sunshine & smiles

Logan looked at Jackson as if he was drowning and desperately needed someone to rescue him. He needed a lifeline. A miracle. Failing that, he needed a stronger bottle of whiskey. Logan had convinced himself that he could fix this. That it had been one big mistake, and before they knew it, everyone would be back together. One big, happy, family. The delusion of that was not lost on them now. When Jackson spoke, Logan nodded, pressing a hand over his mouth as if that'd keep the truth in there. With a shaky breath, they looked up and then back at Jackson. "It's over, Jackson. I-... I think it really might be over."

He had his questions. So many damn questions like where was she. What the hell happened. And why was he still throwing a party in the middle of his breakdown. Especially one that quite literally revolved around something he was now missing. Though Logan's clear desire to keep it together, made Jackson stuff that down. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Logan, holding him tight. "I'm sorry Logan, that fucking sucks." He clicked his tongue against his teeth, shaking his head for a moment. "Wanna tell me what happened now or just drink for tonight?"

Recent postings had made it quite apparent that it was important for Lucas to be seen in a context that didn't involve his best friend ferociously licking salt off a high class slut's clavicle, and thus, he found himself in Central Park. A place, granted, he wouldn't normally venture, but fashion was important to the Baizens, and there happened to be a very public showcase of some truly average high couture. "Inspired," he commented with conviction despite feeling nothing but from the wannabe on stage. His attention turned to the person occupying his left with a curious expression, knowing there was much to learn from another's opinion on simple matters such as these; "what do you think?"

He was bored. That was the main reason why Jackson found himself sitting here watching beautiful people in... clothes he wasn't sure he understood. This event was clearly made for people who understood these things better than him. He turned towards Lucas, snorting under his breath at his comment. Maybe he wasn't so wrong in thinking that some of the fashion he watched strut the stage was far too unique for his understanding. "I applaud the effort of these designers. It takes a lot of confidence to put your work out there." That was as nice as he could sound. "I don't think I'm the person for these things. Fashion really isn't my thing. Don't know if my judgement weighs anything compared to the Baizens."

Caitlyn Coates was not above making a dramatic entrance and today was no different. Sure, she'd been around now and again but not nearly enough. If you checked her Insta, she'd been on the beach or at a conference, kissing some cute whoever or throwing back shots. The truth of her insatiable urge to get the hell out of her home was no one's business, not even Gossip Girl's. At least, for now. As she entered the room, head held higher than ever, she paused to take it all in. @tfrstarters

Jackson's eyes narrowed as he saw a familiar figure enter the room. In a few short steps he was crossing the room to intercept her. It had been far too long since he had seen her around and here Cait was walking in like she hadn't been missing. "Well isn't it my favorite little cousin." His arm swung around her neck, pulling her in. "Where the hell did you show up from?"

[ chuckles ] Of course, not - your lips are sealed. I'm sure if he is, it's nothing important. If he was in trouble, he'd come to you. Nick is another story, of course. He's almost always in trouble, so I know it's nuclear if he comes calling for help. Oh, so true. He has learned to toe the line between charming and antagonistic well enough. [ nods her head before smiling back ] That she is. We should try and schedule something in, Adrian and I, you and Nyla. It'll be fun.

[ sighs ] I'm concerned that the day he comes to me, it'll be much too late. Well, at least you can say you don't live a boring life with him. Maybe if you stress to him how much his antagonism is affecting you, well maybe he'll see the error of his ways. He just needs to meet his match argument wise and maybe he'll see your points. [ grins ] Right. She would love that. I think we can get that in the books. We are due for a catch up.

This was all getting a bit too official, so before he could pull out a contract with extensive terms and conditions, Ruby smirked and pulled him towards her.

Valentine's day was becoming much better than he expected. Perfect. Jackson wrapped his arm around her neck, pressing his lips against hers. "See, don't have to wait until midnight."

Ruby opened her mouth to argue her point further, but seeing the beautiful, handsome, Jackson Cohen in front of her, all of her complaints were forgotten. "Is there an offer hidden somewhere in there?"

"Hidden?" Well, he wasn't presenting himself on a platter but he didn't need to. Jackson hadn't considered she wanted to follow through. "It doesn't have have to be hidden. I'm more than happy to make it a real offer."

