#nemo: a place where none will see judge them. a place where they would be understood

[maegalkarven]

Nemo returning to Baldurs Gate and collecting his unholy assasins like stray kittens.

Meeting them in the vault and scolding the hells out of them because what do they think they're doing??? Playing clowns for all he cares about. One assasin actially bursts out crying because he's one of the urchins Nemo picked up and: a) thought Nemo was dead b) is being scolded by his idol and parental figure rn

Finding a bunch of his deadly losers in the park and being like: "WHAT are you all wearing??? You look like fairytale villains. Dumbasses."

And that one assasin being like: "Right?? I told them! Also omg Lord Nemo you're back!"

Him promising them he'll take some of them along on some really cool murders if they behave.

"Who wants to kill A Vampire Lord?"

"So...Sharrans. Anyone ever killed a sharran?"

"These steel watchers what have been malfunctioning lately...Anyone tried to destroy THAT?"

"So I'm going to Hell, yes, AGAIN. Anyone wants to volunteer to kill some devils? Oh, and Mephistopheles' son as well."

The entire party being like: "WTF. What do you mean you RAISED some of them. First of all, how old are you? Second of all, what???? No, I don't think it's a good idea, I mean, any ally in <that particular fight> will be a bonus, but-"

[bluebellhairpin]

The Perfect Plan

Masquerade / Medieval AU!Levi Ackerman X Fem!Reader

A/N: So some wanted this, some didn’t specify, I had motivation, and @miss-consulting-timelord​ wanted to be tagged, so here we are. - Nemo

Summary: While you may not have known the mysterious man at the masquerade last night when everyone else did, you find out he was one of the only people there who knew who you were. 

Listening to: This version of ‘Sky Full of Stars’ by Coldplay on Youtube - ‘You get lighter the more it gets dark, I'm gonna give you my heart.’

Part One - ‘The Perfect Partner’ 

Masterlist 

You groaned awake, twisting around in the bedsheets in a feeble effort to chase sleep before it completely left you. But your mind went to other places before you could be successful.

The man you met last night at the masquerade - he was no mere man. He was important. He wasn’t just a royal - not in the way you were, or that of any others Historia had introduced you to last night.

He was a Crown Prince. 

He was to sit a ceremony to become King of Germany in less than a month. 

Naturally, you'd heard of the Ackerman's - anyone in higher society who hadn't been living under a rock had - so when Levi asked you your opinion of them (before revealing who he was, mind you) you were still a little apprehensive to give your proper answer. Too ‘mean’ and you'd come off like a snob, too ‘nice’ and you'd look like a bootlicker. You didn't like the prospects of either, but being around Levi made you feel something you were too used to suppressing. 

He made you want to tell the truth - brutal and honest. But tact - that was something you were always good at. 

"They do their job - as being the monarchs of their country - just like everyone else. Therefore, just like everyone else, I'm sure they have things they’re good at, and things to improve on too."

"What things?" He asked, barely missing a beat after you finished. 

"Well," you said, letting out a shy laugh, "I can't really say, nor am I in a place to judge. I'm afraid I have yet to meet any of them, but in what perfect world do we live in that they or I do not have something to improve about ourselves?" 

He soon after revealed who he was, and the relocation of it now made you turn back over and bury your face in your pillow. 

Who were you to have said something like that to someone like him? It was a masquerade, of course there were people there of higher rank than you that you wouldn’t recognize. You felt so insanely stupid. 

Rising from the confines of your bed, or the bed that was being kindly lent to you by Historia - you weren’t quite fit to travel last night - you wandered over to the window. It was a habit of yours to always look outside when you woke, even if most days the brightness of the sun made you feel blind.

“Oh good, you’re awake.” A voice behind you called. You turned around to face them in time to see a woman close the door behind her, a swathe of baby blue fabric in her arms. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wake you, and here you are. Dreams do come true.”  

You turned back to the window, looking across the gardens and to the city in the distance. It looked much different in the daylight. Then you caught yourself.

“My apologies, I should’ve introduced myself, I’m -” 

“- Lady (y/n).” the woman smiled, “Her Ladyship told me much about you. You’re held in very high regard by her you know.” You couldn’t help but feel flustered at her comment.

“So everyone keeps telling me.” you said, picking at the hem of the nightgown you were lent. 

“But here,” she gestured to the fabric, which now being draped over a chair was recognizable as a dress, “Her Ladyship sent this in for you, hopefully it fits. She also requests you join her for breakfast.”

“Oh, thank you …”

“- Nanaba.” She smiled. “There’s a screen over there, when you need some help just let me know. I’ll be right out here. Then I’ll take you down to eat.” 

───────✱.｡:｡✱.:｡✧.｡✰✧.｡:✱───────

The dress fit very well. Considering it wasn’t made for you, you could easily let the slight tightness, and looseness in certain places slide. It wasn't like it looked bad on you because of it. 

Before going down to breakfast, Nanaba helped you tidy your hair. You insisted she didn’t need to - you weren’t planning on having it held back or done up fancy - but you did have to admit, having someone play around with your hair did feel nice. 

She walked you through the golden halls, down the cold staircases, out a pair of giant glass doors, and along a stone footpath through the garden to a summer house. 

Servants scuttled about, and standing at attention on either side of the entrance were pairs of knights - Eren and Mikasa were two of them. In the centre of the house was a table, set up with - in your opinion - far too much food. Jumping to attention when you caught her eye, was Historia. 

“Good morning! How’d you sleep? I hope you slept well, the bed wasn’t too bad I hope.” She blabbered, and then was interrupted by a cough from the other end of the table. She turned over to the source, then smiled and guided you over to a chair - yours, supposedly - and then fluttered back to her own. “And I doubt I need to do introductions, again.” 

