guess who's back

[jacksonxellis]

[male, he/him] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [JACKSON ELLIS]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [ALEX FITZALAN]. You must be the [TWENTY-SEVEN] year old [SURF INSTRUCTOR AT SURF'S UP SURF SHOP]. Word is you’re [PERSUASIVE] but can also be a bit [COCKY] and your favorite song is [SHAME BY YOUNG FATHERS]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [SEABROOK QUARTERS]. I’m sure you’ll love it!

TW: domestic violence

BASICS:

Full name: jackson ellis Nickname(s): jack, jax, jacky, ellis Birthdate: april 17 Birthplace: aurora bay, california Zodiac: aries sun, leo moon, scorpio rising Gender: cis man (he/him) Orientation: heterosexual Occupation: surf instructor at surf's up surf shop Time in town: all his life minus 13 months. @aurorabayaesthetic

PERSONALITY:

Positive traits: persuasive, charming, creative Negative traits: cocky, impatient, self-indulgent Fears: his dad and turning out like his dad Likes: surfing, biking, learning new subjects/languages, wood crafting, cooking, marijuana, women, the beach, Dislikes: his father, politics, people who stand to close to you that you can feel their breath on you, lukewarm beer Bad habit: perfectionism. BIO:

Jackson was born an only child, and it shows. Spoiled he was, but mostly by his mom. The image of a perfect family reigned in the household since his father started his political career by holding a position within the local government of Aurora Bay when Jackson was only 4 years old. There couldn't be any fault in the Ellis family or there would be consequences. Jackson had to be perfect and have the best grades and he did. In fact, Jackson was always in the top of his class growing up. He was popular as well, even in elementary, simply because of how charming and nice he was. His teachers would speak highly of him anytime there was a parent-teacher conference and his peers wanted to be around him all the time.

However, his behavior wasn't perfect to his father, whatever that meant, and his father had put his hands on little Jackson for the first time at the age of 7 years old, and many times after whenever he would 'mess' up or get caught for 'misbehaving'. His mother never had a clue about it as Jackson kept quiet. This continued up until he started dating Liza.

Once high school started, he became a little rebellious. He kept his grades up but he'd skip classes here and there, he'd smoke weed, and he wouldn't uphold appearances as his father would ask of him. It was part of being a teenager as his mother would say. Junior year is when Jackson's life was completely flipped as it was the year his father officially became Mayor of Aurora Bay. Jackson had to attend events, he had to be cautious of who he spoke to, what he was doing, and what he would say to his friends about his fathers career because consequences were much harsher.

It wasn't until he had skipped class one day that the perfect family image that he had to uphold was shattered. He wasn't expecting anyone to be home. All he wanted was to smoke a bowl of weed and hang out on the beach for the day. So when he walked inside his house, the last thing he was expecting was to see his father with another woman. He was livid. How could his father do this to his mother? It disgusted him. He had to tell his mother, and when he told her-another unexpected outcome came out. His mother knew it all along. His father had affairs with other women throughout his life. He asked his mother why she would stay with someone like that, and her answer… "I love him. And it's normal for men to have these fantasies, so I let him." This caused a huge change in his relationships with both his father and mother. He never looked at them the same. He couldn't talk to anyone about it because if word got out - it would ruin his fathers image. And then he met Liza Levin during his senior year, and she helped aid the pressure he felt. It was nice to connect with someone who he could relate to. He could tell her anything though he never told her about the abuse. He trusted her with everything. He fell in love with her. She was everything that he needed. His parents, especially his father approved of Liza so much so that he jumped at the chance to live with her once high school was over because it meant he'd get away from his own dysfunctional parents and he did see a future with her.

Whether he should've pushed for better boundaries, or maybe he should've let up on the charm - the grass seemed to be greener on the other side. It happened on his birthday, "Honey came in and she caught me red-handed" in their bed with another woman that wasn't Liza. He couldn't take it back. He knew what he had done. He in fact admired Liza for leaving him. She deserved better than that. Since then, his mothers words about his father have haunted him. The last thing he wants is to become his father, but that was set in motion the moment he cheated.

These past ten months have been the longest Jackson has been away from Aurora Bay. It's been quite healing as he's been in therapy since he left AB. A whole new life... but San Francisco isn't Aurora Bay. Call it home sickness because his last night out with friends ended in a very much drunk Jackson crying about how much he missed Aurora Bay and the beach. It was embarrassing, but he knew he had to come back. Luckily, his mom sold their house on Aurora Bay Drive and bought herself a condo in SF and a house on Seabrook Quarter where Jackson will be living and paying rent.

