[lovedrunkbois]

starter for: open (@merrock) location: the beach

elijah was one to want to soak up the sun. he was used to having it year round in los angeles, but he knew that being in maine he was going to experience something different in a few months. he was excited for fall, but what followed was something he was nervous about. granted, he's never seen snow in person so he was excited for that but hear so many horror stories about it. anyways, he had a cooler next to him on a beach chair and he was soaking up the sun on his day off when someone had come over to him and set up a chair next to him. "oh, i can move the cooler if need be, do you want a drink out of it? i brought waters, whiteclaws and gatorades. anything interest you?"

[henridelacroix]

If there was one place that Henri always found relaxing and more easy going than typically his normal lifestyle of glitz and glamour, it was the beach. After checking in at his business and making sure everything was good, he headed out for the beach for the day. As he made his way out onto the warm sand he dropped his chair into an open area, and made himself a little spot. "It's okay, I can work around it." Henri said as draped his towel over his chair, kicking out the end part before glancing over. "Well I won't turn down a free drink." Even if he had his own little cooler, he figured he could share out of his afterwards. "Whiteclaw works, haven't had one of those in forever."

[adyathevar]

"Green? Don't know if I strike you as someone who'd rock a good green. If you ever scrounge up any pictures to show an almost perfect stranger, feel free to find me. A family costume for Halloween is always a precious choice, especially when the children are only young enough to be a pumpkin or something silly like an apple to the parents Snow White & Prince and the rest of the children as Seven Dwarves. I guess it's time to flag down Dick Starr for his big break."

[henridelacroix]

"I'm not opposed to green, think some forms of the color can be quite nice but that very bright kind of green that people can spot you from across a city, not really something young me was looking to go for. Apparently I had strong opinions even as a kid, go figure! Don't know if there's photo evidence, pretty sure only my mother would know at this point. Would other kids enjoy being the seven dwarfs? Feel like you kind of get the short stick if you get stuck with that. Imagine being told you're gonna be grumpy or dopey."

[stellylee]

"Well, the camera could steal a piece of your soul, I guess that counts as a catch?" they suggested, letting out an airy sigh, "otherwise, none. Unless you're totally adverse to helping out with my ever growing portfolio and you hate the idea of ending up in the weekend edition of the Merrock Times." Which, hey, some people might not be into. Stelly didn't know those people, since almost everyone they photographed ended up wanting a copy to show off to mom and dad. But some people really didn't like to have their photo taken and, worse, didn't want it to end up for public consumption. "That's me, yeah. And you're Henri. Jewelry dude, right?"

[henridelacroix]

"Suppose that's something that could happen, but I'm not really worried about that." Giving a shrug, as he glanced over at the person in front of him. "So, guess there's worse things that could happen, at least it's not an in action photo where I regret it when it pops up." Really he didn't mind helping, if they were out there taking photos to continue growing their portfolio. A laugh left his lips, "Guess you could say that, don't think I've been called jewelry dude. but I can work with it."

[samuelxkwon]

Something like that, yeah. I've worked the same line of work for more or less two decades before buying a house and moved to this town. There might be a slightly spontaneous decision making involved because it happened not long after my parents decided to retire and moved to another country. But, so far, no regrets. You're welcome. And, thank you, I think? I appreciate that. There were some bad calls. It's not all the time. Less so since I moved here. Hopefully I didn't just jinx it because I happen to enjoy the different pace. Uh, South Korea. My parents' families are all there. My grandparents are getting older and my parents want to spend some time with them. I thought of maybe going for a visit once a year once I settled but that hasn't happened yet.

[henridelacroix]

Think as long as you're happy with your decision, know some people have buyers remorse afterwards and that's always a hard thing when it's something like a house that you can't just give back. Did you buy it because your parents moved to another country and you wanted something that felt like roots? Feel like Merrock isn't too bad, it's a quiet town from what I see most of the time. But I could just be in the wrong part of town at the wrong time. Wouldn't worry yourself too much you've been here a little while now haven't you and it hasn't been too bad? You should when you can, I've heard South Korea is beautiful. It's a place I haven't been before, but I'm sure they'd love to have you visit. When's the last time you saw your grandparents, or any of your family that's there?

