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@xandcrstone
* ๐ฅ โ an introduction to alexander stone.
xander only. twenty-eight. cis man. he/him pronouns. unlabeled. single. cousin to nari gim. sports reporter at the station. lives near the coast. loves spontaneous road trips, indulging in eating junk food during the middle of the night, and coming up with terrible puns. portrayed by charles melton. written with love by nessa (she/her).
ATLAS โข BIO โข STATS โข CONNECTIONS โข PINTEREST โข PLAYLIST
Starter:ย Open Where:ย Pool Party, at a table and chairs When:ย around 9pm
"Are we really going to play 'go fish'?" Tommy asks as he shuffles the deck of cards in his hands. Someone had brought a packet to the pools edge, probably for their kids during the day time, and he'd promptly taken ownership of it upon finding it discarded. "We are at least making it a drinking game, right?" he adds.
Even though Xander was a grown man and had been for quite some time now, he couldn't resist a fun card game, especially if it was something like Go Fish. "I haven't played it in ages, but I'm in," he replied as he looked over at the other, back against the chair that he was sitting on, legs crossed. "Hm, I've never played it as a drinking game. But I'm sure it could be done. How would it work?"
Yes! There's actually quite a few bartenders on social media who have made pretty decent followings for themselves because of the drinks that they show off. I haven't taken it that far, but I think it's kind of neat that they can find their little niche right there on the internet, too. Right, it's one thing if you give your permission to be filmed, but it's another altogether to just take video of someone living their life without knowing. Exactly! Nothing wrong with that. I would kind of get it, though. I love mother nature, but if she got Drew Barrymore sick, that might actually be a cancelable action, to be honest? How about your aspirations for volunteer work, have you done anything exciting?
The world wide web is an amazing place where you can connect with all kinds of people! Or at least, that's what I keep telling myself whenever I see shirtless bros popping up on my feed where they tell me the quickest ways to get ripped. All because I watched a Chris Hemsworth workout once on Instagram. It's really weird how that app suggests posts to me, I swear. Yeah! I'll never get it - how it's become the norm to just whip out your camera to take a video of someone without them knowing. People keep forgetting that people aren't zoo animals out in the wild. That they have limits and rights. Oh, for sure. She's a national treasure at this point, so if she got sick from the rain, that's total grounds for canceling. Ever since volunteering, I'm happy to say that it wasn't a one and done thing and I've been going around a lot more to give my help when I have the time. Especially at the Community Center.
Having a legacy is sort of my whole goal. I don't have kids of my own -- a step-daughter who is not into law one iota from what I know, and Reyna as my sort of non-blood daughter who is into real estate, at least -- so inspiring something in my employees that inspires me, in return, to look at them as someone who could take over the company some day is important to me. Which I realize is me going off on a tangent there, but you get me! At least you're going through it as a team, right? It doesn't make the loss any less of a hurt, but there's something to be said about brotherhood and the support that you get from others when they're dealing with it, too. It is! Those sites and online house hunting in general have really exploded over the past few years. She's a good egg, Reyna is. Don't tell her I said that, though. Easter is one of those holidays where it's tough for travel, I get it, so I'm glad that you still had family in town to feed you! Or did you end up manning the kitchen?
Hey, no worries! It's something you're passionate about. I know that when you put your life's work into something, you'd hope that it continues after you retire or after you pass on. Hopefully, you do find that one person who will be interested in taking the role after you decide to step down. Exactly! We win as one and we lose as one, and it's all about how we get back up afterwards that counts. Plus, the great thing is that a game is only a game. Yeah! And then you have people becoming hosts for AirBnB and Vrbo, which is also becoming more and more popular. Pinky promise that my lips are sealed. Nah, I leave most of the cooking to my cousin! Though, my friends and roomies have been helping more and more. I think one of these days I'll be able to cook a whole meal from scratch. I'll just need to have the fire department on speed dial.
