stellylee

[stellylee]

Nothing wrong with being the one to say and do what needs said and done! Life would probably be a lot smoother if more people did that, to be honest. Besides, there are a lot of people out there who spend a little bit too much of their time playing mind games with people, and it's just dumb. I feel like the minor things are the ones that end up sticking in our brain the longest for some reason, though. And end up making us crazy when what we really need to do… is just sleep. And not stress about something so miniscule. They're good! Cotton candy drinks, I mean. But cotton candy is good flavor for anything, considering how sugary sweet it is. But yeah, you're right, you just have to pace yourself. I don't… think so? I mean, unless Livvy or Mikey are hiding some kids I don't know about!

I feel like I’d just end up getting more frustrated than anything. I’m just not patient enough to sit around and wait for people to say or do things, eventually I just come out and throw it out there. Sometimes in life, you need a person who isn’t patient and doesn’t really want to play mindgames. In our minds, I think there are plenty of things that we can trick our minds into thinking are worth losing sleep over but half the time they’re minor things that don’t really matter. I think we deserve to indulge here and there. I mean, I’ve definitely done drinks with a little cotton candy here and there. I suppose the trick is to sugar responsibly so you don’t end up in that kind of situation. It’s definitely been a good year for it from what I’ve seen. That was remarkably unhelpful. Hopefully, maybe I’ll ask Mandy next time she’s around. I mean, she’s got little ones in her family, right?

[stellylee]

"It's such a time sucker," Stelly groaned, knowing that the moment that they opened the Reddit app, they were going to lose an hour of their life just scrolling endlessly through subreddits that they hadn't even known existed until stumbling upon them for the first time. But it happened. And it led to some good late night laughs. "My favorite thing is sending you a reddit post and watching you spiral when you end up going down a rabbit hole," they teased, grin on their face. But it was hard to think about torturing Mandy when she was pulling them in for a kiss, that grin staying on their face as they wrapped their arms around her and let out a gleeful laugh against her mouth. "How romantic. The seaweed on my leg is what does it for me."

“There are a lot of strange stories on Reddit… but it can be pretty funny as well,” Mandy grinned. Sometimes it was a little over the top, but it was still entertaining nonetheless. Something Mandy would find herself doing late at night was scrolling through different plot points or theories or situations that need opinions. She just nodded. “There are plenty of pretty names out there,” she said. As she made it to the water, she laughed, holding her hands out for the waves as they hit her. She pulled Stelly towards her. “Oops?” She pulled them into a kiss as another wave hit them.

[stellylee]

So, I've got my dress worked out, thankfully. But I'm trying to figure out the ... well, everything else. Because the dress is really flashy, so I'm not sure if I want to tone down the rest? Or just say fuck it and go all out, 'cuz when else are you going to get that chance, you know? Decisions, decisions. @xsylcuenco

[stellylee]

"The thing about Reddit is that I love it, and I find myself turning to Reddit for answers almost more than I do google, but… some of the stuff you find on there makes your head spin!" Stelly was a little too good at falling down the rabbit hole of 'am I the asshole' or 'am I overreacting' subs. If they found something like that in there… yeah, they'd start to doubt humanity as a whole. "I don't get it. You can come up with a unique name that still sounds good and isn't going to make your kid get bullied," which happened more often than not when you stuck someone with an oddball name. "Oops, my ass!" they called after her, jogging to catch up with Mandy and splashing into the water.

"Well, according to Reddit, yes." Mandy said, watching their reaction, which was, indeed, valid. "Yeah... I don't really want to know the reasoning behind it except trying to be 'unique'. But is that worth giving a kid a name that makes no sense?" she wrinkled up her nose. Mandy turned and giggled to look at them. "Oops?" she turned back around and skipped towards the water.

[stellylee]

No, that's true, you're too good of a person for that bullshit! One of the many, many reasons that I adore you, obviously. There probably are people out there who find pimples hot, though. Whether or not they should is another thing altogether, though.

I wouldn't ever do anything to hurt you, though. Your life is more precious than just about any other life and I mean that deeply. Oh damn, I was thinking more like someone found pimples hot but popping pimples is something else completely.

[stellylee]

Right! There are things that are important, and then there are grades. And they should be pretty close... at least in school. After, whatever, we don't talk about that. That's true! Although when you're working at the conservatory, who ends up asking the dumber questions: small children, or clueless adults?