You then decided to look over at the other guest - who was none other than Levi. 

You felt yourself get flustered all over again, completely forgetting the proper courtesy, and only thinking about how you’d ignored him up until you sat down - a generalized no-no. 

“Stop fretting, (y/n),” he said, setting down his teacup, “Just because we’re in the daylight and now have company doesn’t mean I expect you to treat me differently.” 

You took in a semi-deep breath, steadying your hands in your lap, and smiled over at him.

“You’re right. I apologize.” 

“So,” Historia said, folding her hands under her chin, “I didn’t see either of you after you left the ballroom last night. Where’d you go?” she asked. 

Little did she know, you both didn’t do anything much else except talk, and maybe steal another dance or two. But the most exciting part of the night was spying her sneak away with a tall brunette woman. Which was closely followed by catching yourselves in your hiding place, standing a little too close to be called ‘appropriate’. She didn’t need to know the latter, the former, however …

“Oh, nothing much really,” you said, “But I never even dreamed about the things you see in the gardens at night.” Her face fell so slightly, turning to eye Levi, and a smile drew on your face.

Levi hummed. “Yes, those things can stay in the dark.” He was looking right at you. Yet, you didn’t know what that meant. There was something he was trying to tell you in those grey eyes of his, and you just couldn’t understand. 

───────✱.｡:｡✱.:｡✧.｡✰✧.｡:✱───────

There was something about gardens. The life they held in them.

Lush greenery, blooming flowers, the cool water fountains, and trees with their wispy leaves. In gardens as big as this, there was always something new in them, no matter what season. And now, on a warm, perfect spring day, it was as alive as ever.

Originally, when you’d stood to excuse yourself for your walk, Nanaba offered to keep you company, but Levi soon dismissed her, saying he’d go with you instead. And so he did. 

Much like last night, he had your hand resting in the crook of his elbow, and had his fingers laced with yours. 

How someone could make you feel so comfortable and safe after a few dances and a night's talk, you’d never know, but you would know it was possible. 

“I’m sorry.’ he said suddenly. You looked over at him, pouting in confusion. 

“What for?” You couldn’t help the lump that formed in your throat as your mind started to race. What if he didn’t want to speak to you again? What if he thought overnight and figured someone as lowly as you wasn’t worth a Prince’s time? What if -

“I’m sorry for last night,” he said, squeezing your hand, and pulled away to step aside and face you. “You have a kind heart, and I feel like I shocked you with who I really was.” He hesitated again before continuing. “And, still, I’m not completely honest with you.” 

“L- .... Levi, you’re going to have to explain a little more. I really don’t understand what you mean.’ 

“The history between the royal families of France and Germany has thus far been close. I’ve known Princess Historia as long as you have. She’s told me a lot about you.”

He told you last night that she never mentioned you. 

“And with every word she wrote about you, to me I wanted to know more. I wanted to meet you. Now that I have, I have to say I’m disappointed. Because you’re so much better, here, in front of me, than words she wrote on paper about you.”

───────✱.｡:｡✱.:｡✧.｡✰✧.｡:✱───────

“What do you think they’re talking about?” 

“I dunno. It’s been a while though. A good fifteen minutes, huh?” The tall blond looked down at his redheaded companion. She smiled at him.

“Oh, do you think he’s confessing his undying love?” Isabel said, fluttering her eyelashes at him and holding her hands to her metal-covered chest. Furlan sighed, his hand resting on his sword hilt, and the other draping across her shoulders. 

“That wouldn’t be like him. They’re just met.” 

“Oh my - look!” Historia squealed - yet still very quietly - bounding over to the house's edge and pointed over their shoulders to where you and Levi stood. “I knew it!” 

“Oh my -” Isabel had a too-large grin.

“- god.” and Furlan’s jaw was to the floor. 

Levi - ‘I’ll probably die alone because I’m so old and an obsession with cleanliness’ - Ackerman, was being kissed by you. And he was kissing you back. 

“Okay,” Isabel said, “You owe me, because I’m pretty sure now you know that he’s gonna bang before we both die.”

[the-golden-ghost]

zip me and offer me?

Since you didn’t request a character I’m doing them for 20,000 Leagues because Free Choice I Guess. My apologies if you didn’t want this but  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If you like you can send a different request instead!

Also I skipped Zip Me cause I’m... a scoundrel and also couldn’t think of anything interested for it. Plus the Offer Me prompt is a bazillion words long. My apologies!

(Also it’s an AU but that should be pretty clear. I’m just being self-indulgent now)

Offer Me:

It was evening. To be exact, it was 8:36 and the sun had just gone down. It was summer, about three hundred miles from the coast of Samoa. Nemo and Pierre had just come in from scanning the sea for danger, and finding none, had come down into their bedroom, and were talking quietly. And it seemed so simple and natural on the surface, and it was. But Pierre had long been thinking of asking Nemo to marry him.

Surely, outside the influence of the continents, there would be no one to deny them that right. But there was always the chance that Nemo himself would deny it, even after more than a year of courtship, and five of knowing each other.

The trick was how to go about it, and that was what Pierre did not know.

“I’d never leave this place,” Pierre said. “Not for a whole school of rare angelfish.”

“Well, you know you have complete freedom. If you want to leave, you can,” Nemo said. “I promised you that and I’m standing by it.”

“I know. But suppose,” Pierre went on, “that I love life aboard the Nautilus, and that I never want to live anywhere else? From a purely practical standpoint, she’s a ship of exquisite design and I have more freedom to go where I like in the world as her passenger and crewmate than I would have anywhere else on Earth. Where on land could I find a ship that could carry me under the sea, or take me from continent to continent to conduct my studies?”