HEADCANNONS

once fought wes evans and lost like 1 year ago.

his father passed away a year ago in the aurora bay fire.

currently 8 months into therapy and feels better. more self-aware. feels less guilty about his past actions. feels less shame after his father passed. still doesnt talk about his dad.

still a bit of a dick and still cocky af.

got his dick pics sent around in san francisco sdjgkadfs. they were sent consensually but distributed nonconsensually.

adopted a dog in san fran and that's his bestie

still thinks people need to stop holding his cheating against him because that's yesterdays news

has gotten 2 tattoos: a surf board on his arm and 666 on the back of his left calf due to a dare.

worked as a barback and was starting to bartend in SF

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

ex-girlfriend: @thelizaxevans

the long list of Jackson haters: @wesxevans @jaceberg @atticuscortes

favorite supporter: @luckylewis

Work bestie: @heyits-asher

Went on a blind date with @sterlingxlevin despite her hating him

two suspects become friends: @ulyflynn

secretly hooking up with @lonelyhcart as of sharky’s monster mash 2024

[thelizaxevans]

Being seven months pregnant, Liza had agreed to using a stool as she worked at the bakery- like now. She was helping out at the register to get people their orders given how long the line was, but even the nearly-dozen people in there couldn't stop the way she laser-focused on Jackson when he walked in.

Years later and she still felt the twist in her stomach at the sight of him, still felt waves of inferiority wash over her since he'd pretty much disintegrated any and all self-confidence she'd had when they broke up. Her throat felt dry as she swallowed and she needed to take a few sips of water (and force them down) the closer he got until there he was in front of her. But..she could do this. She had done this; it's not like this was the first time she'd seen him since everything had happened--she just tried to limit interactions to near nonexistence.

"Hi Jack." she greeted as she righted herself where she sat, even giving him a soft little smile as she hummed, "It's...good. Really good obviously, given the line you were in." she added on at the end. "The bake sale with FD is a real hit." She tried not to let the awkwardness show as she just gently cleared her throat. "What can I get for you?"

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson tried his best to avoid looking down at the very very pregnant Liza that stood just a counter away from him. It was crazy to think that she was going to be a mom of two. Meanwhile, he was just.... there ordering something for himself. It was just over two years ago that he had seen her on the beach talking to Wes... the moment that she had begun to move on from him.

He was happy for her.

"Yeah, no joke on that line." He shook his head as he looked back at the now dwindled line. He was sure it would pick back up in a few. "I'll actually take a surprise box." He wasn't picky. He knew whatever he got would be good. "You can do one of those, right?" He wasn't sure if it was an option for Valentine's. @thelizaxevans

[laceyxpierce]

Lacey was finishing hanging up the last clothes on the rack behind her for her to place out onto the floor, smiling as she turned back around to look at Jackson and chuckled. "Well I do work here after all, it would be a little odd if I was here just because....and also that would probably mean I'm a shopaholic." She tapped her fingers against the counter and motioned toward the bowl of candy, "The best I can do is offer you some candy unless you want to take a balloon."

[jacksonxellis]

Rolling his eyes, he should be used to Lacey's attitude. He did her often when he came into the store. "It'd be a lot more cooler if you were a shopaholic. Better backstory." He said with a shrug as he leaned against the counter. He looked down at the bowl, disappointed, and quite frankly - confused. "You're not serious are you?" He raised an eyebrow at her before realizing that maybe she was serious. "You guys don't even have decorations or teddies?" @laceyxpierce

[madiiscn]

Even though she had a boyfriend, someone she loved so dearly, it was always nice to hear and get the validation of her physical appearance from other than someone who had to give it to her. It reminded her that despite her deepset insecurities, she was still regarded as hot -- which also came with the burden of remembering where that got her when she first arrived into town. At least Jackson was one of the few that stuck around.

"Ha ha ha. You're hilarious, Jacky. Try and cover it all you want, but you know there's no one better than me." She teased, with a smirk. Although, she were surprised to hear that he hadn't come accompanying anyone.

"That shocks me, I would have thought that people would have been throwing themselves at you for a date. After all, you're the Jackson Ellis. In that case, you can definitely get me a drink."

@jacksonellis

[jacksonxellis]

"Ha ha ha." Jackson mocked back. He was surprised himself that he managed to keep a friendship out of something that did not start as so. It did feel weird sometimes that he had once been with Madison in intimate level, though probably not as intimate her current relationship must be. "I'll let you think that." He teased her back with a smile.

He was yet to meet someone who made him feel like that.

