marniedixon

[marniedixon]

Anne Sexton, from A Self-Portrait in Letters

[marniedixon]

She was in the process of fixing her tape, her eyes hyper-focused to be sure nothing was out of place by a hair. "It helps to sharpen your instincts when your fight or flight is triggered." Marnie stated as if it were so obvious, though her tone was a tease off his muttering. In reality, he genuinely had nothing to be hesitant about but she was going to make him think he did. "It's also easier for me to gauge your progress when I'm on the receiving end of your punches." It was added, a casual shrug to her shoulders before she rolled her shoulders back. His comment made her laugh. "I'm honored, really." She smiled, displaying her gloves out of respect for a pound before they started. "I want you to throw the first punch." It was stated as she lined herself up, her stance beyond perfect as if that were possible.

"I don't know how I let you talk me into this," he muttered under his breath as he stared at the gloves and the wraps that he'd been handed when he walked into the ring. It was one thing that he went running with Owen, sometimes even following the other's lead when they hit the gym together but Marnie was like a hurricane compared to Owen. "It's like I'm asking you to kick my ass and thank you for it afterwards." @marniedixon

[marniedixon]

Location: Hell & High Water Status: CLOSED ( @fadedstarsfms ; Nakia )

Marnie needed to get her mind off of life for a little bit. That was the main reason she was sitting at the bar, sipping at a Boulevardier. The liquor enough to numb her nerve endings, even if it were for only an hour os so. She ran a hand through her hair, shaking her locks out as if the stress would follow suit from her body. What she sensed before looking was that someone took up the space beside her. Her brown eyes looked over only for the familiarity to calm her nerves. Her actions became instinctual at that point; her long legs crossing one another at the knee as her elbow was utilized as an accessory of sorts to her hand cradling her head. "Hey there, stranger. Can I buy you a drink?" Her face filling with a certain fondness as her lighthearted jest.

[marniedixon]

Location: The Library Status: CLOSED ( @fadedstarsfms ; Charlie )

"I knew I'd find you here!" Though it was whispered for the sake of the environment, there was still excitement in her voice as she found her friend behind the counter. It was almost as if she didn't think she would actually spot her at her place of work. Her eyes went to the takeout box cradled in her hands. Gently, she placed it on the counter. "I stopped by that new food truck that everyone is raving about and thought you'd like to try it as well?" The smile gracing her features overtly friendly yet sheepish; she didn't want to come off as an overbearing friend, but to show she cared. "I hope a chicken quesadilla will suffice?"

[marniedixon]

Marnie's smile warmed with the light of the screen as she read his response. She was going to respond before he took the phone back to type some more. At first, her brows were furrowed in curiosity. After reading the added commentary, her features evened-out. This time, she simply typed 'You completely read my mind. You pick the place!' The woman gave a thumbs-up before separating in order to sort herself out and look more like a human being rather than a wet rat.

Once outside, Marnie was quick to zone-in on Owen. She waved, making her way over as she typed on her phone. 'Did you decide on the place? Did you want to walk or take my car?' Her smile radiant with the newfound energy of their previous workout. Though, the sweat was replaced with her lavender and sandalwood shampoo.

There was no stopping the grin that worked its way onto his face as he watched Marnie sign a few words back to him. It never mattered to Owen how much asl they knew, the fact she had picked up any at all still meant the world to Owen. He let out a laugh as his eyes read over her reply back to him and he gave a nod of his head before his fingers were moving along the keyboard once more. Is that even a question, I always want to go and grab lunch. Owen replied back with a grin, giving her a chance to read before he added more. Meet you outside in ten minutes? Give us both a chance to get somewhat presentable and not look like we literally just crawled out from the gym?

[marniedixon]

You kinda throw like a girl. But when a girl is as beautiful as you, she doesn’t have to be good.