“You’d be hard-pressed,” Nemo admitted, reclining on the bed. “Still, the option’s open. If I remind you too often it’s only because I never want you to feel like you’re a prisoner here again.”

“Well, it’s not just that. The Nautilus also carries with her a vast collection of books, artwork, scientific specimens, a fully-stocked and modern workshop, and of course, there is never danger of robbery or famine.”

“But there is war,” Nemo replied mildly. “And of course, dangerous beasts.”

“True, but you see, there is one other thing I love about the Nautilus and why I would regret to leave her good company. I’m in love with her captain, you see.”

“Her captain’s a madman,” Nemo said gently. “I hear he took two Frenchmen and a Canadian prisoner three years back. And besides that, conducted illicit warfare on two English ships.”

“And is that all?”

“Do you want to hear the rest?”

“Well, I think he’s a good man,” Pierre lay down next to Nemo and held him. “I’ve heard he saves men from the sea and gives them a home, and cares for and maintains the natural balance of marine ecosystems, and donates his prestigious wealth to the poor and those who wish to rise up against the governments that oppress them.”

Nemo shut his eyes and rested his head against Pierre’s shoulder. “So you say.”

“I know it.”

Pierre let his thoughts run wild for a moment, because of what he so longed to say and what he so feared his answer would be. But he knew Nemo would not exile him from the ship for asking, nor would he be angered. He knew Nemo almost by heart now; enough to judge most of his reactions. His answer, however, would be a mystery.

“Nemo,” he said, feeling suddenly small and stupid, as though he had no right to ask for the hand in marriage of a man who was the rightful king of a great nation, and of all the sea besides. “How much do you love me?”

“Enough, I suppose, that if my love were measured like the waters of the Earth, every river would overflow its banks, the tides would rise and the world would be flooded entirely.” 

“Only that much?”

“All right, then,” Nemo said, amused. “Enough that if you picked out the most distant star you could spot with your telescope and my love could be measured in meters, it would stretch all the way from there to that very star, and back again.”

“I like that one better,” Pierre said with a smile.

“Well, your turn. How much do you love me?” Nemo asked, teasing.

“More than that.”

“Oh, but I have to come up with a metaphor?” Nemo laughed. “And don’t say it’s because I’m better at it! I’ve read your poetry.”

“No, it’s...” Pierre said. “I love you in a way that I’ve never loved anyone before. It’s not really a measure of amount, because I can’t compare it to anything. When I first saw you, you entranced me. And then I was mystified by you. And then I struggled to know you. And then... I think I loved you. But you know what happened after that.”

Nemo nodded, suddenly somber.

“Well, even after we separated and I tried to convince myself... tried to convince myself that I hated you, or even that you were nothing to me... even then I think I was in love. I tried to love other men, but it was painful. It was by force, not desire, because I still only wanted you, and for a long time I feared I’d be resigned to a loveless life.”

“Where are you going with this?” Nemo was looking at him curiously.

“In short; you’re a definition of love, for me, that I’ve never experienced before and never will again. When I think back on what we’ve accomplished to make this life together after our reunion I think of it with pride. I am proud to love you, and to do it openly, and honestly, and wholly, without fear or hesitation. And that is why I want to be by your side always, and to be united with you forever. That’s why I want you to marry me,” with these last words, Pierre dropped his gaze down, unable to look Nemo in the eyes. His captain could be so open with his expressions, and the impact of knowing all at once would have been unbearable for Pierre.

So he raised his eyes again slowly to look at Nemo. His expression was indeed one of intensity; sorrow and wonder and an overwhelming love that made Pierre believe in the metaphors he’d used earlier. “Well...? You don’t have to say yes.”

“Yes,” Nemo replied. “I do.”

Pierre’s throat tightened as the realization set in. “Then... we can be married? Why do you look so sad?”

“Thinking about my first family, that’s all... Pierre, I never would have dreamed of marrying again.”

“I don’t mean to disrespect your family.”

“I know, I know,” Nemo replied, kissing him on the forehead. “And you didn’t. They are long dead, and I’ve been alone, I think, for too long at this point. There’s no reason I should deny myself that kind of security forever.”

“My Nemo,” Pierre said quietly. “I don’t know whether it’s - it’s proper to thank someone for accepting a proposal. Truly, I never thought I would ever be in this situation. But it’s true - what you’ve giving me now is a gift.”

“Maybe,” Nemo replied. “But what you’re asking of me is a blessing.” 

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #271

“some of those who work forces are the same that burn crosses.”