I believe in you, no matter how losery your dreams are. Chocolate bunnies are always a fun time, even if you eat it on one sitting. Oh, it's...a decadent holiday, that's what I've learned. But it's great because now it's moving into prime produce season to counterbalance all of the sugar.
Thank you, thank you. Same, and like you said, I'm just glad that we're in produce season because I've needed it after eating to many sweets. Especially if today is National Donut Day. Which means that I've eaten plenty of donuts today. I'll have to go to the farmer's market soon to be able to balance out what I had today. Do you have any favorite flavors of donuts?
Right! Oh my god, I hope so. Sometimes you just don't know who to trust, it's tough trying to take people seriously. Mayor Dallas seems cool. Mhmm! I've also read that people think adding in details make it look like they know their stuff, but if it gets too specific, it sounds totally like a bunch of bull. So you just gotta know enough details and not make it sound too out of the blue. It's a whole psychology thing. Ugh, that would have been interesting. And funny. Sometimes I wish I had a twin. I'd totally pull off some parent trap shit. Oh my god, your poor sister, haha! Yeah, I kinda wish I was badass enough to know a giraffe.
Exactly! And in these times, everyone wants clout so you never really know if they're just talking shit or really being truthful. She does! I've seen her out and about, and she's always been really nice. Ah, you know, that makes sense. I've seen a few true crime shows like Dateline and the detectives who get interviewed always say that they're instantly suspicious of those who talk too much in their first interview because it makes them seem guilty. Like they're trying to really hide the truth within the story they're telling. Having two Joella's around would be fun! But you're pretty cool on your own, too. Yeah, she wasn't too happy with me! Me too. I've only seem them at the zoo but they seem really epic. I'd love to be that tall.
Oh my gosh, yeah! I know that it's not really the place that you would expect to have to yell at customers, but it happens. Normally it's when they think they're entitled to plants that we've already sold off, or are mad that we don't have something leftโฆ or people who kill the plants through bad care and want replacements. Thank you, I appreciate you for being the good seed that I always knew that you could be, Xand! So how do you feel about mowing -- what are we thinking, one of those gigantic mowers that wings around the yard super fast, or a push mower? And are you going to come mow my yard when you're done mowing yours? Don't worry, now that Easter's passed, the Peeps Pepsi is gone, so you'll just have to deal withโฆ what candies do stores even have right now, like regular marshmallows and licorice, gearing up for summer? I feel like licorice is always a summer time staple, for some reason. @xandcrstone
Ah, I see. Can't please everybody, even the plant people! I get it, though. Some people send me lengthy emails about my segments or my coverage on certain sports. But really, I'm just the messenger and I can't really control how well your team is doing. Hm, I like the workout that a push mower has, but we do have a lot of yard to cover so I'm thinking of getting a riding mower. One that you can jut ride around on and drive. Hey, if you need someone to do it, I'll gladly do it. Just as long as I can get lunch from you or something. You know, I'm not the biggest fan of licorice but I do love eating Jolly Ranchers this time of year. I like the fruit flavors in my mouth, and it's funny to see my tongue change colors. Is that immature of me?
