if you're happy and you know it

Yeah, it's your local Gossip Girl takedown guy... It was a team effort, folks! Jesse Walker; 26th January 2004; NYU

[agnesandrews]

where there's life in a party, there will be agnes andrews. a woman always hellbent on having a good time, she was in her element in the hamptons. chilling with a drink in her hand, in the sun and surrounded by other people who were out for a good time really was the vibe

@tfrstarters

[walker-on-sunshine]

"hey, agnes!" jesse grinned before taking the seat beside her. this party was awesome but he needed to take five. there were so many people that had wanted to catch up with him... it was wild. "how are you? are you having fun?"

[a-lexvandervort]

Alex had been at the Walker family holiday cabin before, but never at Christmas; never like this. She had spent time with his family before, of course, but being here with Lexa while they made gingerbread houses and homemade ornaments was enough to bring her close to tears. Her own family Christmases had been perfectly fine, but they came with an edge of parental disappointment and certainly weren't as personalised. When she thought about the future that she wanted for her daughter, it looked a lot like this; full of love, and care, and no obligations to be anything other than yourself.

In the soft glow of the fireplace, she watched the bassinet, still baffled at how she could love one tiny person so much. Lexa was already four months old and Alex was starting to forget what her life had ever looked like without her. Her eyes shifted to look up at Jesse, smiling to herself when she saw his eyes were closed and his head was drooping. Ever since he had found out that she was pregnant, he had been perfect. He had been there for her through it all–like he always had been.

Jesse's head dropped fully and his eyes shot open to Alex already gazing up at him. She wasn't even embarrassed to be caught staring. Lying here with him was comfortable–as easy as breathing. Alex smiled in response, "You know if you hadn't eaten it, you would still be thinking about it now." She laughed quietly, not wanting to wake Lexa. "Do you want to put the fire out and head to bed?"

[walker-on-sunshine]

Jesse smiled when Alex did, trying not to laugh too. One of the very first things he'd learned was how precious the moments were when Lexa was sleeping. The last thing he wanted was to wake her. "So true. I'd even be seeing it in my dreams... 'why didn't you eat me, Jesse? Why!'," he whispered it dramatically, fighting off a grin. He shook his head at her question, holding her a little tighter. "No, let's stay up a little longer. This is nice, you know? Feels like we could be anywhere in the world right now."

It felt right that they ended this year together. No matter what they both had to face this past year, they'd always had each other. Jesse would always have Alex's back, no matter what. He was going to be there for her every time, no doubt about it. Their lives were sure to change, he knew that, but he was sure they never would. Their friendship, their bond. Jesse wouldn't have made it through the past few months without her.

"I'm so proud of you," he said suddenly while he looked down at her softly. "You've been so strong, Alex. Unbelievably strong. You're such an amazing person, you're such an amazing mom... I'm totally in awe of you. Just, y'know, if I never said it before."

[walker-on-sunshine]

"Mm... That's- No, that's really interesting. What was the secret ingredient again?" Jesse was using every ounce of his willpower not to make a face as he tried the drink they'd been kind enough to make them. If he lived through this party, it might just be a miracle now. @tfrstarters

[camille-hunter]

@tfrstarters

Camille had been busy with school. She had some designs for the showcase a few weeks back. It had taken most of her time, but now tonight she was here to have fun. She hadn't seen most of her friends in a while. Tonight was a return to form for her, and she planned to go all out. She was a few shots deep and feeling the buzz.

"Do you think you can actually keep up?"

[walker-on-sunshine]

"You might have to take it easy on me, Cami. If I try and keep up with you, I think I'll end up dead in the hot tub," Jesse laughed. He'd known Camille long enough to know he didn't stand a chance. It was a party though, one that Juliette had gone to so much effort to put together. He was ready and willing to have fun. "I'll try my best though, I promise."

[juliettevanderbilt]

@tfrstarters

Juliette had been planning this for weeks, and everything was actually coming together. Most of the people she had invited had shown, and they had all managed to at least make a pass at Jesse. So she had started drinking and dancing with everyone. The house was getting trashed, but that wasn't her problem right now.

"If you need more beer, try inside or by the hot tub."

[walker-on-sunshine]

Jesse was having such a great time at this party! Everyone was being so nice, the music was great, the pool was awesome and he was surrounded by all his best friends. What more could you want? Jesse finally spotted Juliette and made his way over with a bright grin.

"Jules! Hey, sorry it took me so long to find you. I feel everybody and anybody has been stopping me on the way over. Did you know Tabby Dryden can tie a cherry stem with her tongue? Totally unprompted fun fact she gave me. Anyways, this party is so cool! Are you having fun?"

[hudsonswilliams]

Hudson Williams with his mom at Gold House’s red carpet for their Lunar New Year event.