Do you cook on the stove at all, or just microwave? I just use the microwave. I'm scared of the stove lmao. Do you ever debate religion with your friends? Bruuuh no. I am so disinterested in debating about something that to me ultimately doesn't matter yet humanity has made so serious. Whatever happens after we die, happens, there's that. Just be a decent human being and go out knowing you did your best to make the world better than when you entered it. Do you keep your shampoo in the shower or someplace else? In the shower. Something your mother said or did that shocked you: Like... recently? Or in my entire life? I dunno about recently, but I guess the most shocking to me was when she vehemently called my sister something I won't repeat. Did your mom go to college? She was before the cancer. Ready to graduate, too, but that didn't go as planned thanks to, y'know, cancer. Which food do you think you have the most cans of in your cupboard? Good question, no clue. I don't really pay attention to the canned foods. Maybe fruits? Do you save fortunes from fortune cookies? No. Are you offended when Christmas is spelled Xmas? Nah. Where do you put your keys when you come home? In my purse. Describe your favorite mug or glass to drink from? I don't have one. That I use, anyway. Sara gave me a Markiplier quote one that's a Holy Item on my shelf and instead of holding a beverage holds All My Love. Your bad habit that you love the most: UGH I hate how much I love soda. Invent a pop tart flavor: STORY TIME!!!! As a kid, there was this contest to design a type and you won like... a fucking huge supply of the newest flavor, which was at the time that wild berry whatever thing. My sister and I made one that I think I recall being pink with heart sprinkles and strawberry flavored, and we won. Guess who fucking hates the wild berry flavor now lmao. Okay but anyway if I was to invent one now... is there a BLUE raspberry flavor? Cuz a bitch loves blue raspberry flavored everything. Do you name your pets after tv/movie/book characters: Sometimes. I don't currently have a pet that is, though. Are you proud of yourself for what you've accomplished? The few things I actually have, sure? I'm more ashamed of what I haven't. Do you own any sexy lingerie? Nooooo no one would want to see me in that, least of all myself lmao. Have you ever caught a bouquet of flowers at a wedding before? No. Has a horse ever neighed at you before? Uhhh I don't think so? Do you prefer ice cream or sorbet? Ice cream. Have you gotten your pets spayed? My cat is. That's like... the only pet we ever have fixed, sadly. My parents/Mom (depending on time period) could just never afford it. The only real reason we managed to get Roman neutered was because our sister directed us to a cheap on-the-go business where it was like... only $45, and Roman was marking the house badly so it was pretty urgent. Would you ever take in a stray animal? HA, that is the STORY of my family with cats. At this current time, most likely not. We don't need another pet right now, nevermind one of a mysterious background with my mom being sick. When is payday? N/A Have you ever walked on a runway before? No. How long is your workday? N/A Is there a walkway or a pathway to your front door? No. What is your favorite color? What is your least favorite color? Pink is superior to all colors. I'm really not a puke-green fan, but I mean... is anyone? What color dominates your wardrobe? Everything is B L A C K. What color are your eyes? Grayish blue. Are you colorblind, or do you know anyone who is? I'm not, but Jason's brother is colorblind to I think red and blue? Do you prefer color photos or black-and white? It greatly depends on the composition and subject matter of the photograph. I find great beauty in both. If I had to pick though, color usually appeals to me more. Are you one of those people who can taste, feel, or smell colors? No. Have you ever seen a double rainbow before? Yes. Do you enjoy coloring? It tends to be my least-favorite part of the art process because that's where I always fuck shit up. Do you know anyone who is racist? Oh my, PLENTY. Welcome to the South. Are your nails painted any color(s) right now? They never are. Can you lift more than 100lbs? I probably CAN, but it would be very hard. What's your opinion on incest? It's fucking repulsive. Morally and negative from a scientific standpoint, anyway. Do you have a favorite color for cats? Orange. What video games did you play when you were younger? I was a massive gamer as a kid, teenager too, so I could put a hell of a lot here. But, I'll just imagine you're referring to when I was quite young. The Spyro games (save for Skylanders) were my LIFE, I loved Nintendogs, the Crash Bandicoot trilogy, lots of games that were based on movies (like Madagascar and Finding Nemo are two I really enjoyed), uhhh... OH! And absolutely weird, but I loved hunting games. Like, I had a whooole lot, despite hating real life hunting even as a child. I think it was because I got to see wild animals, plus it could be calming to wander and scary, too, when things like wolves found you. Oh, and then there were fishing games, too. LOOK I just love(d) games. Would you ever get a tramp stamp? I hate that nickname. Having a tattoo literally anywhere does not equate you to a stereotype. Yes, because I want to be heavily tattooed anyway. Did you cry when Michael Jackson died? No. Not that I didn't care at all, I just wasn't a giant fan. What's the ugliest species of animal? Lmao how mean. The blobfish immediately comes to mind, though. Looks like a ball of mucus shaped into an old man's face. Are you embarrassed about any songs on your iPod? I used to be, now it's just like whatever. I like what I like. What do you use to listen to music on the computer? YouTube. Do people know a lot about you? Places on the Internet sure do lmao. I try to be much more private now online to a degree, depending on where. Irl, no. I'm too easily embarrassed/afraid of being judged for what makes me, me. Who was the last person you slept beside? Sara. Do you like Metallica? They're one of my all-time favorites and I trust NOBODY who claims to hate them. What's your favorite kind of soup? I'm not a fan of soup. What’s your best friend's favorite band? Her all-time favorite is Pink Floyd. Who was the last person you took a picture with? Ummm idr. Do you play Guitar Hero? Not really anymore, but I fuckin slayed that shit back in the day. Whose house did you last visit? My older sister's. Who was the last person to come to your house? My younger sister. What time do you usually eat dinner? Anywhere between 5:30 to like... 7:00 or so. Have you ever searched your own house on Google Earth? Not this current one, no. Does it bother you when people have a loose grip on hugs? No? Some people don't like hugs. Are you looking forward to next year? I don't know. Is covid gonna be history by then? It depends on a lot of things. What have you done so far this summer? *blink blink blink* What's your favorite punk band? Honestly, I don't even really separate bands by genres now because I don't know. There's so so many, plenty overlap, etc. etc, and people - especially those who enjoy rock/metal stuff, I've found - get all snobbish and "WELL ACTUALLY" when you "misgenre" or whatever. Which is better: cold or hot weather? COLD. FUCK hot weather. Anything above ~75*F is disgusting. Is photography something you enjoy? I'm an aspiring photographer so like- What’s the best flavor snow cone? I haven't had a legit snow cone in years... but we have a place called Pelican's Snowballs, which is really just like... snow cones in a cup? They are A M A Z I N G and strawberry is to die for. When driving, are you a speed demon or do you drive like your grandmother? I don't drive because I'm terrified to. Have you ever met someone who just had you at hello? No. Bet you were expecting "Jason," but no, I was weirded out that a stranger just comes up to me in the hall on the way to class and starts talking to me. Have you ever written poetry? Yeah. Do you have any addictions? Technology, ugh. And soda, rip. When was the last time you just laid and looked at the stars? Laid, many years ago one summer when Jason and I were just lying on the trampoline while my dad was grilling. What song reminds you of an ex? A lot. What color eyeliner do you prefer? Black. What was the last thing that you made with your own two hands? Like, made from scratch? Hell if I know. What’s the deepest water you will wade into? Like, shoulder-deep in the ocean. How many blades does your razor have? Three, I think? Highest grade of education you’ve completed? Just one semester of college. Lowest grade you’ve received on a test? Yikes, Fs in college math. He taught in such an abstract way that I failed like... every test, or nearly did. I was too