Kids sometimes need that reminder, that their grades should be a priority when they're in school. Summer's going great, I try to avoid the small children when I can, but that's not really in my job description, thankfully.

[stellylee]

"Good job!" Stelly said with a louder laugh, "sometimes it's what you gotta do with all of that pent up anger, obviously." Alright, maybe they shouldn't be encouraging someone to do bad things, but… they didn't think Alec was going to go around punching people in the face now, as a grown adult. Probably, anyway. "That's true. Annoying, sometimes, but… the entertainment aspect at least makes it worth watching them do the dumb things."

"Can't say I didn't come close," he struggled to hold back laughter at the memories. While Alec wasn't known for being quick tempered, he also wasn't immune to the occasional physical altercation. Especially in his younger years. "Sometimes you gotta be grateful some people never aged out of high school. Endless entertainment."

[stellylee]

[stellylee]

Relieved that someone owned the fries, at least, Stelly couldn't help but to let out a laugh at Emerson's response, rolling their eyes playfully, "I thought about it. Either that or just being really mean and eating all of them before I said something to you, but… that seemed cruel. On French fry day, of all days," they wrinkled their nose, holding out the boat of French fries with a lopsided smile just as another was put on the counter that looked a lot more like the fries that they had ordered themselves. "Ah, see? Karma. Good karma. I give you your fries, mine magically appeared," they grinned, taking the little tray and turning back towards Emerson. "You gonna sit and eat? I already have a table, if you're looking for some company. Otherwise, it's some pretty stiff competition, I didn't realize how busy this place would be today."

It seemed like the real case of the missing fries — granted, & Chips was at the highest capacity she'd seen it since last year's French Fry Day, but the star of the show randomly disappearing on her? Emerson stood near the counter, back resting against the wall as to not be in the way of the dozens of others getting their orders. She'd say something in a minute, she reckoned with herself. She knew what it was like to be running a busy counter, on a busy day; she empathized, she did, but god, she was starving. Right about the time she'd pulled herself off the wall, gearing up to say something, a voice caught her attention. Stelly coming up towards her with her beloved fries. "Ding ding ding — got yourself a winner, Carter." She smiled at Stelly cheekily, teasing lilt in her voice. "Although, if you wanted to trade places for a day and be me, 'ya coulda just asked."

[stellylee]

And I'm stubborn enough to make sure that if they want something said, they have to say it themselves, most of the time -- at least if they're being desperate and jerky. If they just are hinting that they need to hear something and it's for a good reason, that's a little different. Life gets a lot easier when you reconcile with the fact that there are very few things that are actually worth losing sleep over, for sure! I think I'd get tired of it if I had too much, 'cuz… sugar rush, that crash eventually comes around, but there's nothing wrong with a little occasional spun sugar treat! More and more places sell it in stores now, too, which is nice. Maybe not the same thing, but it's an option. I… don't know, I think you're better off asking someone else for advice when it comes to gifts for kids!

.It’s honestly kind of funny when it happens at the bar. I mean, you know that person who is like obviously trying to get something said. It’s almost like you can smell it. It’s kind of like desperation but… not always that. Sometimes, it’s something else. I’ve definitely had that happen to me a time or two as well. I just choose to ignore me, I’m not going to lose sleep over it, especially if they’re not someone that I’m especially close to. It was probably a bit of everything. It’s been a wild couple of weeks. It all will be okay in the end. That is part of the our life. Cotton Candy definitely should be an all the time kind of thing. OnlyFans definitely has something for everyone. I feel a sudden urge to do a search but I feel like it might be the kind of trauma that therapy can’t fix. I’m probably better off searching for gifts for one year olds. What does one get someone that age?

[stellylee]

"Has… someone done that?" Stelly pulled at a face at the idea, trying to imagine what it would be like to go through life with a name like that, to have to explain to everyone that your parents clearly didn't like you all that much, since they thought that was a great idea for a name, but. People were strange. And they didn't always think about the life that they were setting up for their kids, either. "Wait, you have a head start!" Stelly said with a loud laugh, scrambling to get up and racing after Mandy, bucket in hand.

