declan-jackson

[declan-jackson]

CLOSED STARTER for @thevaleriaxortiz

"Do you think there's a size limit for the bounce house?" Declan points to it in the distance with his cotton candy. "You know how they have minimum height requirements for roller coasters, is there a maximum for the bounce house, or can we go in their with the kids and rock their shit?"

[declan-jackson]

D. What was their high school experience like?

"I don't miss high school in that I peaked there and I think about the good ol' days too much, but I miss certain aspects of it. The friends, playing baseball, house parties - not the kinds that got out of control. The best kinds were bonfires in the middle of nowhere! Sometimes me and my buds would go shroom hunting out during those, but most of the time we stuck with natty ice and getting drunk by the fire.

I had a lot more people around me, but I wasn't as close to any of them as I was my brother. It's hard to keep a best friend when they come and go, guess that's the downside of being a social butterfly, but through all them and even those folks I dated, Kodi was the one by my side in the end of it all.

It was a fun time, lots of good memories, lots of exploring and chances to explore myself, and it's definitely put me on the path to where I am today."

[declan-jackson]

Babe 🌸:What have you been thinking about a lot recently?

"Lil' KJ! It's summer break for her in Georgia, she should be visiting for the Fourth of July, and I'm counting down the days."

[declan-jackson]

G. What's their greatest talent?

“It’s an underrated one, but you bet I can find more than one way to get from point A to point B on the roadways if I lived somewhere long enough. I don’t even need a GPS. Just a sense of direction, and I can connect backroads in my head.

Doesn’t mean I’m never late, on account of me getting distracted if I make a pit stop on the way, but you can bet I won’t ever be stuck sitting in traffic. Makes me a great road trip companion.”

[declan-jackson]

"I'm very convincing when I want to be. I also like to talk people into the dumb ideas I've done, except this isn't dumb because it's temporary."

He waves apologetically to the artist and clarifies, "If it were a real needle, I'd be in trouble with how I mess up the design." It wouldn't have smudged, though, so I guess there's that." But he would have been inebriated when choosing the design, and that there isn't something he would trust with his drunk self. He claps his hands together and turns back to Shawn, his grin more smug and amused in the way it grows.

"Yeah, so commit. Get 'er done, and you'll have a sick design. It'll be a great conversation starter, too."

@shawnhartman

shawn was honestly a bit nervous, but also he was interesting and a bit excited all at the same time, so really, he was just looking forward to whatever could come of this. maybe his first official tattoo as all he currently had was temporary ones as he tended to be rather indecisive about these things. also his young acting credits weren't of much help either.

"wow, that's - pretty cool actually. i like it." shawn looks at over the design, a slight smirk appear as he did so, because this was really starting to pull him in now. "it does seem like it," he agreed before hearing the other man convinced someone else to tattoo with him. "seems your convincing then. uh - i think i'd agree to this one. yup, you got me."

[declan-jackson]

"I don't know if emo would've added to the playlist, the music wasn't all that bad, don't you think? Not sure which of them was the Sleep Token song."

Declan enjoyed a decent amount of it himself, even if there were plenty of time lapses in between the songs that required more dancing than just partnering up to twirl around. Especially coming without a date himself, Dec wasn't really into the idea of searching for someone alone for the sake of having someone for a slow dance.

"I like Paramore, and they're an emo band, aren't they? I remember all those skinny jean colored hair kids listening to them. You know, the ones with the swoop bangs and all the belts." He pauses, realizing that Lydia just might have been one of those kids if she thought emo music would've been a great addition to the prom setlist.

Declan doesn't busy himself with a vinyl like she does, he definitely isn't into music enough to put money out into collecting them. He is simply nosy.

"I went, for sure. I wouldn't miss a party, especially with a full bar. This town throws so many of these things, but I don't get sick and tired of them. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in thirty years when I'm older and retired I might, but who knows if I'll still even be here."

@lydiainlace

location: record shop or something for: open! @aurorabaystarter

"I'm just saying," she chuckles, a little twang as the words roll off her tongue. "I was pretty sure lyricism was dead on the scene until this album dropped, now my hope is revived. The prom would've been way more fun had they played some classic emo, but I'm glad we got a Sleep Token song on the docket." She smiles, turning the vinyl album in her hand to look at the back.

"Did you have fun? Or did you have other plans that night?"