afraid to ask questions continuously. Do you enjoy sitting in the sun or the shade more? There is NO situation where I would rather be in the sun. Do you enjoy going to arcades? Hell yeah. What parades do you like to go to? None. When’s the last time you went on a tirade? I ranted to Mom about the fucking ridiculous anti-maskers that are a big reason this motherfucking pandemic is worsening in America. With my mom being immunocompromised, it is something I take VERY goddamn seriously. It's not a difference in opinion - it's a difference in morality. Do you like to play charades? I loved to as a kid. Now it'd feel weird. Would you ever lead a crusade? I wouldn't want to lead anything. Have your parents ever forbade you from doing something? Aha, so as a kid, I had a game demo disc that showed the preview to Parasite Eve, and my sisters and I would secretly watch it despite it scaring us to where Mom did forbid us to click on it. And all these years later, I've played it and love it... ha ha. Otherwise, my parents have always been pretty open to letting us do stuff, save for things the usual parent doesn't like, like swearing. When’s the last time someone said something degrading to you? A few days back when I got into an argument on Facebook about some asshole teasing their newly-hatched cobra to where it kept striking at the tongs, hood flared and all. Apparently I had no idea what I was talking about, pointing out the snake was clearly stressed out. What’s the last homemade dish you’ve made? I legit haven't cooked a thing since Sara was here and I made her eggs for breakfast. Which was like, a year ago. Do you like lemonade? What flavor(s)? Broooo YES. Pink lemonade is better, but I enjoy just the classic kind, too. Has anyone ever serenaded you before? Fuck this question. Would you like to visit the Everglades? Lemme see them motherfuckin GATORS. Have you ever attended a masquerade ball before? No. Would be dope, though. Have you lost anyone to AIDS? No, thank god. Have you ever been paid for sex? Hell no. Have you ever had a maid in your home before? HUNNY we are too poor for that shit. Do you know how to do different types of braids in hair? No. When’s the last time you wore a Band-aid? Where and why? I have no clue. When was the last time you were afraid? Of what? A family friend was over here a couple days ago and she had this weirdest muscle cramp in her leg that brought her to the floor gasping for like over a minute. I was super scared, and Mom was too, as we had no idea what to do. I almost had to call 911. Crazy woman hasn't gone to the doctor about it, to my knowledge. Would you ever consider growing your hair out to your waist, or longer? NOOOO NO NO. I am probably having short hair for the rest of my life. Is there anywhere in your house that you're scared to be alone in? No. What is your favorite shoe brand? I don't have one. What weird things did you do as a small child? I was just a weird kid in general. I did a lotta stuff that would make people raise a brow. Who puts the most pressure on you in your life? My goddamn self. Do you laugh off embarrassing moments? Hell no, I turn red as a cherry and probably cry once I'm in private. Do you have a favourite actor/actress? If so, who? No. Do you like little kids, or do they annoy you? I feel uncomfortable around them. They're too brutally honest, I feel like every move I make is wrong, and I just generally feel incapable of handling them properly. Do you want a small or a large family when you get older? Well, I don't want any kids, so... Are you a good dancer? If not, do you enjoy dancing anyways? No and no. I'd be embarrassed. Have you ever lied to avoid getting into trouble? Yeah. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital for a long period of time? I'd say two weeks is pretty long, and I was supposed to stay an entire month. I only got out of that by going to court. Do you take a lot of pictures of yourself, or are you camera shy? I HATE being in front of the camera. What are your choice of toppings on a hamburger? And do you prefer gas or charcoal grilling? I just like ketchup, mustard, and pickles, really. A bit of diced onion is fine, too. I prefer gas; I hate the charcoal-y taste. You are chosen to have lunch with the president. the condition is you only get to ask one question. What do you ask? Fuck that, I'd decline going to begin with. What is your concession stand must-have at the movies? Popcorn, of course. Which do you dislike most: pop-up ads or spam email? Pop-up ads. How long was it from ‘the first date’ until the proposal of marriage? How long until the wedding? N/A What topic can put you to sleep quicker than any other? Probably like, wrestling. Golf. Sports in general. How many times did it take you to pass your drivers test? I haven't tried it yet. If you had to have the same topping on your vanilla ice cream for the rest of your life, what topping would you choose? I always just use chocolate syrup. Would you rather be trapped in an elevator, or stuck in traffic? CHRIST, TRAFFIC. Elevators kinda scare me and I'm very scared of being stuck in one. What are you sitting on right now? My bed. Are you listening to anything? Halocene's cover of "Killing In The Name." Have you parents ever hated one of your boyfriends/girlfriends? No. Who was the last person to give you money? I have no idea. Have you ever dreamed of someone you barely know? Actually yeah. Weird as hell. When was the most recent time, if ever, that you felt “impostor syndrome,” or that you felt unqualified to be somewhere? Hm. I suppose when I went to the doctor by myself for my foot. I'd never done an appointment without Mom at all, and I was veeery clueless to a lot of steps, questions, etc. What are some ways that pop culture has helped you learn historic or scientific facts? Some TV shows, I guess. Or games, even. Have you ever had a job in which you felt that you had nothing to do? What was the protocol in that situation (e.g., surfing the web, taking on the job of co-workers, or pretending to work)? If you have not, do you think it would be lucky or unlucky to have such a job? No. I was expected to always be doing something. I'd consider that to be pretty unlucky, as it sounds boring and pointless. Have you ever intimidated or made another person feel legitimately threatened? If not, do you think that you could ever be seen as scary? I don't know. Mom has admitted me yelling has scared her before, though. I can yell pretty fucking loudly. But she herself never felt threatened. And do I think I could be seen as scary? Yes. Especially given my chronic fucking nightmares that almost always involve confrontation. In what ways do you or would you need to be validated by a partner? (For example, liking your posts/talking about you on social media, or perhaps by doting on you with gifts.) I am VERY much a "words of affirmation" person. I NEED reassurance that I'm adequate and sincerely loved. When you are having a hard time emotionally, what are some of the telltale ways that you act out or that your personality reflects your struggles? I become very snappy and more reclusive than usual. I cry really easily. Do you tend to succeed by weaning yourself off of something or by quitting cold turkey? It depends on what it is, but I've generally needed to wean myself off of things when necessary. Is there a specific type of pet breed/size/etc. that you don’t want? Why not? I am very turned off by animal breeds/types that are subject to serious health issues, such as pugs, dachsunds, Persians, spider ball pythons... Just don't fucking breed them. Ironically, some of these are the cutest, but I care far more about the health of the animal. Have you ever lived in a notoriously dangerous area? If not, would it bother you to do so? Yes and yes. Has a friend’s significant other ever interfered with or damaged your friendship? What about a significant other of yours damaging a friendship? I don't believe so, no. What, if anything, is something that you put pressure on yourself about? What do you imagine would happen if you did not live up to this expectation? Getting a job, for Heaven's sake, and actually managing to keep it. I've proven inept in this area so far, so, I've already failed that. :^) If you have been in a serious relationship, have you and your partner ever discussed lifetime plans that clashed? Did you reconcile them or did you break up? If you have not been in a relationship, what are some issues that would be deal-breakers? Jason and I kinda casually talked about kids early in our relationship, at which time I didn't see myself wanting them at all and he did at some point. It didn't really bother either of us, though; it was something we'd figure out if we actually got anywhere. Then he became the only person I could ever imagine myself having kids with. Life's funny.