You kind of feel like you can't catch your breath from one to the next, and then the next thing you know, there's nothing going on and it's likeโฆ huh, okay. Time ends up dragging on until about Valentine's Day, and even then, it's not as big of a deal as the other holidays were. True! What's the most like, wild thing you've ever dressed up as when it comes to Halloween? Ever did anything super, super elaborate? They're the gifts that just sit around collecting dust, and you end up feeling horrible about it, but it's not like you asked for it, y'know? It was just kindaโฆ put upon you. Oh, totally. One time my mom got me edible underwear -- but she didn't realize that's what it was? And I had a friend get me a taxidermied rat that I very quickly donated to some secondhand shop because I had no โฆ desire to look at the thing! Ever just think, "I could probably ask online or someone to send me those states?" Not that you would, but it's gotta be tempting! I know, next thing you know, they're calling TLC on me. @xandcrstone
Yeah! Everything is bam, bam, bam... then it's pretty lowkey for a while. But I do like that there's a bit of holidays sprinkled in here and there. Mhm, good question. One year, I dressed up as Bob Belcher from Bob's Burger and my teammates were Linda, Gene, Tina and Louise. It was a pretty fun and elaborate group costume. You? Exactly! Like, I usually store those types of gifts in my closet. Or... maybe I regift them from time to time. Oh wow, getting edible underwear would traumatize me for life, even if she wasn't aware that it was that when she got it. A taxidermied rat sounds pretty niche. Was it a white elephant gift or something? Ooh, you know, I've never thought of it. But, I might have to see if there's anything like that out there. Could you imagine getting on one of those TLC shows? My sister jokes I'd be on My Strange Addiction, even though I'm not really addicted to anything strange.
I will put it on my calendar too. I feel like we've been in desperate need of a fun, campy film like that for a while so I am excited! I told him as much, though the kitchen and your kitchen knowledge is also all up to him until I come by again.
Did you see the new trailer that dropped? I just know it's going to be the movie of the summer. I'm really digging the way they're making the plot so far. I agree! With so many remakes and reboots, it's cool to see something original. Especially with characters we all know and love. Damn, I'll be sure to try to remember everything you taught me! I just hope I don't accidentally poison anyone... kidding, of course.
Maybe it was a family trait, drawing them both out to the lake that afternoon, because the moment that Nari looked up to see her cousin approaching, she broke into a wide smile, making sure there was room for him next to her on the dock. Shoes moved, bag of cookies open in his direction, she let out a laugh, "don't worry. I think of all the flavors I did get, I left butter pecan out. I'd ask what you have against them, but I get it -- they're not the most traditional, well-loved cookie out there, are they?" and that was alright. There were plenty of others to choose from. "There's a lot. Sugar, oatmeal, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, just grab whatever you want. Since you do cross your heart, I'm trusting youโฆ and therefore will share my sweets with you."
Xander thanked his cousin as she scooted over, sitting down and making himself comfortable on the dock. Making sure he wasn't making it move too much, he sat his legs in a pretzel before looking back to Nari with a smile gracing his features. A sigh of relief washed over him as he heard that Nari had forgone packing any butter pecan cookies. "Thank you for that. I've never really enjoyed them. I can't really pinpoint why, but I think it has to do with the texture? No matter the reason, I'm just glad they're not in my presence." Xander spoke with a shrug. Usually he was a man who could eat anything, but he was human after all and he did have his limits. And one of those happened to be those kind of cookies. His ears perked up, along with his appetite when she mentioned that she had all kinds of cookies, specifically snickerdoodle. "Don't mind if I do," he spoke, grabbing one from her stash. "How have you been lately? Getting into any trouble? Making new designs? Growing flowers around town?" he asked, knowing he was speaking with his mouth full. "I love how quiet this place is at this time of day. Different from the ocean, but it's got its own special way of existing, you know?"
WHO: Arturo & OPEN WHERE: Lavender Lane
"The secret to the perfect flower crown," Arturo said, his voice brimming with far too much confidence, "is that if you keep adding flowers, eventually it'll look beautiful and intentional." That seemed true of most things in fashion, even if it wasn't always beautiful, it was...something. They held up their crown, something made of lopsided easy season daisies and one oddly placed rose so far. "What are you working on over there? Are you the Picasso of flowers? Or another artist altogether?"