[marniedixon]

"Touché." She couldn't keep the smile from her face, even though she found herself not 100% sold on his response. For a moment, it reflected in her eyes, creating a shadow where there was once a light hue of amber - a wave of concern she couldn't quite swallow down. Instead, she spilled over it with a more uplifting encouragement. "Progress is progress; a step in the right direction." Though, she wasn't sure if it was more for him or a self-soothe for herself; she wound up settling on both. Even when her mind still couldn't switch off the growing worry.

Marnie attempted to ignore his amusement, but the twitching of the corners of her lips gave it away. They both had changed, but in this encounter it felt like nothing more than nostalgia and deja vü. An air of familiarity setting her anger and confusion to the back of her mind. "Exactly." It was clear and short with a head nod, affirming her decision even with the mention of being dry if she chose her car. In truth, she'd follow him to the end of the Earth if need be. "Does that really shock you though?" Her brow arched out of her own amusement. Wondering what exactly he expected from her. The brunette gasped, "Crazy? Me? Damn, it hasn't even been 10 minutes." Her laugh was genuine, soft and melodic as she commented on the fact that they hadn't even reconnected yet. "So, where were you heading?" Her question an attempt to ease her mind, but also to see if she genuinely wasn't imposing. It was instinctual how she followed his lead before realizing he was following hers. "If it's nowhere important, do you mind a scenic route?" Her eyes taking his in before looking ahead of them once more. "It'd be nice to catch up, it all."

Was he happy? The honest answer would be no. But he was kind of tired being the downer all the time. Truthfully he hadn’t felt real happiness in a long time, and he was all too aware of the fact that it was of his own doing. If he’d made some better choices, then maybe he wouldn’t have kept getting into so much trouble. But whatever, right? He’d made his mistakes and there wasn’t much he could do to change it now. He gave the smallest of smiles and shrugged, matching her vague answer. “I’m working on it.”

He narrowed his eyes at her, slightly confused and taken aback. It’s not what he was expecting. Truthfully, he thought she’d want nothing to do with him anymore. Apparently that wasn’t the case. He knew he should say no, that letting her back in would likely result in him letting her down, because that just seemed to be a given with Landon. Yet some small part of him yearned for the feeling of home that she seemed to bring. “You want to walk with me instead of driving off, nice and dry, in your car?” There was a hint of amusement present, smile slightly growing even if he tried to hide it. With a shrug, he gave in. Let his heart win over his head this time. “Alright, if that’s what you wanna do, then it’s fine by me. But I think you’re crazy.” He stepped to the side of her, cocking his head in the other direction. “Let’s go.” He stopped, waiting for her to make the first move. He wasn’t exactly sure what way she was headed.

[marniedixon]

She pondered over his words, not sure if the world was laughing in her face or if he was strategically placed there in the very moment to give her a nudge in a certain direction. No one knew where her mind was at, but in this current state she was set on this whole experience of being stuck in Denver as a lesson of sorts. It was to the point where the woman who usually found happiness in places where others could not, was now struggling to do the very thing everyone counted on her to. Running into Landon was a plethora of emotions, but one thing she was clinging onto was that he was a sign. It wasn't a totality of an answer, but it was enough to ease her mind for winding up in Denver for the time being. "That's a good way to look at it." Her smile grateful of his insightful statement; indicating she needed to hear it when she did. At this point, Marnie was well aware that he had questions. Especially when he mentioned happiness. She looked down at her sneakers for a moment to figure out how to appropriately respond without lying. "I'm working on that." The brunette ultimately choosing to be honest. "Are you happy, Land?"

Between the hesitation and his step back, she felt her heart crumble just a little bit. She couldn't stand the sensation of former memories flooding her brain - back when he walked away from them the first time. This time, it cut a little deeper; Did he not want her around? Why? What did she do? "Lucky for you, I don't have anywhere to be. I also did a short workout, so I could get a walk in." Her tone chipper, zipping her jacket up a little more just so her fingers had something to fiddle with. In truth, she wanted to be there for him. Then again, was she imposing by declaring she'd walk with him? "That's, uh, if you didn't mind of course?" The glint in Marnie's eyes glittering with the rain.