Jackson threw a side eye at Madison. He wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic, but his game wasn't there. "Throwing themselves at a known cheater?" He shrugged, though that didn't full stop him, but now he wanted to be wary. San Francisco changed him. "Let's get you a drink then." @madiiscn

[jacksonxellis]

closed starter for: @laceyxpierce / location: sea glass boutique

"Yoo," Jackson said as he walked into the shop, "you're in here a lot." He said as he approached the counter, but that also meant he was in there a lot. "Got any special deals going for the love day? Got any gag gifts?"

[thevaleriaxortiz]

open - @aurorabaystarter

where - timeless pottery's paint and sip

"I'm no Picasso or whatever," Valeria started, taking a sip of her wine as she looked at her own attempted clay tray, "but...what exactly is that supposed to be?"

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson looked over at the womans tray and let out a snorty laugh. "Sorry." He shook his head as he moved his focus back onto his own tray.

"You don't want me to say it out loud." Some people just didn't have the talent, but he knew it also took practice. He prided himself in being decent. It had to be all the woodwork he'd do. "You need to loosen your hands up a bit." He had glanced over at her earlier, and wanted to say something but he chose to silently judge her on her technique instead. Now that she spoke up, it was time to say something.

[jacksonxellis]

closed starter for: @thelizaxevans / location: sweet nothings

It was bad enough that Jackson had cheated on Liza, all those years ago, but it was worse that the only bakery in town was the one she worked at. He wasn't sure he was banned like he was Neptune. Liza would have said something about it or if not, she would today.

However, he knew just how good her treats were for this time of year. He needed some for himself, and maybe a little something extra for Rowan if he were to see her any time in the upcoming weekend.

He had strolled in awhile ago, 7 minutes, and was he was now next to order. It had to become normal between the two eventually, right?

"How's it going in here today?" He asked as he strolled to the register.

[theirisxalderidge]

Iris kept an easy, bright smile on her face as the man confirmed he'd been paired to her and when he mentioned the table she looked over, her smile only growing as she saw the table- and the gift. "Yeah, of course!" She'd snagged two mimosas on the way too, sipping one as she offered him the other. "Or if you don't drink I'll happily have it for myself and get you something different?"

[jacksonxellis]

"Feel free to keep it." Jackson wasn't too sure if he wanted to drink anything. It was too early in the day for him. "Don't worry about getting me something." He said with a smile as he took a seat once they had reached the table. He'd probably stick to water for now. As much fun as this whole secret santa thing was - he was ready for it to be over with.

"So, tell me about yourself." He did not like how that sounded. It made him feel like he was on a date, not that he had any complaints, but this wasn't one. "Sorry, I mean, I got you for this and I didn't even know you existed until it happened which is pretty cool." He didn't know what he saying, but he hoped that she'd have some response. @theirisxalderidge

[cricketcampbell]

So maybe she was projecting, just a little.

Even if she didn't completely think it was a reach to fear that Jackson would find himself involved in any one of those things, so far nothing about his behavior felt like cause for concern, though the night was still young...

(And so was Cricket.)

"No, I know, I know." She sighed. "I'm sorry, okay? It means a lot to me that you're here. Really. I mean, would it mean more if I thought you, like, actually had a present for me? Sure, but it's whatever. Like I guess just you being here's enough...and knowing that you think you'd be my one phone call. That’s so cute."

Her free hand reached up to pat teasingly against his cheek.

"I'd actually, like, love to hear what you think I'd be getting arrested for."

@jacksonxellis

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson felt awful that he hadn't gotten her a gift. He had decided to come last minute and with how busy he had been with his moms stuff - it slipped his mind. He tried to never miss a gift, but... "I'm so sorry, Crick." Softness entered his voice as he apologized. "I forgot. I'll make it up to you. You can pull up what you want right now and I'll buy it." He offered as he held his phone out to her.

A move he didn't know was a good idea or not. He had nothing in his phone, but... the past haunted him. The past not even being half a year ago. He didn't think she'd go through his phone. This was anxiety speaking. It was fine if she took it.