[declan-jackson]

Declan stands there with his arms behind his back, hands loosely clasped together, and leaning slightly down toward Aylin with his brows raised and smile as innocent as he can make it. It's genuine innocence, he isn't actively trying to throw unsolicited advice (lie) out there into this mess Kodi has made for himself, but it would be also be a lie if Dec ever tried to say he wasn't rooting for him.

"I think it's more of a surprise that you agreed," he eventually comments, rocking onto his heels and straightening his posture to stand back to full height. "And it would've been more if he hadn't asked you at all."

Though if he'd been asked for any encouragement, Declan wouldn't hesitate to offer that and more. Definitely a fault in his own character, but that's not what they're talking about.

"He's excited about it, though. You can see that, I can see that, I think anyone with even only one half-working eye can see that. Any reason you said 'yes', or is it that you just felt bad saying 'no'?"

@aylinxc-s

who: @declan-jackson where: aurora bay high school, prom

"I suppose this must be a surprise for you," Aylin skulked up beside her brother-in-law's side after Kodi had departed to get another round of drinks, leaving the two alone. "Unless you had some hand in him asking me to join him tonight?"

It wasn't that she didn't think Kodi was capable of being romantic, and he clearly dragging his feet on the divorce for a reason, but Declan held a lot of way of his younger brother. Whether he wanted to admit it or not.

[declan-jackson]

"Dual life like Hannah Montana or something?" he asks, curious about what Juniper means by that. "I figure that whole stage presence and confidence sticks around the whole time."

Declan won't make sense of it either way. He was never one to stand in a spotlight to that capacity, but he knows he can mostly attribute that to that fact he doesn't have any talent to put on display in such a way. He was never that, even if he wasn't shy, there isn't much to show.

"A few times, sure. And I'm not a bad dancer or anything, I mostly come to this things to have a few drinks and talk with people. You know when booze is flowing, some people have really fun stories to share. Can't talk much if you're feet are moving all over the place."

@juniper-soo

there was always a need to somewhat blend into the background in social situations for her line of work, though her outfit didn't exactly scream 'demure'. but being back here, considering the way she left it, only made her want to blend into the walls even moreso.

she offered declan a sweet, friendly smile. it was a nice change of pace to see a non-hostile face. "ah, I don't know. when I'm not in the whole 'pop star uniform', being in the spotlight seems a little more intimidating."

the music ebbed and flowed through the crowd, mixing with all the chattering voices and sporadic laughs. "what about you? have you been out on the floor yet?"

[declan-jackson]

"Cool cool cool," Declan chants out, excited at the prospect of pulling Shawn into this henna thing. At least he won't be alone, especially if it ends up smudging like Dec's. He leads the way to Crescent Moon's stand to seal Shawn into this plan, and he wastes no time in enthusiastically picking one out.

"Look."

The design is a simpler one, and it doesn't crawl up half of Shawn's arm like Declan's does. "How does this one look?" he asks, tilting the binder in his direction to look. "It's a fun design, actually." Dec regards the artist with a sheepish grin.

"I was here yesterday, and I convinced this guy to hop on the henna train with me." Dec nudges Shawn. "So what do you say about that one?"

@shawnhartman

"yeah, sure, why not?" shawn said with a smile, a bit of excitement laced in his voice, probably due to being a bit tipsy, but he was all for it. he had no idea how the out come would go, but he was definitely interested to see where it'd go and what he'd end up with. if it was temporary it was nothing right? though shawn always thought to get a tattoo on himself, just never fully found himself confident to do such yet and couldn't keep on idea in mind. "awesome, thank you. let's go then!"

[declan-jackson]

“Bet I can keep them guessing on what they think it is. Maybe make it a game.” Pointing out different shapes, getting opinions. All for it to gradually fade and wash away in the upcoming weeks. "It’ll be funny if I get them second guessing themselves.”

Harmless fun never hurt anyone, which is the exact thought process that put Declan in this position. 

“What’re you up to next? I was thinking of trying the flowery coffee menu or something. I’m avoiding the beer garden for now, though.”

@patoalonso

Pato always loved to see the best in situations. Which his optimism could get on people's nerves sometimes, but he really didn't care. It was better to look on the good side of things than always be negative. Personally, he had zero interest in getting a real tattoo, so henna was always kind of fun to him.