If you’d asked Landon at the height of their relationship if he could ever imagine them ending up like this, he’d have said no fucking way. Before everything had crumbled and he’d inevitably changed as a person, he’d looked at her like she held his entire world in her hands, because at the time she did. No matter how shit life got, Marnie still provided him with hope. Then he went and shattered that completely. A few bad decisions leading his life in a whole new direction. One of corruption, deceit and isolation. He nodded slowly, stuffing his hands into his jacket pocket. “Sometimes a change of pace is a good thing.” There was so much he wanted to ask her — what happened to boxing ? Was she happy ? Did she ever think about him ? — but in the moment, words failed him. They did that a lot these days. “As long as you’re happy,” he added causally, not daring to say that’s all that mattered to him, because why would she even want to hear that ?

At her offer of a ride, he hesitated, shaking his head as he took a small step back. The glimpse of her smile, so familiar yet distant now, was enough to remind him of all the things he had truly fucked up. Landon didn’t want to take up anymore of her time, in his mind he’d already wasted so much of it. “No. No, that’s okay. You’ve probably got places to be and I really don’t mind walking. It’s good for your mind, apparently— and I suppose that’s something I’m trying to work on.” He let out a quiet chuckle. He was trying, that was something, even if he didn’t fully have belief in himself just yet. Maybe one day he’d be worthy of her time again.

[marniedixon]

Marnie looked over, the light of the screen illuminating her eyes. She laughed to herself before doing the sign for 'funny' and then 'good' - her ASL skills baseline due to picking them up from her friend. The smile on her face was dazzling. One thing about the woman was how much she loved to workout, always left with a warm glow in the aftermath. She reached her hands to the ceiling, stretching her back until she felt truly aligned before rolling her shoulders forwards and backwards. The brunette was in the middle of dabbing the sweat off her forehead with a towel as she realized the screen again. Her eye roll was jovial, her fingers typing out yes and no - you just need protein and natural sugar. want to grab lunch?

@marniedixon Swolemates

I'm pretty sure every inch of my body will be feeling that workout in the morning. Owen laughed as he turned his phone to face Marnie, towel slung over his shoulder. If there was one thing he loved, it was a good workout, and even better was hitting the gym with friends. Something that Marnie had quickly became to him the instant they had first met. He wiped at his forehead for a moment as he stood off to the side from the machine, more than ready to call it a day at the gym. Is it bad that now all I can think about is a burger or ice cream? He added a few seconds later with a beaming grin on his face.

[marniedixon]

There was a moment between when he pulled away and when he turned around, that she was fully convinced that she knew it was him before their eyes made contact. Did it alleviate the blow? No. Though her mind was floundering in the moment, Marnie was fully aware that no sort of planning or circumstance in the world would've ever had her prepared to be in the male's presence yet again. The emotions were not only strong, but polarizing. On one hand, she was fighting the urge to wrap her arms around him, on the other she wanted to interrogate him on their sudden ending. In truth, there was a bit of anger pushed deep down beneath her surface over it. With the weight of all of her feelings, she ultimately became numb in her fingertips.

Marnie's brows furrowed at his returned greeting due to his tone, but she didn't directly speak on it. It was fucked up, but it made her feel a bit better that he was also slightly thrown by this encounter. "I'm glad you're doing well." Her small smile meant to get rid of some of the tension she felt. The woman tried her hardest to not throw every single question his way; how he could be doing so good without her, why couldn't he have been this good with her, what was so different. She was forced out of her head as he mentioned her being in Denver. "Well..." Marnie wanted to tell him everything. When she blocked the rest of herself from others, she wanted to tell him everything. How the accident happened. How she wanted him to be there, but he didn't show. How she's been feeling like a complete failure now that she's watching life pass her by on the sidelines. How she's been debating on going back in the ring, no matter if it was life or death. The other thing was that she couldn't lie to him. Through everything, she couldn't bring herself to lie to the only person she's ever truly loved. Instead, what came out was an oddly self-suppressed version of the truth, "Alright, I guess. I was recommended a change of pace, and Denver is known as one of the most active cities with a laidback atmosphere." She shrugged before continuing, "It only made sense for me to wind up here. Doing the whole personal trainer gig, ya know?" Her tiny smile grew slightly at the edges, a classic Marnie charm, before she quickly changed the topic, "Did you need a ride?"