"If that's your way of volunteering to play doctor, I'm all in," she teased. He kissed her again, and she couldn't help grinning. "Oh, I'd never deny you the chaser." Sapphire scrunched her nose, pulling back with great effort to order their shots. "What do you want to drink to?"

"Aht aht. I will not be fighting against all your admirers like that." He couldn't doubt that her many admirers would volunteer to play doctor. "A saint, you are." He wouldn't turn down a chaser. "It's a little too on the nose to say to love isn't it? How about to a fun night."

Logan was sure he could get through this night unscathed. Every time he thought about Isobel, he had another drink. Every time he thought about Isobel, he threw himself into another conversation. Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Birthday! There was so much to be happy about, right? Nevermind that they felt like dying. Maybe they were. Logan hadn't seen Jackson coming, but they couldn't help laughing when he dragged him away from the crowd. It slowly faltered, of course. Jackson could see right through anybody, Logan was no exception. "I'm not...," they started, but quickly abandoned the lie. But what if they couldn't say it? If they said it, it was real.

He didn't want to ruin the night, didn't want to bring down Logan's high if there was nothing to discuss. For a moment, he considered that he was wrong. That Logan was just working in the spirit of Valentine's or their birthday - he wasn't completely sure how that worked but he was prepared. It didn't take long for Logan to give in. Much faster than he thought they would. Well, Jackson was smart but not smart enough to figure it out without other details. "I... I need you to explain." It dawned on him that he hadn't yet seen Is, and hadn't seen them together. "She isn't here."

she wasn't sure why he was so confident about why she shouldn't be worried. she was tempting fate, and that in itself was enough to make her a little nervous. jessica did her best in putting on a brave face and giving him a smile "you are far more confident about my luck than i am"

other than a few... choice people, he felt like most of the people who would consider participating were relatively decent. maybe he was being too optimistic. "i think you should be. anyone would be lucky to end up with you. they would be stupid to jeopardize that."

"I will be very upset, come on." Juliette rolled her eyes, laughing at him. "It's fine, just put the clip in. I trust you."

She at least couldn't claim that he hadn't warned her. "Fine fine." He put the clip in, hovering his hand after to make sure it didn't fall out. "Why did you change your hair anyway? I mean it looks great either way but, seems like extra work Jules."

Sapphire couldn't help grinning. If there was ever a man who understood what 'no strings' meant, it was Jackson Cohan. How could she resist? As he leaned in, she decided to close the gap between them by kissing him instead. "Sorry, I heard 'kissing' and 'tequila' in that order. Two tequilas coming right up."

Sneaky. He shouldn't have underestimated her. It was Sapphire. He knew better. "Maybe we should get your ears checked. All you had to say was you wanted a kiss," He teased. Jackson couldn't complain though. He kissed her again. "As long as I get my tequila too."

according to logan, this would be a night to remember, and she was sure it would be with all the planning that logan had done. that being said, she could feel the nerves in her stomach at the idea of being paired up with anyone. however, she was always told that fortune favoured the brave and with that jessica dropped her card into cupids mailbox and let out a breath.

Jackson couldn't understand why so many people were nervous abut the matches. then again, he knew relationships were complex around the UES. "I don't think you have anything to worry about Jess," he grinned, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "If you're that worried, you know Logan or I will make sure nothing happens."

"Finally. Please, can you help me get this clip back in? I had to redo my hair."

"I'm afraid I might ruin your hair Jules," He hesitated, hands hovering. "Don't be upset if I fuck up, okay?"

"In my experience, only two things equal a 'Happy Valentine's Day' and that's kissing or tequila. Which one do you want?"

"Come on Sapphire. You should know what my answer is. If kissing you is on the table, that is." He leaned in slightly, grinning. "But I'll take the tequila."

"Okay, let me get this straight... we put a thing we love on this card and the magical Powers That Be pair us up with one person? One?" Ruby was waving her blank card around at the injustice of it all. "A room bursting at the seams with the most beautiful people in New York, and I only get to maybe make-out with one?"

"It seems like you're making it more confusing than it needs to be." Though her point was right, it was a dilemma. He could think of a couple people he wouldn't mind ending the night with. "You can make-out with people without the magical card. Hell, you can start now."