I am stronger than you think.

Benjamin "Ben" || Chef || 36

[benjaminxjackson]

Benjamin Jackson (38) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He works as the owner of Neptune Oyster. They have been in kismet harbor since 1996. 

- TW: Death, mental illness, drinking and accident

Basic Information

Full Name: Benjamin Lennox Jackson

Nickname(s): Ben, Benn (Brothers), Benji (close friends), Len (best friend and siblings)

Age: 37

Date of Birth:June 18th 1986

Hometown:  Kismet Harbor

Gender: Cis Male

Pronouns: He/Him

Marital status: In a relationship

Children: Erik Lachlan Jackson

Orientation: Panromantic/demisexual

Occupation: Chef and Owner of The Neptune Oyster.

Length of time in Kismet Harbor: 28 years

Language(s) Spoken: English

Face Claim: Luke Mitchell

Health

Mental Disorders: Bipolar Depression

Sleeping Habits: Terrible (insomniac)

Eating Habits: Often forgets to eat

Addictions: None

Alcohol Use: Frequently

Personality

Positive Traits: protective, loyal, open-minded

Negative Traits: secretive, reserve, stubborn

Goals/Desires: Being happy and having his own family

Fears: Losing his siblings and being alone

Favorite scent/flavor : Vanilla, Strawberry, Coffee, citrus

Hobbies: reading, cooking, running and writing music

About

Ben was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. His family moved to Kismet Harbor when he was about six. Growing Ben was often outgoing and social. Somethings came easily to him especially school. He had an energy and vibe around him that others felt comfortable around and that helped him in becoming popular. Ben tends to be more of an observer, watching people and reading people. He is kind, sweet and loyal.

Growing up and being raised the way he was, Ben became family oriented. Family was everything to him and he would do anything for them. He is closer to his two younger brothers who he tells things to, and they have a strong bond. They are someone that Ben could always talk to without fear.

During High school Ben lost one of his best and closest friends. This was someone he truly cared about and would do anything for.  Ben blames himself for their death because he was the one that suggest their trip and he watch them die. He has so much guilt over that. After his best friend’s death, Ben became more reserve and quieter, keeping things in and shutting a part of himself and emotions thinking he deserved to be punished. This also led to a bit of overdrinking, and self-destructive habits. This was the time the Ben also got diagnosed with his mental illness which his drinking did not help at all.

During high school Ben discovered his love for cooking. At first, he and his brother always talked and joked about starting a contractor business due to how handy they were and always built things together, but faith had a different plan for them. Ben decided to learn to become a chef and got into one of the top culinary schools. Ben was talented enough that he landed a job working and being mentored by an amazing chef in England. He worked under for two years after he completed culinary school. After working under the chef, he returned home and got a job as a chef loving what he does. Ben was happy and things were going well.

Ben was surprised when his brother came out to him and chose his brother’s side after they came out to the rest of their families. Ben told his brother that they were always his brother, and nothing changed between them. He supported his brother and cheered him on. It did hurt him seeing how their father reacted to Andrew coming out and how his mother took their father’s side.

Ben had discovered since he was a teenager that he was not totally straight and kept that a secret. It was a part of himself that he locked away due to his irrational fear and his mental state which was not too stable. Ben left town for a few months to handle some business but came back. Now he is back in Kismet Harbor to be there for his family and fully take ownership of The Neptune Oyster. He also plans on being honest and open with his brothers and himself in relation to the part of himself he had kept locked up.

[nazlixceyhan]

Nazli was still greatly confused by what the other was saying. She couldn't really say she had met many people like that. Berkan, perhaps, was private about his life, but not his job. But was that only because they worked together? "I mean, it's not like you're asking what my social security number is or something." Nazli added, a shrug of her shoulders to follow. "It's difficult, sure, but not an impossible feat. Plenty of people can do things whenever they put their mind to it. The trick is that they just have to believe in themselves first." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"You are correct, I have met so many people are super private in my mine of work that even they don't talk about their jobs, but I guess they must have a reason for that," he replied as he shrugged his shoulders. Ben did not understand it at all but he was not one to judge and he respected that. He was also never anyone to push for information. "You are correct, I know law school can be hard and I do remember how stressful it was for some of my friends who were law students, had to work crazy hours and also study long hours too," he nodded his head. "You are right, if one don't think they can do something, then they are setting themselves up for failure." @nazlixceyhan

[benjaminxjackson]

starter for @ryderthornton

The Chef was hungry and did not feel like cooking at all or eating his own cooking and so he decided that after his meeting he would grab some lunch. He had been craving burgers and had texted Ryder if he wanted to grab something to eat. He was glad that the other was free and so he waited outside the firehouse and smiled when he saw the other.