"Besides, it's kind of fun to think about you know. It can be like a question for people you're friends with. But yes, I think it looks cool. And I don't know if you should appreciate it, but like it's there so why not?"

[declan-jackson]

Dec: i thought this event was supposed to be flowers and more flowers Dec: send a picture, i need evidence Dec: it sounds like a nightmare and if your photo doesn't come out blurry like a photo of a cryptid i might be disappointed @colexwalters

Cole: Animatronic is a big word man. Cole: I don't know what the fuck it is. I thought this event thing was supposed to be sunshines and rainbows? that's not what that thing is @declan-jackson

[declan-jackson]

CLOSED STARTER for @juniper-soo

Declan catches Juniper in between groups of people dispersing. Past students who attended this school, students who graduated elsewhere, whoever. He was beelining to her.

“I’d ask you to dance, but it looks like you got your dance partner. Caught the both of you, but haven’t seen you out making moves on the floor, yet. What’s up with that?”

[declan-jackson]

“Woah, really?”

Declan makes a face, and he wonders then if the designs they pick out are anything close to what a sober version of those people would like. He knows he only made an inebriated decision for something temporary. “Guess some folks need some liquid courage if they’re gonna go get stabbed a bunch of times.” 

When Shawn obliges, Dec lights up. He drops his arm to his side to let the sleeve fall entirely over the design.

“Alright, let’s go! I’ll pick a good one for you, I won’t do you wrong.”

"I mean, probably? Though I've heard a lot of people saying they got tattoos drunk or high even." Shawn was someone that when under the influence, he'd act as sober as possible, so perhaps that's how some sneaked that? He wasn't sure. "Sure, I'm down. Wanna pick what I get?" He offered, always down and guilty of putting on temporary tattoos from time to time.

[declan-jackson]

Kodi's interception stops Dec in his tracks as if no matter how fast Declan can go, he’d ever get far enough away from Kodiak where he can't be reeled back in. It wouldn't ever be a difficult feat, finding himself beside his younger brother is one of the easiest things he can do.

That also means, standing behind him through everything is right up there with things in which Declan will never hesitate on.

"Don't you think it means something she agreed to go with you in the first place?"

He searches for Aylin, though it doesn't take all that long with the way Kodi's eyes are drawn to her, and watches her for a moment there.

A half-shrug and a gentle elbow prodding into Kodi's side, Dec adds, "Y'know? I mean, this is California. Got all the starlet wannabes living over here, and she picked you. I count it for something. That net positive thing you're talking about." And maybe it's a misjudgment considering all that's unfolded, but if there's anything to keep Declan hopeful for Kodi's sake, it's the way he talks about it to him.

"Said anything to me about what? This? Here? No, haven't gotten a chance to talk to her, but if you need me to scope out the vibes and see if it's this 'net positive' thing you're talking about, consider me on board."

@kodiakjackson

closed for: @declan-jackson

where: under the sea prom

"Not so fast, Deej."

Utilising his arm like a hook, he snares his brother in a half hold before he could wander by him, preventing him from walking closer to where his estranged wife was in conversation like sight of the other Jackson brother might remind her that she was there with the lesser one that evening.

He tries not to make it too obvious that he's looking in Aylin's direction -- it was plainly obvious -- something hopeful now existing where he had previously thought all hope was lost.

"I think it's going well. She doesn't seem like she regrets agreeing to go to this with me which is a net positive. What do you think? Has she said anything to you?"

[declan-jackson]

Forgot to post these 🥰

[declan-jackson]

☢ + dec

Send ☢ for a desperate text // @declan-jackson

KODI: I know I'm always on at you about how you need to bet on yourself first and foremost no matter what, but I don't think I can do that for myself right now. KODI: I think I've actually lost her for real. KODI: If there's a way back from this I can't seem to find it and I'm freaking the fuck out.

Send me a symbol to receive one of the following from my muse.

[declan-jackson]

≻ is your character predictable ? unpredictable ?

"Definitely got a lean more toward predictable, because I am a creature of habit. I don't get bored of it either. I follow a routine, a schedule, not a rigid one. I'm not down to the minute, but I work monday through friday, six to two.

Job sites change, my lunch sometimes stays the same. You'll know when I'll be rolling into the convenience store or coming home. I even have the cashiers asking me where I was if I missed a day."