo states, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards for a moment. The smile quickly fades though, clearing his throat in attempt to buy him a few more seconds before he'd have to continue. "I've been in prison the last twenty years. I just got out a few months ago, and I moved here." The older man states, gaze shifting away from his ex again. It was better to rip the bandaid off and just say it, right? There was no use in beating around the bush or being dishonest. Akiak could make his own decisions about how he felt about him, and he deserved the truth now more than ever. "So...that's it. Sorry it's not anything bright or shiny or happy."
Knowing Angelo had a different number did make him feel better, it even caused him to softly chuckle, "I'm a bit relieved to know that, actually." The Dr. Pepper and black coffee came, which he was thankful for, he hadn't realized how thirsty he was until he had the beverage in front of him. He keeps his gaze attentively focused on Angelo as he spoke, giving a little nod. It was certainly not something he had expected to hear, but he didn't change his perspective on this ex-boyfriend. "I can only imagine the adjustment you've had to make, Angelo. How are you doing with it all?" He leans in a little more, giving Angelo his full attention. It was only a matter of time before it became his turn to confess something, and he tried to think of the proper way to word things without sounding too alarming. Should he just rip the band aid off as well?
The food is placed in front of him, followed by two glasses of complimentary iced water. Hearing his ex-boyfriend apologize, Akiak shook his head, "Angelo, you have nothing to apologize for. For what it's worth, I still think you're a pretty great person. Always have, always will. Besides," he clears his throat, looking down at his food, " I don't exactly have the happiest or bright news to give either." A minute goes by as he gathers his thoughts, then he looks back up, Akiak sighs, "Long story short, I fell down a drug infused rabbit hole for a while. I'm better now, it's been a quite the journey, but yeah. I have a friend who lives around here, so here I am." It was out there now and all he could hope for is that Angelo wouldn't be repulsed by him or think low of him. He took another sip of his drink, suddenly feeling his throat really dry. "What brought you here, if I may ask?"
"Sausage is fine. Pineapples too, maybe?" Ethan's voice was hopeful. He knew that not everyone enjoyed warm pineapples on pizza but it was something that he enjoyed, and it didn't hurt to ask. Maybe one of these day someone would agree. "You can just have them put that on my half if you're not down." Ethan relaxed back into the couch. Hanging with his cousin again was definitely one of the most enjoyable perks of being back home. They'd practically grown up together as brothers and Ethan had missed seeing him as often when he'd been living in Seattle. It wasn't that Seattle was far or anything, but going from being comfortably surrounded by family at any moment to having to make a concentrated effort to spend time together had been an adjustment. Then touring had happened and Ethan had had to rely on texts and phone calls to keep up with everything that was going on. So, as much as he missed being on the road, doing what he loved, he couldn't begrudge the extra time he got to be around the people he loved. Even if they sometimes drove him crazy.
"Bro, I haven't been brushing up. I'm just naturally talented. And you suck." He almost stuck out his tongue as he teased, but instead, Ethan simply grinned and scratched behind Lola's ear. "Nothing interesting. Private music lessons while I figure out what the hell I want to do with my life again, but mostly just sitting around and letting ma cook for me. You know -- the good life."
"Pineapples, you say?" He felt silly not having thought of pineapple, "Good call, E." Mathias was one of those rare individuals that liked pineapple with his pizza. In his opinion, it was the perfect mix of salty and savory. He requests them to be added to both pizzas he was ordering, since it seemed they both enjoyed it on their pizza. He shakes his head at Ethan's comment, jokingly asking, "You're just trying to hog all the good savory pineapple slices for yourself, huh? Too bad. Now they are both going to be pineapple sausage and cheese pizzas!" Then, he snorts, "I can only imagine the way some people would call this order a crime, you know. Is there something wrong with us or them?" Trick question, it was them. Whoever they were. It was these moments that reminded Mathias as to why he loved living here, because he wouldn't trade the memories with his family for anything else. Even when they were roasting him, like Ethan currently was.
"I suck?" He scoffs, looking at Lola, "I suck, Lola. Can you believe the blasphemy coming out of this guy's mouth? You're just going to sit there and accept his pets, too, aren't you?" Lola did exactly that, and Mateo returns his attention to Ethan, "I hope you're aware we will have to have another match, because I can't just let you walk in here and insult me like that. You were just getting some good luck, but that's over now. I'm going to come back full force in our next match." For now, he leans back into the couch, his attention is more focused on Ethan's update. "I can get behind that. Taking things slow, it's always a good start to anything. And you know, whatever you need, I got you." He chuckles, jokingly adding, "I mean, unless it's cooking. You should just let your ma take care of that, because I've kind of been slacking as of late in that department. You'd be stuck eating pizza and homemade pasta all the time." Just then he takes a generous sip of his beer, before selecting the random button on the character selection screen. "You ready to get owned? Loser has to grab the next round of drinks."