"Hello handsome, done for today?" he asked with a bright smile on his face as he looked at his boyfriend.

[chanteledavis]

✦ closed starter for @benjaminxjackson ✦ based on: 🏡| where chantel is doing some clean up at a neighbor's house

"Oh." Chantel paused, standing up a little straighter as she looked at the window she was working under, noticing what appeared to be a crack in it, which immediately sent her mind spiraling. "Did you do anything over here today?" she questioned, eyes focusing on the other for a moment and then back at the window. "I was just doing some weed pulling, looked up when I heard what I thought sounded like a crack and saw this in the window, but I don't know if I did it slinging something or if it was already here." she paused. "How do you determine an old crack from a new one?"

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben and Erik were going out for a stroll, enjoying the nice weather and plus the chef needed some fresh air. They both did. Benny looked at the other when she spoke, he listened first before then looking at the back of the window. The male knew the neighbor and he had remembered them mentioned the crack and them talking about it and also talking about window replacement and revelations. "I believe it is an old one," he spoke. "I ran into them a few days ago when they had someone inspect the place for renovations. Nothing you should be worried about." @chanteledavis

[makaylahoffmann]

"I have a daughter who will be one soon so I totally get it," she nodded and smiled, "and with my boys, their first birthdays were always so bittersweet." It was special and exciting and sad all at the same, but that was a part of life. "It's true, and finding the right preschool is stressful, though thankfully we have a good one here in town and only one so that part is somewhat easier, but from then on it's a whirlwind," she sighed and agreed with his sentiment, "it's true. One day you're wrapping them up in a baby blanket and then boom, they're getting ready for middle school and so on." She frowned and then regained hr composure. "Exactly, and I'm just glad we don't live in like some ritzy city where it's a dog eat dog world in school and beyond." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"Seriously how do you handle it, seeing them grow up so fast. I really can't believe my boy will be one and I am getting emotional. Erik had a rough birth and I remember when I held him for the first time and it seemed like yesterday," he replied with a soft sigh. Ben finally understood parents for sure. "I am already looking at preschools too and also Nannies since I plan to go back fully to work in September," he added. Ben wanted to make sure that his son had the best of everything.

"Same here for sure." @makaylahoffmann

[nazlixceyhan]

Nazli found an appreciation for people that loved what they did. It was refreshing to hear about and in part, conversations like that had inspired her to make the switch in her own job. "No, it's not some big secret." She assured him, a crease forming between her brows for a beat. "That's a perfectly normal question to ask someone." It wasn't like he had asked for her social security number. "I'm a paralegal student right now and while I'm going to college online, I'm working for a lawyer in town." She smiled softly, "So basically it's deadlines, paperwork and hoping it still looks like I have my life together." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben smiled softly, "I know people tend to be private for sure about their lives and jobs. I always ask if it's okay first before I ask someone what they do," he smiled softly. Ben was a private person himself and so he tried his best to be respectful, sure to him his job was not private. If you searched his name, a list of articles and even his restaurants would show up. "That's cool, I admire people who work and go to school. It is hard work being a student and working. I always wonder how they do it."

"If I say, it does look like you have your life together. Deadlines and paperwork are not fun. I know the amount of paperwork you do is way worst than what I deal with." @nazlixceyhan

[ryderthornton]

When Ryder wasn’t working, attending groups, or even at his own apartment, he was here with Ben. There was no where else that he rather be than right here in his arms and in his home too. He spent a majority of his time here with Ben. Sure he did think about the possibility of them moving in together down the road. They had very strong feelings for one another and it would be great to come home and see Ben’s smiling face and even arms wrapped around him after a long work day. Phone calls and FaceTime worked but the comfort of Ben’s strong arms settled him.