"Is that so?" Xander asked, looking over at the other's flower crown creation with curiosity. Xander had been struggling with with trying to create a flower crown that looked like an actual flower crown. So far, it was looking more like flowers that were wilted against some string than than it did a crown. Scrunching his brows in concentration as he looked back to his own creation, Xander pulled some more peonies to make it look more like a head accessory. A rumbled laugh came from his lips as he looked over his flower crown when the other asked the question, his head slightly shaking. "I'm no Picasso, that's for sure. Though, I'm thinking that as long as I remember that art is subjective, it's not too bad. You want to see?" he asked, moving to show off his flower crown. It was crowded with different types of flowers, mostly peonies and roses. And with some determination, it didn't look too terrible. "Do you think it could pass for one?"
WHO: Nari & OPEN!
WHERE: Lake Malory, countryside
WHEN: May, 2023
It was far from perfect outside. Nari would have preferred a little more sunshine, slightly warmer temperature... but beggars couldn't be choosers, and the fact that she could get outside alone was never going to be bad in her book. And an afternoon spent at Lake Malory, her shoes tucked against her, toes skimming against the water, seemed like a pretty perfect way to pass some time before heading home that day. Not to mention the bag of cookies on her other side, fresh and ready to be devoured. The floating dock dipped just a bit under the weight of someone else, and Nari looked up, over her shoulder, offering a warm smile. "As long as you promise not to push me in, I'll share my cookies with you."
Lake Malory was a place that often popped up in Xander's mind as a place to go to when he needed to unwind and get his mind off of things. With being swamped for work for segments and upcoming stories, he felt like he was drowning in everything he had to get done. Which was how he found himself at the lake, looking to find some peace of mind. A smile graced his face when he could see who else was also at the lake, coming up to sit next to them on the dock. "I cross my heart," he spoke as he did the action, knowing that he'd be in deep shit if he were to actually put Nari in the water. "What kind of cookies do we have? I'll eat anything but butter pecan cookies."
Right! I feel like we are just making it more complicated than it needs to be. And then they seem to be really enthusiastic about making sure I smell everything. I like to try different things, but those fragrances can be really strong! And sometimes I don't even like the ones they pick out, I like something that I found myself. It's going! I've got a few tours to do this week, and I'm looking forward to that! How about you?
Oh man, I feel you on that. They expect us to smell all of the colognes that they pick out for us to smell, but they also don't realize that we need a palate cleanser from what we've already sniffed. Yeah! I feel like they just assume a lot of the times about what we'd like, but I like what I like, so it's hard for someone else to choose for me. That's good to hear! Did you close any sales? My week was pretty good! Between working on some segments and volunteering, it was filled with a lot of fun. @vincexmatthews
Exactly this! No one needs the extra drama or stress when someone writes a review out of spite that doesn't even make sense. It doesn't help anyone. You'd get your fifteen minutes of fame but it doesn't really even mean anything because it's not true! Ramen is a classic, it does take a few tries to get absolutely perfect, but when you get it right, it's delicious. It was! And a chance to get creative too. How about volunteering? You in?
It's like when someone review bombs a movie or a TV show because they don't like something in the plotline or something else. It just doesn't serve any real constructive criticism and it's dismissing all the hard work that was put into it. Like, I know a lot of people in the food industry work so hard so it's a bummer when something like that happens. And for what, you know? If it's not going to actually help improve the place, why send in a negative review? Some people never learned the golden rule, I feel like. I agree! Once you get it right, you're set. And I love that you can add different toppings and flavorings to it, too. Yeah, I went and did some volunteer work! It was nice to see that everyone wanted to participate, too. What did you end up doing? @bryanxlawrence
You know what, that's a fair assessment. I don't have to raise my voice a lot, but there have been times at the nursery with ornery customers where they've asked me to talk to them because they know that I can put someone in their place if need be, so. You're right. Just don't get any ideas about buying plants, killing them, and bringing them in for a refund, or you'll be one of the people that I end up yelling at! I can definitely find plants that do both -- color and are easy to maintain. There's a lot of flowers out there that really just take the bare minimum, the most you would have to do is weed the beds and water them when we're not getting a lot of rain. Which I think you can handle -- or get one of your roomies to do it for you. I've had people cry when they get embarrassed, and that one's tougher to deal with than someone just laughing it off when something goes wrong, for sure! Dr. Pepper, sour watermelon, berryโฆ apparently they had root beer ones at some point? They also had Peeps-flavored Pepsi at some point this year!