[stellylee]

WHO: Stelly & @henridelacroix

WHERE: Carnival

WHEN: July, 2025

While Stelly had been spending plenty of time at the carnival that week to play games, eat food, maybe even ride a few rides, that night, they had decided to dedicate their time to taking photos. Atmospheric, aesthetic shots, sure, but also just of people enjoying themselves with lights and colors as a backdrop. And thankfully, there was plenty of that to go around. Standing back a bit, they framed a shot of the ferris wheel before someone walked in front of it and opened their mouth to protest, before stopping themselves. "Hey, wait, do you mind if I take a few snaps of you?"

[henridelacroix]

It was tradition, one of the few he kept, coming out dressed in far more street worthy clothes, a simple logo tee shirt, tailored shorts -- it gave Hamptons but in a good way, but this was the one time his parents still came out with him despite him being a grown adult. After promises of attempting to beat his old man in a few games he said he needed to run off to grab his mother's favorite dessert first, bring him in front of the ferris wheel, back tracking when he heard a voice. "Hmm what?" he turned glancing at the woman. "You want to get a few photos of me?" Raising a brow, "What's the catch...?" Never one to not follow the 'if it's too good to be true' motto. "You're... Stelly, aren't you?"

[noa-markam]

I'm not cheap with my tipping. My mom worked as a waitress in town for fifteen years. I used to live off of tip money. So, yeah, maybe the bartenders are a little sweet on me. Different type of crashing - like . . . well you know how everyone is invited to prom? My friends and I used to say we crashed it when we had a really good time.

[henridelacroix]

Think people always appreciate when people tip because it's something they were around. While not the same for me, my parents did always instill how important tipping is anywhere you go for services. Feel like anyone who tips good gets a little extra, I definitely have enjoyed my fair share of the benefit of extra strong drinks or a little extra when they've made too much on the side. Guess that makes sense, I know I'm looking forward to spending as much time out on the beach in the coming days.

[adyathevar]

"Ha, I do. What did your mum try to dress you in? What kind of color? My parents were ones to entertain the idea and loved any excuse to have us LOOK like a familial unit." Which was why Adya loved to rub it in their faces now. "But yes...I think we SHOULD submit him for the new movie with that spot open. I just feel like he'd actually get in if we submitted it. Should we bring this idea to him? Or do you think he may be too Merrock loyal to go into the big leagues?"

[henridelacroix]

"I don't remember exactly the outfit, I know it was matching but in an upscale fashion moment, so definitely something younger I couldn't or wouldn't appreciate. Pretty sure there was definitely some kind of green involved. Think if you want to do the whole family thing I can get behind a family costume for Halloween but that's probably about it. Think he's pretty loyal to Merrock but he'd absolutely give it a try and head out to Hollywood before making his way back home."

[noa-markam]

Who: Open Location: Anchors Away

Now that - that right there just tastes like straight up tequila. I'd say we're starting the summer off right, but damn if that bartender doesn't have a heavy pour. Are you excited for summer? Any fun plans or events you want to crash?

[henridelacroix]

Think it's a win-win when you get someone who strong pours, but I've also learned if you're someone that tips decently anytime you come in eventually they might slip and let a little more alcohol into your drink. No events I plan on crashing, since they're open to the public most of them anyway, but I am gearing up to spend as much time on the beach as humanly possible.

[adyathevar]

"I would never want to be apart of that. I only suggest the matchy, matchy type thing if I'm teasing or planning some sort of TORTURE for my family. I've got the image now of him dressing up as a Hunger Games capitol character for Halloween this year. You know if he's done that already? Maybe they'll cast him in the new movie, at this rate."

[henridelacroix]

"Torture for your family? Are they against -- oh you mean the whole 'family vacation everyone matches' thing, right? That is a hard no for me. Mom tried that once when I was young, wasn't amused. He'd make a great cast member for the new movie coming out. Maybe we should submit him for the movie, they're doing a whole spot for a fan. Slip in a submission for a capitol character and he's finding his real dreams out in Hollywood."