Landon didn’t mind the rain. In fact, it was oddly welcomed. He walked through the streets with his hood up and headphones on, the low hum of music blocking out the busy noise of the city. Denver was so different from Chicago— he was unknown there, which made it easier to blend into the background. Just the way he wanted it. In Chicago he was very much known as his fathers son, as someone linked to bad things. Denver held the possibility to start anew, to potentially find something good in himself. Because he had been once, before anger and conflict took control. Maybe there was a chance that he could be that again.

He was taken my surprise at the touch upon his shoulder, and instinctively pulled away from it, very much defensive as he turned around, features hardened. He didn’t expect to see the face that he did. Marnie. Anyone close to him would know that she was someone he would always care about. Perhaps that’s why it felt like the whole world was coming to a halt when he looked into her eyes. Marnie was so much more than just a girl he once dated. She’d been the only girl he’d ever loved this far in his life, and when he looked back she’d been one of the only good parts of his life. Landon had so many regrets when it came to the girl standing in front of him now, yet he kept them in. “Hi…” he uttered, ignoring the lump that threatened to swell in his throat. Her question felt heavy. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth. That things had been turbulent for the last few years. “Yeah, good. I’ve been good. You ? I didn’t realize you were in Denver.” If he had, he wasn’t sure he’d come. It was difficult to see her, even if he told himself it wasn’t. There was a lot of guilt there. He wished he’d handled their breakup better.

[marniedixon]

The woman thought she had heard a familiar voice, her frame rounding the corner to find Kitti on the elliptical. At this point, Marnie was convinced the other always had their ear pressed to their phone. "You might as well just glue it there." The brunette teased in a playful manner, her smile radiant even in the presence of the other's annoyance. As the other relinquished the exercise equipment, a soft yet passive "thanks" fell past her lips. "What was all that about?" Marnie attempted to open up conversation as to alleviate the stress from the other.

location: swolemates

status: open / @chqstarter

"and the next time you call me with an offer that low-" kitti hissed into her phone slowing down on the elliptical. she paused resting her elbow on the handlebars. "i want you to look at yourself in the mirror and laugh at your own face so i don't have to do it for you. because not only is that ridiculous it's insulting to even insinuate that he would work for something that low." she thwapped the end call button with apocalyptic finality and sighed. "oh my bad." she said looking back at the person who'd apparently been waiting for her to step down. "i'm finished it's all yours." she whipped a white towel around her neck hopping down.

[marniedixon]

Location: Outside Swolemates Status: CLOSED for @musesoface (Landon)

Marnie was heading out of the gym. Her hair slicked up into a ponytail due to the fresh shower after her workout. She kept it light for the day; her reasoning landing on the grey clouds that put a quite literal damper on the woman's morning. Her muscles ached ever so slightly, a tiredness in her that matched the stormy sky. The woman took a deep breath, prepping herself for the rain as she finally took a couple steps out from under the shelter of the awning. What was the point of even taking a shower? The thought lingering as she neared her car.

It was a glimpse from out of the corner of her eye, that sent her into a light jog to catch up with who she thought was Owen. The sweatshirt looked exactly like his, and if she could spare him having to walk in the rain - she would. Hence why she was so gentle in placing her hand on the individual's shoulder. It wasn't until they turned around, that she suddenly felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her. "I-uh-Hi..." It was an odd sensation for her brain to instantly scramble whilst her heart turned into a puddle in her shoes. Marnie took the liberty of breaking eye contact in order to hyper-fixate on the raindrops hitting the pavement, her fingers fiddling with the end of her ponytail for a moment before she pushed her hair behind her. "How've you been, Land?" Her brown eyes finally found the courage to look into his blue ones yet again.