You've had to put people in their place at the nursery? Damn, that's wild! But I know plant people can be very serious about their plants. I know some people event name their plants. Are you one of those people? No judgement if you are. No, no, I promise to never be one of those people! I know that once I buy a real flower or plant from Lavender Lane, it's all in my hands for it to live. Yeah, I do think something like that could work! And I could fit keeping up with those small tasks into my routine, besides I'll have to start mowing again so I can add it onto the to-do list. Oh, really? I don't blame them, though, since keeping plants alive seems easy until you actually do it. Wow, I'll have to look for root beer flavored Peeps sometime! But the Pepsi ones, I might have to pass on. @narilily
It's not like those fall and winter holidays where it's one after another. St. Patrick's Day is kind of just there, and sure, sometimes Easter is close behind, butโฆ those two holidays could not beany more different if they tried. I agree, and if you don't want to do it, then don't do it, because you're only going to do it because of obligation, and who wants to get a gift from someone 'cuz they felt like they had to do it? You're right about that, too, and thank God? I don't wanna be remembered for some of the gifts I've given, unless they were hilariously funny and that's why. Then, thanks. How many states did you end up getting through when you decided to collect? I'll have to start saving any that I get to send your way! Exactly. And now, I think Jayla and Iris would just worry that I'm a hoarder.
Yeah, you're right! It's just a random ol' holiday. The real holiday whiplash for me is Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. So many significant holidays all packed so closely together. Though, I do love Halloween since you can dress up as anything you want and no one can question you for it. Exactly! A gift should be from the heart and because someone wanted to it for you, not because they felt like they had to. Plus, those kind of gifts are ones you never really like or use. So, it's an all around waste, you know? Yeah! If it's a gag gift, I'm happy to be the one to say that it was me unless they didn't get it or like it. Have you ever gotten any weird gifts throughout the years? I have every state except Montana, Oregon and Pennsylvania! Those are the ones I'm still on the hunt for. Oof, and you don't want to come off as that. Not that it's necessarily bad to be one, but it's something where you can easily get carried away with it. @owenryder
We should! Although if we do become food scientists, I might end up having nightmares about potato chips or something like that. Like, I'm sure there are things I don't want to know about. Ugh, that's the worst, especially when it gets on your nice shirt? And you have a big blotch there and it just looks really awkward and people just stare at you. I try to speak my mind but not be a total jerk about it! Like sometimes I just blurt things out before my brain gets a chance to stop me. But I like to think of it as being good that I'm honest. I do! I'm also helping Livvy out with her work there, getting the kids involved in some crafts as well as trying to get in with the animals. It's nice and relaxing to be around them--even if it doesn't really sound that way, it just is.
Oh for sure, I think there are definitely things about the food we eat that we don't know about. Like, what really goes inside of it or how they taste test it. I'm sure getting to be food scientist for a business like Ben & Jerry's would be really fun, though. Imagine getting to try the different kinds of ice cream! I'd definitely make an ice cream that was salty and sweet. Like something that tasted like chocolate covered pretzels. Yes, exactly! And then you have to wear it all day because you didn't plan on spilling anything on your shirt. Though, ever since being on camera, I do bring extra dress shirts to work just in case. No, totally! That's like me, where I talk before I realize what I'm saying. Though, I don't do it to be mean or anything. Sometimes my mouth moves faster than my brain. I get it! That kind of chaos is what you're used to, so it makes sense that you enjoy being surrounded by it. I think it's nice that you're able to help her out and vice versa. I'm sure she feels the same way about you, too. Did you have fun volunteering this week? @mcndyhcrtmcn