[mcndyhcrtmcn]

I never said you. I know I’m hilarious. Maybe I’m a little judgy but I admit as much, I’m an artist. We’re all divas and dramatic in some extent. Otherwise ol’ Vincent wouldn’t have done his best work. You’re making a whole speech now about your personality, which is great, go you. You do your thing. I’ll do mine. Oh I would love a reward. I accept cash, Venmo and cupcakes. Also pizza.

[henridelacroix]

You made a point to reference about making money a personality trait, hinting with an attitude and then attempting to deny it, isn't a quirky fun trait. Think you should drop the little and just call it what it is. At least I'll admit I'm not shy about the things that make me happy nor am I going to be shamed for the things I worked hard on. Good to know you should put up one of those little venmo signs in your little storefront window for people to send things to your venmo if you'd like.

[mcgreyson]

Now that sounds like a brunch which...rarely ends well. And sometimes you end up still drunk at one am after having just a few drinks through the afternoon. Well, we don't let drunk people get tattoos, thankfully, so my big concern is having to send them away for being drunk.

[henridelacroix]

Guess it depends on your definition of 'ending well' because not all trouble is bad trouble -- or at least for me. If I make it to one am after several drinks I just know I'm going to be a happy man given I'm about to get the best sleep of my life. Do you get a lot of drunk people that come in and try to get tattooed? There's a whole rule about not having any alcohol in you isn't there? Feel like that kills the buzz for a lot of people. But I get it for safety reasons.

[mcndyhcrtmcn]

Alright. Actually no, because money isn't the problem. My family does come from money. Ol' grandpa Sanderson did his thing and alas, here we are. And I couldn't have opened my own business without a bit of help. But I don't make it my entire personality either. Just worked my ass off and got really lucky people like my artwork. But you know what, I will. I'm off to go make out with Stelly right now.

[henridelacroix]

My entire personality? Very presumptuous, and hilarious, of you based on me stating a few things that I choose to enjoy in life, or that I don't work hard at my own craft, not that I expect you to know anything about that. Now who would have thought a Hartman could be so judgy. If you think you have a clue what my entire personality is -- well you know what they say about making assumptions based off of one conversation, I'll let you stew with that. Okay? Congratulations? Want a reward? So enjoy that and, ta-ta!

[narilily]

Oh, totally! If I had to choose between pretty much any restaurant -- or fast food place -- and my mom's home cooking, I'd always choose my mom's home cooking, it's just my favorite. And with homecooked food like that… I sometimes feel like the more simple, the better? Like those really basic meals that have very few ingredients, but someone that you love made it, that makes it that much better. Do you have any of those meals, that just sort of take you back to childhood in its most simplistic terms? I know it's not quite France -- but the stuff Naomi makes over at Cherry Amour is pretty close! If you close your eyes and speak with a French accent, you might be able to pretend you're there when you eat her stuff. Right?! Overlook, out in the countryside, make some really good wraps, but you can't… you know, pull up there at almost midnight to the drive-thru and order snack wraps, so we need McDonald's to pull through for us, and thankfully, they're going to! I feel like places like that always get rid of the very best foods, for some reason. At least while you're running in circles, you can look back on that one day and feel accomplished, right?

[henridelacroix]

Trying to think if there's any specific food, restaurant that I would choose over homemade cooking. Unless we're talking going to Italy, where you can get pretty much real home cooking in any of the smaller restaurants. Since we're not talking about that, think I'm going to have to go with home cooking will win every time. Which my mother would be happy to hear me say, given that in my late teens, early twenties I would have happily lived off of fast food. Of course! There's a few different meals that I can think of that bring back right to those childhood memories. Things I didn't appreciate as much and I'll admit, I'm still not always good at appreciating the simpler things. What can I say, I'm boujee and enjoy the finer things too that I've been spoiled with. Good think I've got a pretty damn good French accent, might try that out. If I get judged, I will have to blame you for it. See, I'm gonna have to disagree -- not that Overlook doesn't have delicious food -- but there's something you can't beat about the greasy, fatty, very obvious fast food snack wraps from McDonald's. True, or I hope that I can look back, guess the nice thing about being the boss, I don't have anyone telling me I'm a mediocre worker.