[marniedixon]

"Hm?" The brunette looked over at the other before realizing they were speaking to her. It was instantaneous how she processed the question and then shook her head. "With my schedule, I'd feel so guilty taking on one of these little guys." Marnie answered honestly before waving at one of the small kittens that managed to make eye contact. "They are adorable though - excellent serotonin boost, for sure." Her grin sincere. She slowly nodded her head. "It's funny because we're the ones who adopt them, but animals are truly the ones who choose. I would just see which ones come up to you." It was put sweetly, her hand running through her own hair as a means to get her locks out of her face. "That's how we got our family dog, Roscoe. He just crawled up into my lap and fell asleep - a sign of trust."

who: open @chqstarter where: frisky kitten cafe

"Are you going to adopt any of them," Rose asked the person standing beside her. She'd initially shown up to the kitten adoption event out of curiosity more than actual interest in adopting one, but having spent nearly an hour among the kittens, she was pretty sure she'd be leaving here with one. Maybe two. "They're all so cute. I don't know how I'm supposed to choose."

[marniedixon]

Marnie's concern only grew, her head quick to turn and look around the crowded area. "That means you're not good and someone is asking for me to kick their ass." Maybe it was the alcohol talking (it was not), but when others made it hard for people to feel safe and have fun - Marnie instantly had a problem with them. Her brown eyes were brought back to Kyler's attention as his response hit her ears. Instantly, she rolled her eyes. "You're just saying that because you're kind. Which, being kind isn't a bad thing - but in moments like this, I really wish you would've just punched him in the face." Her words fueled more by the fast she knew the other wouldn't allow her to beat anyone up under their watch. Her groan was what came first, "That's the problem; You now feel like you have to lay low, which means you're not having fun." The brunette pouted. "Maybe if he shows up, just start barking? Maybe it'll freak him the fuck out and he'll just leave you alone? Or...." She just wiggled her brows, implying she was always available to put an end to all of it with her fists.

open starter | @chqstarter​ location: denver pride day 2 

“i promise i am good, there’s just someone here who will not get off my ass you know what i mean?” he questioned as he glanced around to make sure the guy who was flirting with him non stop wasn’t around, “just avoiding someone, or trying my best to avoid someone.” he laughed softly before looking back at the other, “i promise you i am good though, just doing my best to stay out of the way and hope to god he doesn’t find me. don’t get me wrong, he’s very attractive, and i told him nicely and gently that i am in no ways interested, but this fool won’t leave me alone.” 

[marniedixon]

“I'VE BEEN ON A ROLL, WHERE'VE YOU BEEN?”

INTRODUCING…

NAME: Marnie “Knockout” Penelope Dixon

GENDER & PREFERRED PRONOUNS: Cis Woman (She/Her)

AGE: 34

BIRTHDAY: May 20, 1989

ZODIAC: Taurus Sun, Aries Rising, Gemini Moon

SEXUALITY & ROMANCE: Bisexual / Biromantic

FACE CLAIM: Lindsey Morgan

OCCUPATION: Personal Trainer / Professional Boxer

HOMETOWN: Chicago, IL

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Washington Park District in Denver, CO

CHARACTER PLAYLIST: HERE.

UP NEXT: “MONOPOLY” BY VICTORIA MONET & ARIANA GRANDE

BIOGRAPHY

With a mother who beat her brothers into running the family pizzeria in Brooklyn, and a father who broke records in the boxing world - it made sense that Marnie was able to roll herself over, lift her head and attempt crawling at just three days old in the hospital’s nursery. Between the new member of the family obviously being a handful, and the strains of the pizzeria along with the extensive work of a boxer, it was a quick decision that led the Dixon family to Chicago; uprooting Marnie’s mom’s family in Brooklyn and flying them out to be with her father’s side.

Even with the extra set of hands, Marnie was uberly self-efficient. She didn’t mean to be, but the attitude that came from here when others attempt to assert themselves or give her the solution, was a natural response to people underestimating her. By age four, she was attempting to help her mom at the pizzeria. Though her mom shooed her so that she could be a kid, Marnie just wound up being pushed to her father’s workouts.