"Mr. Impatient? You should change my name on your phone." Sudesh repeats with amusement. It's not the first time he's been called that, and he knows it will not be the last, but the joking nature in which Aki said it was a change.
While the nature on the way up was notable it didn't hit Sudesh until he took a few minutes to let himself relax and simply observe, the beautiful colours of the near sunset making him realise he can't remember the last he saw one. While he preferred adrenaline coursing through his veins he was starting to see why people liked this sort of thing. Maybe. But as quick as he considered, the thought soon changed as he places his hand down on the bench and feels the warmth of Aki's nearby.
"Pretty much. What can I say? I'm an easily persuadable guy," he says with a grin knowing it's the furthest thing from the truth. In reality, he's stubborn even when he knows something is good for him. "I never said I'm letting you pay before you start getting ideas," Sudesh is quick to point out. For a second he contemplates nudging his hand closer, but he's never been confident with touch unless it's violence. "To be honest, I don't mind what we're doing and you're—" words weren't his strong suit either, "—you're too cute when you smile like that to be in my bad books."
"Oh yeah? Are we on nickname level now?" He teased, playfully nudging him, "Well, now I'm curious, what would my nickname in your phone be? Mr. National Geographic?" Aki jokes, chuckling a bit.
The sun was halfway set, casting a color of fiery orange amongst the clouds. This was his favorite part, when the night met the day. It almost felt like they were in another dimension in this moment, one filled of more color and peace. He glances over in Sudesh's direction for a second, and he couldn't deny how beautiful he looked with the colors of the sunset bouncing off his skin. He thought about inching his hand closer, for a second, and telling Sudesh what he was thinking. Instead, Akiak returns his gaze forward, he tells himself that would probably be a bad idea.
He chuckles, hearing Sudesh call himself persuadable, and he can't help but agree, "I mean, I did get you to come out on this nature hike with me. I'm still pretty shocked, if I'm honest." He feigns a look of offense at Sudesh's next comment, bringing the hand that was on the bench up to hold up one finger, "I beg your," he reaches over to gently poke him, "pardon? Of course I'm going to pay. I was the one who dragged you out here, right? You know, forcing you to brace the bugs." As if on cue, the buzzing of the nighttime critters can be heard. His gaze travels up to sky, "I hadn't noticed the sunset had finished."
In his defense, it was easy to forget about things when he spoke to Sudesh. He looks back down to meet Sudesh's gaze when he hears the compliment, his lips slightly parted, leaving him momentarily speechless. Aki could not remember the last time someone had shown him that kind of kindness, let alone compliment his smile, and he wasn't sure how to receive it. "You're far too kind, Sudesh. Are you sure the altitude isn't messing with your head?" He jokes, softly smiling. "For the record, I find your smile to be quite cute too." His hand reaches over, giving Sudesh's hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. After a second, he brings his hand back to rest on the bench, "You can let me know if you want to head back, by the way, I wouldn't blame you. The darker it gets, the chillier it'll be. I wouldn't want you to think I am trying to recreate The Blair Witch Project."
"Night's young," Ethan replied ominously before chuckling. He knew that things could change in an instant -- one moment they could be thoroughly enjoying one another's company, and the next searching for the nearest exit -- but he hoped that that didn't happen here. It had been a while since he'd met someone new; back when he'd been touring, meeting new people had been an almost daily thing, and Ethan, the perpetual extroverted, had thrived -- there were so many interesting people on the road -- but having returned to his childhood home, everything and everyone felt familiar. There was nothing wrong with familiar, of course, but Ethan missed the adventure and intrigue that came with uncovering someone, from their quirks to their deepest secrets. "That's not..." Ethan made a move to protest Akiak's offer to purchase his treat, but acquiesced with a nod. His mother had always said that pretending someone from doing something kind for you could stop them from future blessings and Ethan didn't want to be the reason that Aki didn't have all the good things in life. "How about your order something else you know you'll enjoy? We can share. That way if the cupcake flops at least you've got half of something you know you'll love. Deal?"
For something that could've started off so disastrous, Akiak was pleasantly surprised to see how enjoyable everything seemed to be going. He did keep in mind that things were subject to change at any given second, but that didn't mean he'd let that concern cloud the nice time they were currently having. Aki had never been a very outgoing person, so needless to say, making new friends had always been a struggle for him. He simply did not think he was interesting enough for people to want to keep around, not when he randomly gave out nature facts, and so he figured it was better just to avoid the whole awkward situation to begin with. It had taken a lot for him not to back out of tonight due to his racing thoughts, though now he felt silly for being so nervous at first. He nods, hearing Ethan's proposal, "Deal." Then he turns to order a slice of carrot cake, a guilty pleasure of his. Shortly after, with their order completed, Aki leads the way to their table. "So, I was thinking," he takes a sip of his chai latte, "do you want to turn this into a game of twenty-one questions? You ask one, then me, and so on. You can go first, too."
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