[camimichaud]

Oh, wow. It’s good that you took the time to enjoy yourself in between all that, then. What do you mean by you’re not the best judge? If you don’t mind me asking, but feel free to shut me down. I won’t pressure you, or anything. And no, you didn’t strike me as the type to get them, but I try not to make a habit of presuming things where I can.

[henridelacroix]

Not really someone who does the whole romantic relationships that I can claim that I would enjoy Paris as the 'city of love' as so many people do. Can see the appeal but I tend to keep my romantic life more -- simple. Doesn't bother me, I prefer to be honest, no point in hiding something that I've been like for the last several years. Mean never say never, life is short and who knows what I could go with but I'll say you've probably made a pretty safe presumption.

[oliverxsutton]

Oliver leaned over to see what book he was referring to. "I have," he nodded. "It was one of the first ones I learned about after coming out," he admitted. "I mean, I read about it in history, as we all do. But a friend had recommended this one since the author is also an out and proud man. So the narrative is a bit different, which is how it should be, really. If you enjoyed that, there is this also..." he picked up another couple of books. "They're more catered to the school crowd, but they get the point across and it's history we should know and care about," Oliver smiled. "I agree. They paved the road for the rest of us," he handed Henri a brochure for the event and picked up his clipboard. "A bit of everything. Mostly children's books written by authors in the community, and some of them are just fun stories we all know but with a twist. Everything's better with drag queens," he grinned.

[henridelacroix]

"Yeah, was a really good book." While he may have an arrogance about him at different times, he enjoyed the simpler things more than people often realized. "Think it's always important when it comes to different narratives, at least when it comes to the things that people have gone through in the past to make our lives a little easier." Henri didn't hide the fact of his sexuality, his family had long sent taught him that love was based on the person, not a gender or sex. That it was more than that, and he had had his fair share of -- he wouldn't call them relationships, with both men and women. Honestly how he felt about people in general changed from day to day, how could how you felt about them romantically not? Glancing over he laughed, "Everything is better with drag queens, so long as they're not attempting to get me to sing Celine Dion. If they don't have me doing that, then they're amazing." Flashing back to one night in a club a few years back.

[adyathevar]

"That's surprisingly astute... he is the type to want to peacock for all of us to see his new look. Are the type of person who would do that? If you dyed your hair pink, you'd wear an all pink outfit to compliment?"

[henridelacroix]

"He loves people to look at him, to compliment him on his looks from time to time, you think that would have been a choice and not have pointed it out? Would I wear a full pink outfit because I have pink hair? Absolutely not. The matchy, matchy thing? Feels very Hunger Games capitol and who wants to be apart of that?"

[samuelxkwon]

I guess it can be counted as a splurge? I don't know. It is my first house, childhood home excluded. And I decided to buy it after living somewhere that's different from this town for almost all my life. It's all right. I'm a paramedic. A good day for me is no back-to-back calls and no one is badly injured. I did. I went and got myself ice cream once the storm passed, kind of thinking I could use a bit of something I enjoy. Oh, wow. That's awesome. And a lot of stores. I suppose you do a lot of travelling because of it? The only place I travel that's not in this country is when I went to visit family.

[henridelacroix]

It's the first home you've bought yourself and it's both a practical grown up purchase, and a splurge -- that I'm guessing will be the next twenty to twenty-five years of your life, depending on what and where you bought in town. But there's nothing wrong with deciding it's time to do something for yourself and give yourself a place to settle down. Wow, well, true gratitude and thanks for the work you do because I know that it can't be an easy job, I've heard horror stories about the medical field and those that take care of it and continue to show up, I truly praise -- which I will admit, praise from me doesn't come often. I do quite a bit of traveling, yes, for work or enjoyment, sometimes both. Where do you get to go to visit your family?