Ryder stood next to Ben kissing his shoulder before washing his hands after. “I will remember all the dates that we have. When it comes to you I will never forget them.”

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben could not help it at all, he knew by the end of the night he was going to be very red. He was enjoying all the kisses, acts of services had always been the chef love language but because of Ryder, it seems like physical touch was starting to become of his favorite for sure. These two spent time together and so bed was sure of his decision. He trusted Ryder and cared for the man so he planned to ask them and give them something after their dinner.

"You sir are making me blush and smile," he replied back looking at Ryder and looking into his eyes. "I have a surprise for you after Dinner handsome Thornton." @ryderthornton

[ryderthornton]

Ryder closed his eyes and stayed cuddled up in Ben’s arms. Besides the firehouse, it was the place where he felt safe and could be himself. The place he knew he could come to when he was having a bad day or just wanted to cuddle and be held. He smiled to himself as he played with the hem of Ben’s shirt. He was happy. Ryder looked up at Ben and kissed him before they moved to the kitchen to get started cooking together. Ryder hoped that he could focus because when Benny was in the kitchen he easily became distracted.

“It was our official first date. I am always going to remember that night.”he smiled with a smirk as he thought about the night all the time. They went to wash their hands before taking out the groceries.

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben enjoyed Ryder being in his arms, he always enjoyed the others company and plus the chef had been thinking about something important too that he wanted to ask the other. He really cared deeply about Ryder, he trusted the male and so he had decided to make a copy of his keys for the male and he also wanted them to feel like he was welcomed in anytime. He smiled as they were in the kitchen and turned on the tap to wash his hands.

"Am glad that you will always remember our first date, because so will I" @ryderthornton

[clementinebeaumont]

"Ah the berry phase." Clementine laughed, nodding. "We entered it with Hallie twelve years ago and never really left." she admitted. "I'm thankful that it made them enjoy healthier options, but, they are expensive." she admitted. She'd buy all the berries at the grocery store if it made her girls happy at the end of the day. So she wasn't going to complain but her bank account certainly saw the dip on berry days. "It's a good way to use up fruits if they're about to go bad." she admitted. "The amount of blueberry pancakes we've made because the texture was off." she laughed. "And blueberry syrup; both were amazing for coffee and on top of ice cream." she paused, listening. "Did you say peach pie? Do tell. That sounds amazing." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"I remember being obsessed with strawberries when I was growing up and also for some reasons Tomatoes. I believe I hear that many kids hate tomatoes but not me," he replied with a chuckle and smile on his face. "That is true, healthy options are indeed expensive for sure. It's insane. I think that's one thing I want to really work on, creating healthy recipes with healthy options that are not too expensive that way it helps a lot of people out. Take out that stress especially with cooking," he added nodding his head. Ben was always mindful and tried to take a lot into consideration when he made his dishes and put his recipes on his website.

"It's my mom recipe but I have improved it over the years. It's always on the menu when peaches are season at my restaurant. So any time peach are in season, just feel free to come on by or shoot me a message and will happily make them." @clementinebeaumont

[benjaminxjackson]

"I know the magic of coffee first hand for sure. I don't think I would have been able to survive my daily job as a chef, dad and running three restaurants," he replied with a laugh and chuckle as he settled in the chair and let out a sigh. "Meetings, inventory and events," he answered before shaking her hand. "Nah, it's all good and it's personal but not too personal. if that makes sense." @nazlixceyhan

[nazlixceyhan]

"That all sounds exhausting," Nazli stated, but not as judgement. It had been clear to her that the man was exhausted, but hearing it aloud made her feel a sympathy exhaustion. "Though I'm sure, all very rewarding. Three restaurants is very impressive." She hadn't thought she knew that about the other originally, so it was news to her. "I understand that," Nazli nodded her head in agreement. @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

The chef chuckled and nodded his head. It really could be exhausting for sure and it was all hard work too. Ben knew he only managed because he had an amazing support system and he was always thankful for them always. "I guess it does," he replied nodding his head. "It really is, I would not trade it at all for anything. Plus, it's a good think I like to being very busy and always on the move." he added. "I am sorry, I don't believe I ask what you do, its okay if you do not want to share." @nazlixceyhan