“Like naming your kid Abcde?” Mandy winced a little bit. She understood wanting to be creative and special, but some names were verging on the edge of ridiculous. She could only imagine what would go down on the playground. Kids were brutal. She would know. She had metaphorically kicked some bullies’ butts as a sassy five-year-old. She giggled and leaned into the affection as they gathered the little crabs back into their bucket. “Let’s go!” She grinned, nodding towards the ocean. “I’ll race ya!” she said, before getting up.

[stellylee]

TASK #28 LET'S GET PHYSICAL

Stelly's face claim is Tristin Mays! While Tristin (as far as we know!) identifies as a cis woman, Stelly identifies as nonbinary, particularly a demi woman, but their sense of style and physical appearance pretty closely align, especially given how killer Tristin looks in black and... well, ninety-nine percent of Stelly's wardrobe is black clothes. They stand at five foot six, and their build is thin but curvy, and they're pretty toned and in good shape, as well.

While an incredibly confident person that pretty much loves themselves through and through, Stelly does have a favorite feature: their hair. In any style. It's just fun to work with.

Tristin has a slightly more feminine touch than Stelly -- but Stelly likes wearing black and getting glammed up every now and then, too! For the most part, they don't have a ton of physical differences, minus piercings and tattoos. Stelly has a tattoo of a fleur de lis on the back of their neck, something that they had done as soon as they turned eighteen as a way to remember where they came from. They used to have their naval and septum pierced, as well. But these days, they don't wear the piercings, so the holes have probably closed (but they love wearing fake piercings to go with a look). They have a lot of ear piercings! And often wear a ton of earrings, it's a vibe.

As far as skincare routines and how they take care of themselves, they like to keep it bare bones. Yes, absolutely, they're going to wash their face every morning and every night! But they would definitely prefer to use one or two products and make it a clean, easy routine. They use a lot of cruelty free, clean products to begin with, being a big animal lover, and probably go to sleep well moisturized. And their hair? They take extra good care of that -- probably with more products than they use on their skin.

Wardrobe? Black. Done.

Jokes aside... Stelly's jobs leave them with a lot of freedom when it comes to the things that they wear. Whether they're tending bar or working for the Times on assignment, they tend to wear black jeans, black (or dark colored) t-shirts, a jacket, and converse or boots. But they make it look effortless, often accessorizing with big earrings and simple jewelry, so that they feel right at home. Although speaking of at home, they tend to wear baggy t-shirts and cotton shorts around the house and to sleep, keeping it pretty casual.

When it comes to formal looks, that's where they tend to have a little more fun. They love a good theme, they'll do anything that's required of them, and tend to go all out as far as fashion's concerned. It's a little bit like playing dress up. Oh, and make-up? They love doing that for formal looks, too! And they won't hesitate to make sure that they're as glamorous as possible.

Now, hair... hair is where Stelly gets the most creative. While most of the time, they wear their hair dark and straight -- they will only get it treated by people who know what they're doing, lesson learned from too many visits that went wrong -- sometimes pulled back in a ponytail or bun, sometimes with bangs. Every now and then, they change it up, and will let their hair go wavy or curly, drying out with a more natural texture, and in the past, they have done their hair in dreadlocks, though not very often. They just like to change their look to express themselves, mostly.

[stellylee]

Most people are pretty good at getting creative when it comes to finding the way to hear what they need to hear… or want to hear. Or both. I feel like they look like they're ignoring us and they might roll their eyes and sigh and mutter about how obnoxious we are, or how we should just stick to pouring drinks, but then they probably end up waking up in a cold sweat at four o'clock in the morning realizing that what we said was right and they should listen to us a little bit more often. It happens! Ew, that's no fun. Do you think it was post-beach party and carnival bullshit? 'Cuz I know I've been cranky going to work knowing that I can't leave to go get more cotton candy. Not going to lie. OnlyFans can handle anything! That's sort of their whole point, is you can be a fan of anything… I think. I've never actually used it.

We all deserve a little delusion in our lives every once in a while. You do what you need to do though to get the advice you need, even if you have to seek it elsewhere. I suppose you might be right. I mean, I definitely like to think that even when people choose to ignore me, they hear me. I’m honestly okay with that. I mean, as long as I feel like I was heard out. At the end of the day, everyone has to make their own choices. There are situations where you’re just too far gone to listen though. I’ve been there and seen it. That definitely is how it goes. I’m currently just trying to bask in silence. My employees stressed me out so bad today that I have a migraine. I don’t only fans could handle me. I mean, if you really want it I’m sure it exists. We have plenty of holidays that I can bestow it upon you for.