[swanqueeneverafter]

After The Sunset, Pt.13

Enchanted Forest. Past. The Nautilus. (Liam hands Nemo his knife before leaving the room. Seated, Will and Hook wait for Nemo to open the chest.) Hook: (Stands once Nemo lifts the chest lid and looks inside:) “A key? All this for a key? You're even madder than I thought.” Nemo: “This vessel has served as refuge for people to escape their past, but this is no place to build a new life. All we do is sail and sail with no place to call home.” Hook: “Well, how's a key gonna change that?” Nemo: “This isn't just any key. This key will open the gateway to a place called... the Mysterious Island. It is a place where we can all start over. This is your chance, Killian. You don't have to swim the dark waters any longer.” Hook: “I've spent too long chasing my Crocodile to give up now.” Will: “And not to sound ungrateful, but I’m not looking to start over, I just want off this bloody ship.” Nemo: “I know, but may I remind you that you weren’t invited here, Will. Listen to me, both of you. You've lost people you love. (To Will:) I know that's why you don't want to open your heart again, but what if I told you that the Mysterious Island was a place where you never have to lose anyone again?” Hook: “No, that's... that's not possible.” Nemo: “It is. Join my crew. See for yourself.” Will: “Look, I appreciate the offer, I do. But I can’t stay here.” Hook: (Glancing down at the knife on the table:) “That knife... where did you get it?“ Nemo: “It belongs to my first mate.” Hook: “He told me his family were taken from him... how?” Nemo: “He was a young boy when his father was murdered while he slept in his bed.“ Hook: “His name. What's your first mate's name?” Nemo: “Liam.” Hook: (Taken aback:) “Will’s right, we need to leave. Right now.”

Storybrooke. Present. Sheriff's Station. (Emma sits talking to Lily in the interrogation room.) Emma: "Are you sure you're up for this? Being sheriff isn't all about chasing down bad guys. A lot of people are gonna be judging every move you make and frankly, it can be a thankless job." Lily: (Scoffs:) "Beats the job I have now. So, do I get a uniform?" Emma: "Uh, yeah, if you want one. There should be some in one of those lockers over there. (As Lily goes to find one:) But you don't have to wear it." Lily: (Opening several lockers before finding what she needs:) "Oh, no. I think it'll be better if I do. It'll help me draw the line between work and play." Emma: (Coughs and turns away slightly as Lily starts changing:) "Uh, about that. The hours can be a little rough, too." Lily: (Changing:) "Wow, way to sell your job, Emma. Relax, I've had tons of crappy, underpaid jobs in my life. At least this one comes with a gun." Emma: "I'm serious, Lily. This isn't some waitress job you can quit because you don't like your boss. The buck starts and stops with you. You will be the boss and people will be relying on you to protect them." Lily: (Tying her hair up:) "Well technically isn't the Mayor your boss? I mean, at least that's how I've heard it is in your relationship." Emma: (As Lily removes her top:) "Very funny. I just wanna be sure you realise what you're taking on here. It's a lot of responsibility.” Lily: "Geez, Emma. If you're that worried about it, why did you ask me to cover for you in the first place?" Emma: (Relents:) "No, you're right. As long as you know you can still back out." Lily: (Finishes buttoning her shirt:) "Back out? (Stands straight:) Look at me, I was made for this." Emma: (Smiles:) "It does look good on you." Lily: "Damn right. Now, why don't you show me the ropes so you can get out of here and start enjoying yourself?" Emma: (Stands and heads for the door:) "We'll start with the phone system. If you can't work the phones, you can't help anyone." Lily: "Lead the way, chief."