[firstprinced]

SHANE HOLLANDER (10th of May, 1991) happy birthday to the prettiest boy in the world (✿◡‿◡)

[walker-on-sunshine]

me vs all your gorgeous starters will continue tomorrow!! <3333

[j-akehunter]

"You want one of these? I'll get–... Hold on." Ever since he had found his way into one of the hot tubs, Jake had been obsessed with the inflatable birds that were designed to keep your drink floating on the water. He poured–spilled?–champagne into two and proceeded to push the little swan over to the other person. "Are you seeing this? That's a frickin' swan!"

@tfrstarters

[walker-on-sunshine]

Jesse chuckled as Jake poured the champagne, perhaps not making the world's greatest bartender but he had style. "Thanks, man! I know, right? How cool are these little guys? I feel like I should be out there mingling but I don't wanna leave these flamingos behind either. Such an awesome party. Are you having fun, Jakester?" He must have finished up his course of painkillers already which was great news for his arm. "I feel like we haven't kicked back in forever."

[effy-baizen]

@tfrstarters

Elizabeth had been invited by Juliette and Sapphire, both of whom had a clue about her wild side. She wasn't sure whether they wanted her to bring out the wild side in Jesse or if her good-girl act was supposed to be a match. But who was she to turn down a party in the Hamptons? She didn't have to want Jesse to join in.

"No, I am good. Just water for now."

[walker-on-sunshine]

"You gotta stay hydrated," Jesse grinned in response. Admittedly, he had been a little apprehensive about coming to Juliette's party but he totally didn't have to be. It had been so nice, it felt like everyone here wanted to catch up with him. Plus, with his mom watching baby Lexa, even Alex got to have a fun night out. Everything was awesome, you know?

"How are you doing, Lizzy?" Jesse and Elizabeth had actually dated before, you know? Freshmen year, a couple of kids holding hands with no idea. It had come to an end amicably (thankfully, given how hard Jesse would then go on take his future break ups). He was always wishing Elizabeth the very best. "I know this isn't usually your scene, but thank you so much for coming."

[zarabishayacooper]

they didn't know it was a hero's and villian's thing when they had turned up in their scrubs, but lucky for her people commended her for medical staff being the 'real hero's' thing

zara politely nodded along in a conversation someone was having with the surrounding group. it wasn't something they were much keeping up with but had been hoping it would finish sooner rather than later, or at least for someone to come and save her.

@tfrstarters

[walker-on-sunshine]

jesse was pretty sure that sapphire was not going to 'be right back' anytime soon. he let out a sigh, shaking his head as he leaned against the bar and looked out into the crowd. he wasn't complaining, of course. any excuse to pull out the superman costume was good with him. it was then he thought he saw tessa, leaning forward and almost shouting her name but... was that tessa?

jesse made his way over with a grin as usual. "hey, te--- oh, shoot! sorry, i thought you were someone else. i-... wait, zara? it's me, jesse. walker. i'm, uh, tessa's friend. well, she might think that's still too strong a word after all these years... i'm tessa's best friend's ex-boyfriend. jesse." taking a breath, he added, "awesome claire temple costume, by the way."

[percyfraser]

PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION 2026 — dir. Brett Haley

[walker-on-sunshine]

@a-lexvandervort

[juliettevanderbilt]

Juliette was happy they had gotten back on track. She had been a recluse for a while, but she was back and didn't plan on running again. "A majority too many for how much money they cost." She smiled at him.

She smirked at him. There was the reaction she had expected. "Yeah, we have been for a few months when we both have the time." She knew what people thought about William. They had points, but she liked hanging out with him, and he hadn't done anything to her. "It's fine, I get it. It's not too far from summer, I just have an internship for a few weeks. I will have some breaks."

[walker-on-sunshine]

"Yikes, I guess I'll have to jot down 'new staff' for your birthday this year," he teased. Jesse knew she was just stressed out. From everything he'd seen, her career had truly taken off. Even when they weren't speaking, he still looked her up and followed all her achievements. Even if it hurt then, he was still proud of her.

A few months... Jesse's mouth hung open at the news before he chuckled nervously. "Ah, I guess I don't really know how to say this so I'll just ask. Isn't William Huntzberger, like, kinda evil? No judgement, obviously. Just checking in." Jesse nodded as she talked about summer, glad to hear she was scheduled in some R and R. "Good, you deserve it. I'm sure this summer is going to be truly awesome."

[bethlevesque]

"Oh getaway car already? Hey, have you done this before?" She hadn't even thought about how they'd get away, though with how many people were here, they would probably get a good amount of start in between before someone noticed. It was a nice break. She missed how stupid their conversations tend to get, and how comfortable they always seemed to get with each other. Beth grinned, it easily breaking into a laugh. "That is fair. If you did manage that headline I'm not sure you would get off lightly." She shook her head as well. Now he was just being nice. "You're just saying that because we're friends but it's fine really. I know my limits."