"I get the vibe that you'd burn someone if they fucked up in the kitchen, like if they put salt instead of sugar in a recipe. You'd just grab their hand and hold it to the stove." @cricketcampbell

[celia-baker]

with machine-like precision, celia continued to look over the clothes and placed them into different piles. donations were everything. it took a laughable amount of fabric to keep this place going and every production seemed to require a different period wardrobe. "donation day is like our christmas." she reassured, though her attention still firmly on the task in front of her. a blessing in disguise, it seemed as if she had noticed him checking her out, she would have most likely turned ruddy-cheeked.

a soft laugh passed through her lips at the mention of a list. she knew the pain of a type a parent all too well. "she did, actually. like a day ago."

celia offered her usual warm smile as they exchanged pleasantries. "nice to meet you as well." her eyes still danced around his (admittedly attractive) frame. "please, let her know we'll take just about anything here. even if it's something we can't use, I usually make it into something we can." the focus soon shifted to the dress form behind her: a menagerie of plastic and glitter formed into a ballgown.

[jacksonxellis]

There was something about the brunette that amused him in a good way. She hadn't looked over at him much which he appreciated. It was nice to see someone focused. "Oh god." He chuckled and shook his head. His mom had started to become a bit overbearing with her things. "I'm sorry if she bugs. She gets impatient, but... aren't all parents." It was one thing to already have a connection through his mom, but having his mom badger her was another.

"Something you can?" He uttered the question out which he had meant to keep that in his head. He was curious what she meant by that. "That sounds cool. I'll let her know" He was sure he'd make a couple more trips over. "Do you need anything else from me?" @celia-baker

[theirisxalderidge]

Iris blinked in surprise when her name was called and she looked over, grinning. "That's me." She confirmed with a nod, brushing her hair over her shoulder before she gave a little wave. "Are you my secret santa?"

[jacksonxellis]

He had it right. Hell yeah. It was going off to a good start. "Cool." He could only hope that she liked the present he gave her. Secret Santa was harder for him than a White Elephant. "That, I am." He smiled as he had kept the present on the seat at the table he snagged. "I got us a table if you'd like to sit." He gestured over towards the table. @theirisxalderidge

[oldrowan-deactivated20260302]

Rowan can feel it—the tension in his body as her head rests on his shoulder. She shifts slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position while her eyes stay fixed on the screen, watching each answered cast. Occasionally, a soft hum slipping from her lips whenever a judgmental thought crosses her mind, hesitant to call him out on what she suspects is a bluff.

She only responds to his outcry about a simple question being unfair. "It's only unfair because you're not comfortable with your answer," she states plainly. The truth often had a way of hurting more than it helped—especially when it came to being honest with oneself, a feeling she knew all too well.

Jordan Baker... It wasn’t the answer she anticipated, but it struck her as amusing. Laughter escaped her lips as he shared the phone screen, the fictional character’s face shining brightly in her view. "I should've guessed it; I always thought you had a bit of a superiority complex," she said with a playful grin, her finger touching her cheek as she pondered her next words, "But honestly, I think I would prefer Lucifer—at least he’d know how to make my night more interesting."

Her eyelashes flutter as she looks up at the man with a playful smile. "I think it's pretty obvious," she says cheerfully. "But where's the fun in just telling you?" she teases, eager to turn it into a little game. "I'll give you a hint, though — think Gossip Girl."

@jacksonxellis

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson side-eyed Rowan when she made her comment. Maybe he was uncomfortable but that was something he'd speak to his therapist about. He didn't appreciate the shade.

"Oh, you don't think I can make your night more interesting?" He teased as he squeezed her side with his other hand as he shifted slightly to place his phone on the side table. He was done with it for the night. His focus was now only on Rowan. He took a good look at her, his body had relaxed now that he was comfortable, and he didn't see it earlier, but she was pretty hot.

Although hooking up wasn't on his agenda for the night. Or at least it wasn't a thought that had a crossed his mind until now. A thought he would tuck away. He was enjoying the time they were having without that idea.

He was more careful now too. Leaked pics do that to a man.

"Hmm... I'm gonna with the blonde one." From what he had seen on the net, the brunette couldn't be Rowan. "I've seen videos and the Blair chick seems too rude to be you." She could be feisty but he had never heard any cruel comments come out of her mouth. @lonelyhcart

[emersonxcassidy]

Despite the way that Jackson had hurt her last year, Emerson also definitely wasn't the holding a grudge type, so the smile that was on her lips, albeit smaller than usual, was no less genuine as she watched Jackson coming closer to the counter, closer to her.

"Forgiveness?" She echoed, unable to help raise her eyebrow, the edges of her smile turning almost sarcastic in a way. "Mmm, off the top of my head, they probably would be in nonfiction, since so many times in fiction or fantasy novels, the main characters feel like the ends justify the means so they don't see forgiveness as much as they seek validation. Could maybe even look in the self-help section? Could do some wonders."

