(no subject)

[willcabot]

Signing the papers, Will smiled as he took possession of the keys to his new place. It was gorgeous, bigger than his previous home and with more room to grow into. And it had land and beach access, both of which was important to Will. But more importantly it wasn't a bachelor pad, it was a family home and that was something his campaign wanted him to promote as something he was looking towards. It didn't matter that his marriage to Corry had fallen apart, this was about looking towards the future.

Taking out his phone, he texted a couple of pictures to Ed and to Trina, before sending it out to Essie and Corry and a couple of others. Smiling, he pulled up the drive before climbing out of his car. Untucking his shirt, he pulled it off over his head before heading down towards the beach where he could go swim if he wanted to. He'd invite everyone over tonight maybe, have a beach barbecue and get settled in.

That sounded perfect. A new start, a new beginning. Just what he wanted.



OOC: BARBECUE AT WILL'S NEW PLACE. EVERYONE IS INVITED. HIS NEW PLACE IS GORGEOUS. COME PLAY.

Comments

[starsfallen]

Corry is in her office at the Waterhouse reviewing some final contracts, where it seems she practically lives these days, when she recieves Will's text. It brings a smile to her lips, that he's truly moving on, that they can be friends again, that they are both looking to futures instead of pasts. Because she has all the faith in the world that his will be bright and golden.

[TXT: It's gorgeous! Quite the fitting home for Siren Cove's next mayor ;)]
[TXT: When's the housewarming?]

[willcabot]

Chopping down some steaks for the grill, Will smiled as he began prepping for the evening. Unpacking a picture from their wedding, Will smiled softly before placing it on one of the shelves. It sat between pictures of his brothers and his family. It fit in well. It didn't hurt either.

[TXT: Well, that's the opinion of my dad's advisor's. It's more of a family home.]
[TXT: Tonight. You're coming?]

[starsfallen]

[TXT: Of course, Appearances. You know I'd be perfectly happy in a cozy beach shack. But appearances. Its the luxurious curse we bear for the public eye ;)]

Will looks back at her from the ID picture on her phone, goofy grin, sun shining lines against his fresh-from-the-sea body after a morning run on the beach. Hearing from him hits her heart with a fondness, one of both warmth and pain and the reminder of how much she still misses him. There are few personal attachments Corry has every truly allowed herself, and while her and Will's may have unravelled (or rather, been unceremoniously rashly and in honest retrospect rather cruelly cut by her), every sign of him now fills her heart with hope for renewed friendship. It had been such a wonderful one, before she screwed it up. The final casualty of Corrine Flynn the junkie, the fallen - or the recoverying one by the time it all ended.

So she responds with a smile and a throb of her heart as he asks if she's coming.

[TXT: An invite to Will Cabot's new digs? How could I say no? What can I bring?]

[willcabot]

[TXT: Yourself... And Les, if you want. We'll start over. New house, new home, new us? That sound good Cor?]

He smiled at his phone, a little sad but happy. She was always going to be his girl, the one that got away but it felt good now.

[aoife_coombs]

Of course Aoife knows about a Cabot moving, she doesn't need texts or Instagrams or whatever nonsense for that. It's the connection of people moving in the same circles.

She hadn't expected a barbecue, nor dressed for one. Nothing wrong with her off white pants and sea foam green blouse, but the atmosphere seemed to point out to her that she was overdressed.

Easy enough. She would leave her gift on the hall table and turn away.

[willcabot]

Wrapping his arms around Aoife before she could get away, Will lifted her up off her feet before spinning her round and pointing her back in the direction she was trying to leave from.

"And where do you think you're going Ms Coombs?" Will asked with an easy going smile.

[aoife_coombs]

"W-!"

If Thor would have been present, he would be hanging in any of the man's limbs right now, but Aoife had been sane enough to keep her dog at home. Still, he caught her in such a surprise that winds whistled through open doors and windows for a moment, like checking in with what was theirs before recognizing that there was no threat.

"William Cabot!" She turned and prodded his chest. "How dare you."

[willcabot]

"How dare I pick you up prickly pear or how dare I usher you back into my party?" Will asked, an easy smile lingering on his lips as he bent down and pressed a kiss to the offending finger poking his- rock hard- chest. "Come on, I saw you sneaking away."

[aoife_coombs]

"Both. It looks lovely, your new home. I just wanted to -" Will was always too wild and friendly for Aoife to know how to react to it.

"I guess I expected it to be more a Cabot event than a Will party, handler of the prickly pear. I don't want to ruin the fun you and all of your friends no doubt will have."

She gestures at the gift left. "I didn't know what to get you."

[willcabot]

"What kind of party is a Will party?" Will asked, picking Aoife up so her feet were on top of his before he waddled forward into the party proper and carrying her the whole time. Like a rather cheerful blonde penguin. "I don't need anything, just friends coming to eat and have a casual drink."