[walker-on-sunshine]

"I'm just making sure we're prepared for all possible outcomes here," he grinned. Jesse had really missed hanging out with Beth like this, they always had so much fun. She definitely indulged in his goofiness, but what was wrong with that? "Definitely not. My mom would be so embarrassed too, I'd have to change my last name, disappear for five years and come back a seasoned performer to prove everyone wrong. Hey, c'mon. What better reason is there to say anything?"

Jesse chuckled then, letting out a happy sigh before asking, "Did you come here with Frankie Vives? I, uh, read the headlines."

[icy-isobel]

This month had been hell for Isobel. She had lost Logan, she didn't feel like she had any right to turn to Ceren and Jessica, the ratings for Partying With Prescott had been taking a nosedive, and she was slowly isolating herself more and more. It had to stop. She was Isobel Prescott and she needed to pull herself together. It was this mindset that had brought her to the bar on 57th, where they were having a 'Heroes & Villains' themed night.

Pulling on her tightest spandex, Isobel showed up dressed as Catwoman and wasted no time throwing back shot after shot at the bar. This is what she needed–a drunken night out where she could pretend the past year or so had never happened. Turning to the person beside her, Isobel rested a hand on their arm and leaned in. "Dance with me?"

@tfrstarters

[walker-on-sunshine]

Of all the texts Jesse had expected to get, 'meet me at 57th and bring the Superman costume' wasn't one of them. Thankfully, Sapphire had followed up with more context. It took some convincing, but Jesse had agreed to spend a couple of hours there with her. Having fun. Besides, who didn't love dressing up? Sapphire, who did make a very sparkly Emma Frost, had sent him to the bar while she did a loop of the room. He had no idea what she was doing.

Jesse had been trying to get the bartender's attention when he felt a hand on his arm. "Catwoman," he greeted, an easy smile on his lips when he realised it was Isobel. Jesse didn't have to check Gossip Girl to know what had happened with her and Logan, everyone knew by now. He could more than relate. "I... Um-," he started, looking back to the overly busy bartender, "Yeah, sure. Why not? I should warn you, though, it's been a while since I pulled out the moves."

[walker-on-sunshine]

Flashback: December, 2024

When: December 29th, 2024 Where: Walker Holiday Cabin, Buffalo, NY Who: Jesse and Alex @a-lexvandervort

The soft glow from the fire made the room feel like it was some place out of time, you know? As if the world outside didn't exist anymore. Jesse had been lulled by the glowing embers, eyelids becoming increasingly heavy as he looked into the flames. The Walkers had celebrated Christmas on the Upper East Side at home as usual. Of course, it was made even more special by it being Lexa's very first Christmas. Jesse had been so excited and had definitely gone overboard with the gifts. He wasn't the only, though.

After, they'd invited Alex and Lexa to come join them at their holiday cabin. It was one of Jesse's favourite places in the world, his home away from home. They'd had so much fun making sugar cookies, roasting marshmallows, playing in snow... Alex had been so happy, too. This year had been hard for her, he knew that. Everything had changed so completely, their whole lives had been turned upside down. For the better. They were sitting on the floor in front of the fire now, Jesse's arm around her. Lexa was asleep in her bassinet and the silence was comfortable. Nice.

Jesse felt his head start to nod, suddenly opening his eyes back up. He turned to Alex, a small smile on his face as he looked over at her. "I shouldn't have had that extra helping of pie. I'm ready to pass out into a food coma."

[walker-on-sunshine]

Jesse hadn't been proud of what he'd done to Jason. Keeping that kind of secret from his brother was wrong, he just couldn't stand the thought of their father waltzing back into their lives and messing everything up. Jason didn't deserve that. Their mom didn't deserve that. But he shouldn't have kept it to himself. He shouldn't have made the decision for everyone. It felt like a lifetime ago since Logan's beach bonfire party, when Gossip Girl had torn everything apart.

With Alex living with them now, Jesse had thrown himself into taking care of her and baby Lexa. He had tried to talk to Jason right after, but he was so pissed off... And now, Jesse was just being a coward. They were both at home now for the sake of their mom's upcoming birthday. They were having a party - just close friends, family - and needed to iron out a few details. Jesse had just finished pouring coffee, turning to set Jason's cup down when he noticed one of Lexa's stuffed animals on the counter. "Oh, shoot. Sorry, let me move that-," he said, promptly doing so before putting Jason's cup down.

"So, uh, are we thinking catering from that place on 8th?" @itsyaboy-jase