Wonderland. Past. (Drizella and Eilonwy continue walking through the forest together when they come to a fork in the road.) Eilonwy: “Getting through that trap gives us a pretty big lead.” Drizella: “The question is, which way do we go to keep it?” Eilonwy: “Both. We're a team, right? If I was gonna screw you over, I would have let the trap do my dirty work for me.” Drizella: (Smiles:) “You're right. We meet back here?” Eilonwy: “With flowers in hand, and we win this thing.” Drizella: “Together. (Eilonwy walks off in one direction, Drizella another. Taking only a few short paces, Drizella spots Gothel stood waiting for her up ahead:) What are you doing here?” Gothel: “I've come to help you win. These other witches, they're just further traps for you, obstacles to test your resolve. You alone have proven yourself worthy to join the coven.” Drizella: “But you said there were two spots.” Gothel: “I lied. And about the flowers, too. There's none in these woods. Your real test has yet to begin. (Conjures a sai into her hand:) Prove you're one of us. Kill Eilonwy.” Drizella: “I don't want to do that.” Gothel: “But you do want your revenge. And the only way you're going to get that is with my family by your side. I warned you witches not to get too close.” (Gothel places the sai in Drizella’s hand then turns and walks away.) Enchanted Forest. Past. The Nautilus. (Hook and Will Scarlett enter the dive room, looking to leave quickly.) Hook: "Come on, lad. Let's get you out of here so you can see your sister." Will: "Look, not that I'm not grateful, but why the rush? Nemo saved our lives, surely we can-" Hook: “I killed my father.” Will: “What?” Hook: “You want to know why I care about keeping your family together, it's because I once had the chance of having my own.” Will: “With your dad? Then why did you kill him?” Hook: “He abandoned me and my brother. The why’s and where’s don’t matter, only that when I found and killed my father, I didn't just destroy his life. He had a son.” Will: “So you had another brother.” Hook: “Aye. He named him Liam, after my older brother. My father had started his life over as if my brother and I had never existed. That was just too much for me. So I killed my father, and I left an innocent boy an orphan.”

Nemo: (Entering, having overheard:) “You don't have to leave.” Hook: (Begins suiting up:) “Aye, mate. I'm afraid I do.” Nemo: “Running from Liam won't solve anything.” Hook: “It'll bloody well keep me alive.” Nemo: “He won't hurt you. He's given up on vengeance.” Hook: “Aye, you know why? Because he hasn't found the man who killed his father yet.” Nemo: “Not Liam. He wouldn't betray me like that. He's like a son to me!” Liam: (Slowly enters the room:) “I was the son to someone else once, too.” Nemo: “Liam.” Will: “Listen, Liam. Don't do this, mate.” Liam: (Ignoring him, to Hook:) “So, it's true?” Nemo: “I know how you feel, but killing this man won't quench that fire inside of you!” Liam: “You once told me how you hunted the men down who murdered your family, how you butchered every single one of them!” Nemo: “But that doesn't mean that you have to do the same.” Liam: (Drawing his knife:) “Oh, that's easy for you to say. You got your revenge.” Nemo: “And I've regretted it ever since. Liam, you're stronger than I was. We're so close to finally finding a home.” Liam: “I'm sorry, Captain... but you're wrong. My heart is no stronger than yours.” Nemo: “Liam!” (Liam lunges at Hook with his knife but Nemo steps in to take the blow himself.) Liam: (Helping the captain to the floor:) “No. No! No! No, no. (Hook meanwhile continues to quickly put on his dive suit:) You! You... you did this!” Hook: “No, I told him to let me go.” Liam: “No, don't you blame this on him! You're gonna pay for what you've done.” Hook: “You deserve better than this, brother. I hope you find it. (To Will, who looks on aghast:) And you, suit up so we can get out of here, quickly!” Will: “We can’t just leave him like this.” Hook: “If we don’t leave now the entire ship’s crew will come looking for us, and you’ll never see your sister again.” Will: (Watching as Nemo’s eyes flicker closed, quietly:) “No.” Hook: (Grabs and shakes Will:) “Pull yourself together and let’s get off this bloody ship!”

Wonderland. Past. (Drizella tucks the sai beneath her robes when Eilonwy returns.) Eilonwy: “You beat me back here. Does that mean you found something?” Drizella: “No, I was just thinking.” Eilonwy: “About what?” Drizella: “Gothel can't be trusted. What happened to you and your friend in that dungeon, it happened to my family, too, with Gothel. I don't want to be in her coven anymore. I know we haven't known each other for that long, but -” Eilonwy: “We have a connection.” Drizella: “Yes. You and I are all the sisterhood we need. Whatever it is you came here today to do, we can help each other do it.” Eilonwy: “I'm in. And I know how we're gonna get what we want. You may not have found a golden flower, but I did. (Reaches into her bag:) Come see for yourself.” Drizella: “I think I'll stay right here.” (Disappointed, Drizella steps back and reaches into her robe.) Eilonwy: “Oh. She came to you, too.” (Eilonwy draws her weapon a split second before Drizella. The two witches stand ready to fight.) Drizella: “I wanted you to leave here with me.” Eilonwy: “That's not an olive branch in your hand. Lower your weapon. (Drizella refuses:) That's what I thought.” (Eilonwy uses her magic to send Drizella’s sai flying into a tree before attacking with her own. Ducking and rolling out of the way, Drizella manages to fend off the attack until Eilonwy overpowers her. Attempting to drive the sai into Drizella’s chest, Eilonwy straddles the brunette.) Drizella: (Using all her strength to keep the sai away from her:) “I don't want to hurt you.” Eilonwy: “And I want a spot in that family. I need it.” Drizella: “I'm sorry.” (Drizella suddenly uses her powers to bring her own sai flying out of the tree and plunging it into Eilonwy’s back, killing her. Scrambling to her feet, Drizella looks down mournfully at the dead woman as Gothel appears behind her.) Gothel: “Congratulations. You did it.” Drizella: “I didn't want to.” Gothel: “But you did. Now let's talk about your vengeance, sister.”