[aoife_coombs]

"Half to completely naked people, getting drunk and fr- William!" He was acting like she was still a child and it was embarrassing, even though it made her laugh and feel happier than she has been in a long time. "I'm in a pant suit!"

[willcabot]

"Excuse you, I am running for mayor you know. I have to have a little decorum." Will said, carrying her back into the party where all of his guests were either wearing clothes albeit a little more casual than Aoife or where in his pool and casually talking or hanging out. No one drunk or out of control or naked at all. "There, see no wild debauched party. But the jacket has to go. You can keep the pants."

Will pressed a cheek against her cheek teasing. "For now."

[aoife_coombs]

"And that's why -" Being so close to a man made her body go all tingly, even though the man was almost close enough to the family to be viewed as a member of it. I miss you, Isaiah, I miss you.

"Are we sure we walked into the right house?", she teased. "Or is everyone high on drugs? I never know where those wild siren parties may end."
Rolling her eyes, she shook off her jacket and offered it to him. "Where does this go?"

[willcabot]

"Into the barbecue pit..." Will began taking her jacket from her fingers and lifting it above his head before she could protest. Grinning at her, he held it a loft and waited to see if she would try and get it back. Like when they were all kids. Keep away never got old when you were eternally a child at heart.

[aoife_coombs]

"You're threatening a weather witch next to a fire. I never thought I would discover how a fried siren looks like." She crosses her arms. 
"I know you have a lot of cheek,  future mayor, but I also know you would never consciously destroy someone else's property. It isn't how you are. Please take my jacket out of the smoke before I have to let it be taken to the cleaners, William. "

[willcabot]

"Looks and tastes delicious," Will replied, holding the jacket aloft but away from the smoke. He was only teasing after all, he wasn't about to burn her jacket even if he personally thought it left lots to be desired. Aoife was a beautiful gir- woman, she deserved better. "I'd ask what the magic word is but I think that's tempting you too much."

Will leaned over Aoife to drape her jacket carefully onto to a chair. Standing straighter, he brushed a kiss against her cheek. "Only teasing, okay little weather witch no need to barbecue me."

[aoife_coombs]

"The Cabot boys are all so incredibly cheeky and I thought Ed was the worst of them, but you're coming for his crown." She smiled into his kiss. "Thank you for having me, Will Cabot. What kind of presents have you already received?"

She pulled the chair back a little far away before sitting down. "I don't think I would have even managed to, if I would want to. So many sirens here, and I forgot to wear my wardens."

[willcabot]

"Where do you think he learned it from? I am the- the eldest now." Will began voice trailing a little at the reminder that his brother wasn't there to share it with them. His younger brother and youngest were around somewhere but Alex was happy in Atlantis and Henry... he missed his older brother every day. "A couple of bread knives, couple of pieces of gaudy artwork, a naked statue or two, a lot of alcohol."

Smiling, he rubbed Aoife's arm before giving her an entirely charming and disarming smile.

"Don't worry I'll protect you from our charms."

[aoife_coombs]

"My apologies, William." Uncareful thinking on Aoife's, her mother would have been disappointed. More disappointed than in her usual state, anyway.

"Bread knives and naked statues? Do people think that you're moving to campus soon? What horrible gifts, and I say this absolutely objective. Although I can understand a little how challenging it is to find a gift for the man that has almost anything."

She looks up at him from under her bangs. "You better. I don't want to be the start something between witch and water."

[wakingwakewood]

Essie didn't really DO politics, but she would have to be deaf, blind and dumb not to notice what had been happening in town since the whole fairy tale kerfuffle. Even in her own haze of pain, anger and bad ideas she always ended up smiling when she saw signs or articles in the paper about Will. He was a nice guy from what she knew, but after recent events if there was one thing she wasn't trusting it was her internal radar.

At the same time, he was reaching out and to be polite, she decided to reply and come on out for the baarbecue. She brought Old Dan, because he went everywhere with her these days, and a bottle of wine because she had some on hand. Taking off her sandals, she let Dan off his leash so he could go chase the surf for awhile as she headed over to say hello to Will.

[willcabot]

Patting Dan as he ran down towards the surf, Will turned to catch Essie with a smile. Walking over he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up off the floor before putting her down carefully.

"Hey you, you look good." Will began and smiled happily, openly down at Essie. "I know I said people could bring a plus one, can't say I was expecting that."

[wakingwakewood]

She might have squeaked when he picked her up, but by the time he set her down, she was giggling, if a little ruefully. "He's the only plus one I take anywhere these days. He's got better manners." If it hadn't already, the not-so-little dating disaster and fisticuffs was probably spreading via rumor and social media. She'd had more than one person come to her shop to see if she was okay and none of them had actually been there.

The perils of a small community, she guessed, and then marveled again that she'd actually become part of one.

"So thanks for the invite, wasn't sure what to bring, but I figured no one turns down good wine."