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson felt stupid with how he went about that. There was only room to make up for it. "Yeah..." He trailed off as he looked around the room. He looked at Emerson and laughed, that's all he could do, was to laugh it off. "Yeah, my therapist said the same thing." He had read about two that she had recommended.

"Sorry, I'm an idiot. I'm not looking for a recommendation." He shook his head and started to chew on his lower lip as he mentally prepared for how he was going to deliver the next part. "I'm actually here because I'd love to catch up.... and ask for your forgiveness for..." He shrugged and took a step back, "ghosting you and all that."

It didn't feel so awkward now that it was out. It was a weight off his shoulders, but he didn't know what to do if she said no. He hadn't prepared for that. He had only prepared for a yes. @emersonxcassidy

[wesxevans]

Wes wasn't fond of Jackson by any means because he not only cheated on Liza before Wes knew her, he also had no problem physically fighting Wes either. Okay, so Wes had started that fight, but Wes believed that punch to the face was well deserved. However, Wes heard Jackson was trying to change or whatever, so he felt he could ease up on him a little. If anyone knew about change, it was Wes. Had anyone told Wes of two years ago that he'd be married, had a daughter, and another child on the way, as well as being an all around decent guy, Wes would've laughed in their face. The Wes of two years ago was a little shit, sleeping around, tagging public places in town with his art, and well, starting fights with Jackson Ellis. Wes had changed a lot even though he was an asshole himself back then, so why couldn't Jackson change too? He'd have to see it to believe it first.

"Running into people doesn't exactly give reason to become best friends or anything. It's not a huge town, I'm pretty sure everyone knows each other to some degree."

@jacksonxellis

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson had some (a lot of) blame for the distaste that Wes probably felt. He enjoyed stirring shit up. It was why he still had the nerve to talk to Wes. After the physical fight that Jackson obviously lost, he had backed off. There was no way he had an effect on Wes anymore. Now that he was married to his ex - he had her.

“Dude, lighten up.” He shook his head. “I thought we had a truce."

He had no ill will against Wes, but he was somewhat right. It didn't mean they had to be best friends. He was shooting the shit. Something that he couldn't stop himself from doing. He enjoyed seeing the reactions. It amped him up for more.

He had to cool it. He and this therapist had come to terms that there were some narcissistic tendencies in himself. "Well, for running into each other a lot - how are you doing? How's father life?" The questions felt unnatural the moment they came out of his mouth. This was not how their conversations usually went. @wesxevans

[madiiscn]

closed: @jacksonxellis location: nye ball

"You better not me checking me out, Jackie. I know I'm hot, but please, control yourself." Madison teased, as she sauntered over to him, with a devilish grin. However, once she had reached his side, she slipped her arm around his and her lips relaxed into a gentle smile. "Who are you here with? Do you think they'll mind if I steal you away for a boogie and some bubbly?"

[jacksonxellis]

"I'm using you to look at the girl behind you." Jackson shook his head as he didn't want his cover to be blown before he looked back. "Don't get mad if I take a glance though. Finn knows how hot you are." He tried his best not to, but.. it happened. Madison was hot and he in fact, used to relish in it. How the two came out to be friends out of that was something opposite of a rom com.

"Lucky for you, I'm solo." He smiled as he did need to get out on the dance floor. "No one will get upset if they see you with me." He teased though it hadn't happened in Aurora Bay, but he had learned his lesson. It wouldn't happen here. "Drinks first?" @madiiscn

[eddieferguson]

where: nye ball, seascape

closed for: @jacksonxellis

Eddie leaned against the bar, browsing around the different people at the ball as he sipped his drink. Everyone had indeed some out in their Sunday's best. It wasn't exactly his kind of party, but he was looking forward to run into a certain brunette tonight. He had been casually chatting up the girl next to him to entertain himself when he saw his friend approach. "Well, look who it is." he smiled as he greeted the other. "Don't you look dashing tonight. You here with someone or something?" he teased.

[jacksonxellis]

Jackson always loved new years because of how many people he'd run into. It had been awhile since he had seen Eddie but boy, he was glad to see him. "Eddie," He smiled at his family friend, "How are you?" He chuckled and shook his head, "I'm solo tonight. Thought it would be best." He didn't mind it - best case scenario he would go home and meet Rowan. Who knew.

"Don't tell me you're alone or are you here with a special someone?" He asked, eyebrow raised. @eddieferguson

[jacksonxellis]

closed starter for: @theirisxalderidge

location: secret santa lunch

"Iris, right?" Jackson smiled at the woman who he had sat down across from. He had to look her up on social media when he got her name because well, he had to know who he was buying for.