Marnie’s fascination with boxing began so young, that she could never pinpoint when it genuinely moved her to the point of her wanting to become a professional boxer. All she remembers is watching matches at home or even at the pizzeria, training alongside her dad, and attending his matches. It was her mother who was a bit more hesitant with allowing Marnie to get so caught up in a male-dominating atmosphere. Though, everyone was sure to find out that nothing was going to stop her; not when she had her mind made up.

Whilst in high school, Marnie was a crowd favorite, mainly due to her father’s shadow. This was even though she paved her own way as a golden girl amongst her peers for years; her gym teachers and coaches always managing to bring her father’s name up in conversation. It only really died down during her Junior year, when her father retired and in the same breath teased Marnie’s efforts to be just as good - if not better - than him. Her father became her own personal trainer, supporter, and manager all rolled into one. She was lucky, seeing as though others in the sports realm aren’t as fortunate to be able to say their manager genuinely cared for their best interest.

Her father and mother are like night and day; where her mother pushed her to attend a university, her father threw his hands up and claimed it was all Marnie’s decision. She made it work, attending NYU for sports medicine and physiology whilst moving up the ranks in the boxing world. Just like her father, she was breaking records. She managed to obtain the nickname “Knockout” due to the speed in which she could knock an opponent out cold. It was the highs such as being known as “Knockout” and the record breaking, that made her question why she even bothered with obtaining a degree in the first place. That was until an injury sustained from one of her last matches landed her with a serious concussion. It was doctor’s orders that benched Marnie and made her come back to Chicago full-time; she hadn’t announced retirement against her father’s wishes, and is trying to prove she can get back out there whilst getting into the swing of her personal trainer career to pass the time until then.

EXTRA-EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT HER!

Marnie is a firecracker; always the life of the party, though she’s aware there’s a time and a place for everything. Her off times are usually spent at the bar, partaking in karaoke night or trivia with a group of friends. She’s good at reading others’ body language, which is something that stems from her boxing career and having to size up opponents. This actually makes it easy and quick for her to build connections with others. Also probably the reason why she branches off from her friends at events and winds up making more just in line for the bathroom. Marnie is highly aware of sport stats, and loves to attend games of varying types. Though she tends to find herself being the center of attention, she actually doesn’t crave it? Marnie is more fixated on enjoying moments and making the most of them. She may come off as a little rough-around-the-edges, but is one of the sweetest people you will ever come across; the woman always going out of her way to make others feel comfortable and making sure they are also having a good time. Because of this, Marnie is the one in the friend group who everyone tends to gravitate towards in a ‘if you’re not going - then I’m not going’ sort of way. She is also blatant and will voice when she’s not having a great time; even will point out who you’re talking to is a scum bag (oops?). Fiercely loyal to a default, the woman is known for being everyone’s bravest soldier out there on the front lines of their battles. This is even done sometimes to an excessive degree, if Marnie deems them as one of her people. She also just doesn’t know when to give up on people - even when they don’t deserve her help. Though, at the end of the day, her loyalty is one of the reasons she’s such a great friend to have in your court. She tends to bite off more than she can chew, which is a common occurrence all throughout her life, but she loves to solve her own dilemmas and others’ as well because of it; just don’t attempt to solve her problems for her. She can crack jokes and chillax, or be dancing ontop of a table - never any inbetween with her.

PERSONALITY:

+ Dauntless, Loyal, and Affable

- Willful, Overbearing, and Short-Tempered

COMPARE TO:

Malia Tate (Teen Wolf), Pam Beesly (The Office), Kate (Bridgerton), Cece Parekh (New Girl), Georgia Miller (Ginny & Georgia), Nina Rivera (Malibu Rising), Cora Hale (Teen Wolf), Velma Dinkley (Scooby-Doo), Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean), Ramona Flowers (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), Mary-Jane Watson (Spider-Man), Selina Kyle (Batman), Terra (Teen Titans).

[marniedixon]

[marniedixon]

Rue Bennett in Euphoria

1.08 “And Salt the Earth Behind You”