[trinamoon]

Trina dons a fabulous black bikini and gold aviators for Will's barbecue. She hadn't been kidding that she thought this new beginning was a very good thing for him and his campaign. He needed to look less like a bachelor who couldn't keep his shirt on, and more like a respectable member of the community.

But there is still something about Will that makes her all giddy when it comes down to it. Despite their text conversation she doesn't really expect that Will truly wants to try things out with her, but she does think that he needs to find a girlfriend. All political figures need a partner. It makes people trust them.

She waltzes up to the house and lets herself inside pulling her cover-up over her. "Mayor Cabot, the party has arrived," she calls out into the house, heading for the patio to find him.

[willcabot]

Tossing a few steaks on the barbecue, Will's face lit up at the sight of Trina. Reaching out as she came near, his large hands slid round her back before he leaned in to kiss her cheek softly.

"You look good," Will murmured into her ear, tugging her close while he finished up cooking the meat. "How do you want it?"

[trinamoon]

She smiles against the kiss on her cheek and then looks over the very lavish spread of food on Will's patio table. He looked prepared to feed an army. She reaches for a carrot off the veggie tray and takes a bite.

"Well-done, sire. Since I know you'll insist on me eating all of it. I've gained five pounds since starting this campaign by the way," she says with a slight grin. "You don't look bad yourself. I dare say you look pretty happy out here."

Which as Will's friend, she's glad. He'd had a pretty rough go for awhile after Corrine.

[willcabot]

"Of course, it's good for you and it looks good on you." Will said honestly. Arm draped around Trina's waist, they made an attractive couple as Will grilled the steak as he glanced up and watched Trina take a carrot. "I am, this feels good. Like a new start. And my new house is pretty nice, I'll give you a tour when you want."

Will's hand traced up Trina's side absentmindedly, his thumb pressing against her intimately as he turned her steak over.

[trinamoon]

Trina glances around his outdoor patio, nodding along, and then she looks up at him with a smile. "I'm really glad for you Will. You deserve something good," she tells him, reaching up to put a hand on his shoulder. "And if you are offering house tours, I definitely want a look around this place. I never thought you'd live somewhere so respectable."

[willcabot]

"Well, I think this is good. It'll only get better, just have to put my mark on it or you know find someone to help me." Will said, serving Trina her steak and loading her plate with salad even if he skimped on the carbs. Smiling at the feel of her hand on his shoulder, he reached up to take it before brushing his lips over her knuckles. "Eat your steak first then I'll show you around. My old place was respectable... mostly. But this is the place for a family I think."

[trinamoon]

Trina smiles at the kiss he places against her hands, watching him closely. She takes her plate sashaying over to the table so she can eat. It looks delicious, and she wonders where Will learned to make all of this food. Growing up a Cabot his family had all kinds of servants and chefs. She picks up her fork and folds a napkin in her lap, smiling at him. "It's nice to hear you talking like that again. About a family," she says with a grin. "Judging all the recent gossip in the Cove, I can't believe you're now the Cabot staying out of trouble."

[willcabot]

"Yeah, well it's what I wanted. Even if Corry didn't, I did." Will said, taking a seat beside Trina and running a hand down her back. Smiling, he took a beer and waved to one of his friend's. "Yeah, well I'm a reformed character plus I'm pretty sure you're helping."

[trinamoon]

Trina bumps his shoulder with hers and smiles shaking her head. She hates to think about what Corrine put him through, and even now those Flynns were hurting people in her life. She frowns thinking about Kim for a few seconds, but then looks at Will with a smile.

"Oh am I? How exactly am I helping?" she asks taking her knife to cut a piece of steak.

[willcabot]

"Because I think you're doing a very good job promoting me as my campaign manager. And you've always made me want to be a better man, well mostly." Will murmured. The warmth of his smile radiating as he thought about all the times at school he wasn't exactly thinking pure and good thoughts about Trina. Still, even then she'd made him be well less rough around the edges. Less careless.

[trinamoon]

"Mostly." Trina gives him a playful eyeroll as she takes another bite of food. She likes that Will thinks the best of her. She thinks the same about him. It's why she wants him to be happy. "You cook a mean steak, Cabot. Are you sure you want to be mayor? You could just become a chef. Really sell that Cabot name," she says.

[willcabot]

"That little skirt of yours always did distract me at school, so yes mostly a better man." Will said, smiling at her with a warm, honest smile. The heat of his gaze lingering on her lips as he looked her over. "I'm sure, my public service isn't in feeding the masses expensive steak. But if you want me to cook for you then you're more than welcome at any time."

[trinamoon]

Trina catches him looking her over. It's easy to see as he hardly ever disguises his looks, or his attention. But sometimes it's hard to judge exactly how much is just their teasing relationship. They have kind of always been this way. "The little skirt always was your downfall," she says laughing. She shrugs her shoulders looking around all the food he's made. "Yeah. Maybe I'll come over sometime. Let you cook me unhealthy things..."