[stellylee]

"Some of those games, we all downloaded just because we had a fear of missing out." The last thing that someone wanted was to sit in a room and listen to everyone talk about the coolest, latest game that they were playing… and realizing that they weren't going to get to experience it themselves. And so they downloaded it, played it for a few days, and probably ended up deleting it in a week when they realized that they never ended up opening it again. The way of the world. "You might be on to something," they said with a laugh, turning to look at the camera that they were holding, and then flashing a quick sneak peek to Minnie when they came over to see what they had captured. "Time flies when you're having fun, you know," Stelly grinned, slinging the camera back over their shoulder by the strap and nodding. "Yes! I'm going to do some editing and then I'll shoot off the best of the best to you once they come through my editing pile. Thanks, by the way," they said with a warm smile, "for a great shoot."

"Oh, my gosh, Flappy Bird! I've not heard that game name in a long time. There are some trendy games that got me for sure, including that one. I'm not too much of a gamer gal, but they had me hooked! Candy Crush, Homescapes, those ones too. They get me every time." Never mind that she also spent a lot of money to make sure she had constant power-ups and premium prizes. Oops. She probably did need to look at her budget a bit closer. "I feel like that whole thing is a metaphor for something." Not being able to move on, clinging to nostalgia, or knowing when a good thing really was a good thing? That was anybody's guess. Then Stelly said that same exact thought, and the metaphor figured itself out. Minnie sighed happily as she climbed out of the purple makeshift arc, heading over to peek at the window thing on Stelly's camera. "Wow, that went by so fast!" The fresh air had not only helped her mood, but made the hour go by quicker too. They considered it to be one well spent. "You gonna take these home and evaluate?"

[stellylee]

"People can be rotten, but you would have to be like… next level rotten to want to do that," and while those parents existed, there was no sense in giving them the time of day. Or letting them name kids. Once they had gotten upright, and had gotten Mandy upright, too, Stelly looked themselves over, and then Mandy, too, making sure that there weren't any obvious pinches or injuries that they would have to see to. No, they looked good. They looked like they had survived. "I try," they said with a grin, leaning to press a sandy kiss to Mandy's cheeks. "Want to go release all of our friends into the ocean?"

"Or that," Mandy said, nodding slowly. Some people did go that far, but luckily she hadn't seen much of it lately. There were always changes in trends and she felt like this was one of those cases. She let out more laughter as she heard Stelly talking to the tiny crabs, scolding them even? She giggled again, sitting up slowly, shoulder to shoulder with them as she held their hand. "Just a little bit," she said, pecking their cheek. "Thank you. You're my hero. Muwah!"

[stellylee]

"Or really hate their kid," because some parents were kind of cruel and didn't think about the implications of giving their kid a really horrible, terrible name. Unfortunately. Letting out a louder laugh as Mandy said that the crabs were climbing on her, they lifted their head to look around, noticing a steady trail of them climbing up Mandy's ankle and turning around to swat at them, "down, beasts! You don't want to start tickling her feet." Once they hauled themselves up into a sitting position, Stelly held out their hand to do the same for Mandy. "Did they get you?"

"Unless they have a really dark sense of humor," Mandy giggled. She was sure parents nowadays were a bit more aware of this and what might happen in the classroom. But that was the nature of how things went. She held onto Stelly's hand but that didn't do much help because they ended up falling on top of her. As she lay on the sand, she couldn't stop laughing. "I think they're climbing on me!" she squeaked.

[stellylee]

WHO: Stelly & @emersonsjo

WHERE: & Chips

WHEN: July 13, 2025

The place was certainly busy, which Stelly had been expecting -- people in Merrock liked to eat. On a normal, average day, absolutely. But on a day where you could get something different, something special? Even more so. Finally, they were down to two orders, Stelly's and Emerson's, and it only took Stelly getting to their table, sitting down, and stabbing the form into the loaded fries ... to realize that they were not their fries, narrowing their eyes a little bit and sitting back in the seat. "Shoot," they mumbled, before recognizing the other person waiting and feeling a little relief. "Emerson," they called out, already making their way back to the counter, "are these yours, by any chance?"