#jake webster

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Louis was feeling a bit deflated after Fiona's criticism of his life choices, like the party had already been spoiled by the very gloomy thoughts and recriminations he was trying to keep at bay.

So, when Achilles sidled up to him and all the memories of their college fling came flooding back, it proved hard to resist.

Maybe hooking up with your ex who was clearly trying to spark the old flame despite a messy breakup wasn't the most sensible choice, but nobody had ever accused Louis Calhoun of being sensible.

"Ah, youth! I remember how I was at their age..."

"You're still young though, Jake. Unlike some of us."

"You're hardly old, ma'am."

"Hah! Flatterer! I wish. And it's Abby, please."

"I'm just telling the truth, m- Abby. You're a very attractive woman, if you don't mind me saying so."

"I don't mind it at all."

Jo wasn't sure of the ethical implications of what they'd just witnessed, but hey, it was none of their business.

"Get it, Mrs C!"

"I'm acting like an old fool," Abby thought ruefully.

But she wasn't dead yet, and it had been so long since she'd had a man in her bed.

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Since her son was out having fun with his new coworkers, Abby had the house all to herself that evening. She had been pondering inviting Jake over ever since their little moment at the party, but each time her better judgement put a stop to it. He was too young, the power dynamics between them were too imbalanced, etcetera.

On the other hand, they were both adults, and they liked each other, so why not enjoy themselves a little? As long as they both remained firmly on the same page, there was no harm in it.

"I have to admit, your call took me by surprise. Pleasant surprise, I should add."

"I may have surprised myself a little too, Jake. But I'm glad you took me up on my offer."

Leaning in closer, Jake spoke softly in her ear, his breath raising goosebumps on her arms:

"Did you really think I'd turn you down?"

No, Abby supposed she did not.

But it was still nice to have it confirmed.

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

"Looking good, cuz."

"Naturally, but good of you to notice."

Louis rolled his eyes; he was used to Fiona's antics. He wished he had her confidence, truth be told.

"How's life these days?"

"Life is fantastic, which I suspect is more than you can say. Have you decided what you're going to do about it yet?"

"Huh?"

"Come on, Louis. I know you're not as dumb as most of our family think you are. I'm talking about you being on the wrong side of 25 and still acting like a teen."

"Oh, hey, there's Hannah! 'Scuse me, Fi!"

"You know I'm right!"

"...So I walk in, and they're on the pool table, absolutely going at it, and -"

"I don't care about pool table fucking, where's the rest of that pie?"

Tired from another day of shouldering her endless responsibilities as Mayor of Walden, Abby had rather hoped to have a quiet evening enjoying a relaxing talk and a drink with a couple of her closest associates.

Alas, she thought as she walked in to find that her living room had once again been taken over by Louis's friends, it was not meant to be.

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Eleanor: "Mom, c'mere. How are you feeling?"

Abby: "Oh you know...could be better, could be worse."

Eleanor: "I can't believe Snaggles is gone. She was the sweetest kitty."

Abby: "She was, and I miss her."

Eleanor: "At least you have Sunny to keep you company! And Louis, of course, and me! I'm always just one phonecall away, you know that."

Abby appreciated her daughter's attempts to make her feel better. She wasn't exactly a hermit; she had a high-powered, public-facing job, but that didn't mean she wasn't lonely.

Perhaps that was why she hadn't tried too hard to get Louis to move out.

It was Louis who had suggested throwing a casual house party for family and friends.

An opportunity to catch up with people they might otherwise not see very much of, given everyone's busy lives.

Louis: "I've been thinking about buying a guitar. What d'you think? You could be looking at a future rock god!"

Evelyn: "Yeah...I've heard you sing. I don't think it's happening, Lou."

Louis: "Playing an instrument is not the same as singing!"

Evelyn: "Do you have any idea how much work learning to play an instrument is?"

Fiona: "So. You're the good little witchling my brother is dating. It's a beautiful night. Shouldn't you be out frolicking in the moonlight, communing with your goddess?"

Hannah: "Shouldn't you be skulking in a swamp, sacrificing babies to the dark gods or something?"

Fiona: "Oh, I don't do that. Virgin sacrifices are more my thing."

Hannah: "Good luck finding one of those. Now, are we playing or what?"

Hah! She was feisty, Fiona had to give her that. Maybe Rowan didn't have such terrible taste in romantic partners after all.

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Evelyn: "Damn dude, I'm sorry about your cat."

Louis: "Thanks. I appreciate it, especially considering..."

Evelyn: "I'm a wolf?"

Louis: "Yeah. I never even asked how werewolves felt about cats."

Evelyn: "Most cats don't like us, but I got nothing against 'em. And I know how tough it is to lose a pet you love."

Louis: "Yeah...Yeah, it is."

Evelyn was cool. Louis liked hanging out with her, even if she was a tad older, having gone to college with his sister.

She was nothing like his sister though, which was partly what he liked about her. She didn't judge him, like Eleanor did.

For an aspiring politician, she was super chill.

However, all of Evelyn's chill seemed to evaporate whenever his mother came near.

Abby: "Evelyn, hello! I'm glad you decided to drop by."

Evelyn: "Hello, Mrs Calhoun. Louis and I were just hanging out."

Abby: "Of course, and I hate to bring up work stuff on your day off, but do you have a moment? There's someone I'd like to introduce you to."

Abby: "Evelyn, this is Jake Webster, the Mayor of Mistvale and a good friend of mine. Jake, this is the young lady I've been telling you about."

Shit! And here I am dressed like a slob!

Evelyn: "Evelyn Morgan. Nice to meet you, Mr. Webster."

Jake: "Likewise, Miss Morgan, likewise!"

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

Abby returned from work - accompanied by her good friend Jake Webster, the Mayor of Mistvale - to find the table already set.

It was nice to see Louis doing something he enjoyed, however small.

Perhaps it was because she had always known what she wanted to do in life that she found it difficult to imagine not having that drive, that goal-oriented mindset. Eleanor was the same.

Her son was obviously very different, but Abby had promised herself that she would let him find his own way.

Still, she couldn't help worrying about him. There was a fine line between supportive and enabling behaviour.

[alexi-of-carthanas]

Scarlet 'verse picrews....

[alexi-of-carthanas]

Jake, Sky, and Holly, in picrew.