[ryderthornton]

Ryder closed his eyes. How did he get so damn lucky. Benny is the best thing to ever happen to him. He never thought in a million years that he would be this happy or even blush this much. Yet, here he was. He was a red tomato and it was all because of Benny and his sweet sexy and beautiful words. “It’s you. No matter what you do or you say, babe. I’m going to be a red tomato and I’ll be smiling. You will get my smiling face, shiny eyes, red cheeks, all of it. Just like I want to see the smile on your face and your kisses.”he cuddled into his arms. “All yours. I’m always yours.”he smirked.

“Well I am going to have to remember you said that when we’re in the bedroom.”he winked. “First wash hands. Next, can you help me cut the vegetables. I’m trying to recreate our first dinner date we had.”

[benjaminxjackson]

Never in a million years did Ben think that he would be this happy, he was doing amazing in his career, he was finally living and enjoying life, he had a kid who he loved so much and he had found love. Ben never thought he would get everything that he wanted nor did he think that he would deserve all of this. If he was honest, sometimes he believed and felt like all of this was a dream for sure, a dream he never wanted to wake up from. Ben smiled closing his eyes and just feel his boyfriend cuddled in his arms. "Me too handsome," he whispered as he kissed Ryder's head.

"Good, I want you to remember that for sure," he teased with a grin. "Yes chef," @ryderthornton

[makaylahoffmann]

"Aw the first birthday is a big one," she smiled, her own daughter turning one in a few short months herself. But the first birthday was always bittersweet for the parents. Nodding, she agreed, "I'd say get ready. I've got three in elementary school and all three of the are going through this." She wished sometimes they'd just let the kids be kids instead of caring too much on state testing and the like. "Oh I'm sure there are some parents are from the day their kid is born start with this stuff. It's like the baby can barely hold their head up and they're introducing this bullshit to them. It's weird." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"It really is, his grandma is already planning a celebration and throwing a party for him," he smiled softly. Ben still could not believe it for sure and it was insane how time went by fast. "People have been telling me that for sure. I should be ready when he starts preschool and then elementary school and before I know it he would be graduating from high school and going off to college," he chef shake his head. Knowing how time goes by fast. "True, I know some parents mean well but, sometimes they just forget. Let them be kids and give them time to explore and discover their interest and likes." @makaylahoffmann

[clementinebeaumont]

"I've also learned my girls aren't picky." Clementine admitted. "We've always kind of given them less junk and more healthy options and they don't take that lightly." Clementine admitted. "Which helps a lot. Where some kids I feel would be pickier about what they're eating, mine aren't." Something she was proud of. "You're the best." Clementine smiled. "I'll check it out for sure. Any way I can support someone local and get a good recipe is a win in my book. As the other spoke about peach muffins, Clementine felt her mouth water. "I'm sorry, peach muffins." she nodded. "I need that recipe. Is it on your website too because those are for sure going to be our sweet treat tonight. I just got some fresh peaches at the store." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"That is awesome for sure. I do know a few friends with kids that are very picky. I hope my son is not picky when he grows up but so far he seems to be interested in whatever am eating and blue berries seem to be his favorite at the moment," he replied with a smile on his face. Ben nodded his head as he listened to her speak. Ben himself knew he would be that parent because he himself believed in balance sure he liked to bake but he also made sure all his meal he made were balance. "That's amazing for sure that you are giving your kids more healthy option."

"Nothing to be sorry about, I try to use a lot of fruit in my baked goods and also use fruits that are in season too," he spoke. "Yes, I do have that on my website, also I have been meaning to add an improve recipe for peach pie and apple pancakes." @clementinebeaumont

[ryderthornton]

Ryder did not care or mind what nickname he was called by Ben. He could call him Fire dude, and he would take it. Why? Because it was Ben. It was his boyfriend, and he wasn’t going to say no. Now, if it was a nickname that he didn’t like or felt like it fit him, he would tell Benny. However, right now he wasn’t because he was loving it. When Ben was giving him compliments, his cheeks were turning red. He hid his face in his chest, keeping a smile on his face. “Benny…if your plan was to make me red as a tomato. Then you have done your job.” He said with a huge smile on his face. “My handsome boyfriend. All mine.” He kissed him back.

Ryder closed his eyes softly before opening them up and grabbing Ben’s hand taking him to his kitchen. “Oooo I like the sound of that. I promise I wont be too tough on you.” He said.

[benjaminxjackson]

"That's always my plan, to make you so very red and to make you smile because you have the most beautiful eyes in the world and I love when they shine so bright when you smile," he spoke as he ran his hands through his boyfriend's hair slowly after Ryder kissed him back. "I am lucky I have you all to my self sexy," he added with a wink.

"You know I can handle it tough and I love it when Mr. sexy gets tough and rough," he laughed as he bit his bottom lips. "What are your orders chef?" @ryderthornton

[nazlixceyhan]

"Coffee does tend to help," she smiled before shaking his hand. "It's nice to meet you, too, Ben." Nazli retracted her hand and re-settled back into the chair at the local coffee shop. "So, what are you needing a break from?" Her brow raised curiously, then she held up her hand. "Sorry, only answer that if you want to. You might not want to share your personal problems with a complete stranger." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"I know the magic of coffee first hand for sure. I don't think I would have been able to survive my daily job as a chef, dad and running three restaurants," he replied with a laugh and chuckle as he settled in the chair and let out a sigh. "Meetings, inventory and events," he answered before shaking her hand. "Nah, it's all good and it's personal but not too personal. if that makes sense." @nazlixceyhan

[clementinebeaumont]

"I had wondered if the flour had to be normal flour or not to turn out properly." she admitted. "I bet they'd like oat flour though, we use that sometimes to make our pancakes and they do talk about how good that is." she nodded. "And I do typically use honey for sweetener sometimes so that's not something I'm worried about, I just wasn't sure about the flour." she spoke. "I bet a whole wheat crepe would be wonderful." she admitted. "Do you have a recipe by chance? One that you have perfected?" Not that she couldn't find one online somewhere, but she trusted Ben and when he did have one, she knew that it was likely good enough to share with the entire town. "Have you made anything you're proud of that you want to share? I'm always looking for new things that we can make at home." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

"I know some flour does affect the texture. I like whole wheat and also Oat flour will be perfect then since y'all have used it when making pancakes before and they liked it," he spoke with a smile on his face. "Plus the only real difference between pancakes and crepes is that you need more eggs and milk when compare to regular pancakes," he added. Ben nodded his head as he listened to her speak. "Yes I do," he answered with a smile. Ben had planned to make a cook book but that was put on hold when his son was born and he got busy being a dad and he thought that now would be perfect especially since Erik is a year old now. "I have a website and in my breakfast section, I have it there along with allergy substitute. I can text, email, or write down the link whichever works for you,"

"I have made a few things, I will say my favorites are fresh peach muffin and also baked lamb over tomato cooked rice." @clementinebeaumont

[ryderthornton]

“Another better super hero name? You don’t like that one?”Ryder asked teasing Ben as he laid his head on his chest. His eyes closing in content and happiness feeling Ben’s hands through his hair. He looked up into his eyes. “Mmm I will take any nickname you give you. Smokey Bandit? Smokey Fire Dude by my boyfriend. I will take it.”he ran his hands over his cheeks. “Get used to it baby. Cause I’m going to make you blush alot more. I got some cheesy lines for you and whole lot more cuteness.”he kissed him back.

“No no I didnt mean it. I want you close. I don’t want you far away from the kitchen. You can make all the comments you want. Cook with me. Be my sous chef?”he asked batting his eyes at him.

[benjaminxjackson]

"I like it and it's true, my handsome boyfriend Mr. Ryder is indeed super handsome, not just handsome but kind, sweet and has the most beautiful eyes and smile that puts the stars in the heaven to shame," he spoke with a grin. "It just does not capture all of my handsome boyfriend," he added with a devilish smile on his face before chuckling. "Good to know handsome," he gave Ryder a quick kiss.

"I am more than ready for it handsome," he smiled wildly. Ben eyes lit up as he ran his hands through his boyfriend's hair slowly. "You got it Chef, you take charge and give all the orders." @ryderthornton