Storybrooke. Present. Outside Town Hall. (Emma and Regina exit the town hall building hand in hand when David and Snow catch up to them.) Snow White: (Slightly out of breath:) "Emma, Regina, is it done, have you chosen your replacements?" David: "Because if not, we'd be more than happy to step in if you need us." (Smiling to each other, Emma and Regina apparently have been waiting for this opportunity.) Emma: (To her parents:) "Actually, that won't be necessary. Lily's already settled in at the station." Snow White: "Lily... Maleficent's daughter?" Regina: (Sarcastically:) "No, Lily Tomlin. Of course Maleficent's daughter." David: "Are you sure that's wise? I mean does she even-" Regina: (Cutting in:) "I happen to think she's a great choice for sheriff." Emma: (Nods:) "Thank you." Snow White: "Okay... well what about you, Regina. Have you chosen anyone for mayor, yet? I mean, I do have some experience with the job." Regina: "Yes and don't we all remember those few weeks with fondness." Emma: (Squeezing her wife's hand:) "Be nice. Actually, Mom, Regina's choice for mayor is just settling in. In fact, why don't you go make sure they feel welcome." Regina: (Smiling:) "Absolutely. I know for certain that they'd appreciate it." Snow White: (Looking between them for any sort of clues:) "All right. (Smiles:) I'd be happy to." David: "So, are you guys leaving soon or-" Emma: "Uh, I think as soon as possible would be best." Regina: (Agreeing:) "And if you need to contact us-" David: (Puts his hand up:) "I think the town can cope for a few weeks without you." Snow White: "David's right. Go and enjoy your honeymoon!" (Snow hugs her daughter while David gives Regina a kiss on the cheek. Swapping, Snow squeezes Regina tightly while Emma hugs her father.) David: "Have fun, you two." Emma & Regina: (Watching as the Charmings enter the building:) "Oh, we will." Mayor's Office. (Snow and David walk down the hallway and, without bothering to knock, open the door to the mayor's office. Inside, they find Zelena sat behind the desk, with her feet propped up and considering colors to paint the walls.) Zelena: “Snow! David! Come on in. I'm trying to decide what colour would look best on these walls. I mean, my walls. (She turns over the colour booklet, to reveal that all the colours she’s looking at are green:) Kelly? Hunter? Pistachio?” (Snow and David are speechless as Zelena continues to read off colour names.)

[distaffgospels]

Doing “50 Questions You’ve Never Been Asked” the wrong way

Because I’m a grumpy middle-aged woman and I do what I want. 

1. What's your favorite candle scent? Lavender

2. What female celebrity do you wish was your sister? Gillian Anderson

3. What male celebrity do you wish was your brother? Martin Freeman

4. How old do you think you'll be when you get married? I was 27.

5. Do you know a hoarder? Yes.

6. Can you do a split? God, no.

7. How old were you when you learned how to ride a bike? Five.

8. How many oceans have you swam in? Atlantic, Pacific, plus Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas

9. How many countries have you been to? About 20.

10. Is anyone in your family in the army? My dad was in the Army Reserves during the Viet Nam war.

11. What would you name your daughter if you had one? I have one named Sarah. I was going to name her something else (Siobhan or Niamh) but this was in honor of a recently deceased family member.

12. What would you name your son if you had one? I have one. His name is Cian.

13. What's the worst grade you got on a test? I know I flunked a few. Didn’t stop me from getting a Ph.D. later on. Hang in there.

14. What was your favorite TV show when you were a child? Mr. Rodgers. Don’t judge me.

15. What did you dress up as on Halloween when you were eight? Wow, I haven’t the faintest idea. Possibly Glenda, the good witch of the north from The Wizard of Oz.

16. Have you read any of the Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Twilight series? Harry Potter, which I read when my kids were small. 

17. Would you rather have an American accent or a British accent? British.

18. Did your mother go to college? No. She attended a few classes at the community college.

19. Are your grandparents still married? All my grandparents have been dead for some time. All stayed married though.

20. Have you ever taken karate lessons? No.

21. Do you know who Kermit the frog is? Oh, please. I was four when Sesame Street started. I loved The Muppet Show. I’ve seen all the Muppet movies. I even met Jim Henson!

22. What's the first amusement park you've been to?

23. What language, besides your native language, would you like to be fluent in? I’m reasonably fluent in French. There are lots of languages I would like to learn as well. Maybe Mandarin.

24. Do you spell the color as grey or gray? I can never keep straight which way I am supposed to spell it because I am American but I read a lot of books published in Great Britain.

25. Is your father bald? Yep.

26. Do you know triplets? No. 

27. Do you prefer Titanic or The Notebook? Never saw either. 

28. Have you ever had Indian food? Sure! Love it!

29. What's the name of your favorite restaurant? Gosh. Not sure. I love restaurants, but I cook most meals. I loved a Dim Sum place and a Korean BBQ place I visited in New York long ago. I was recently at Jaleo, a tapas place in D.C. by José Andres, and I loved it.

30. Have you ever been to Olive Garden? It’s been a while, but yes.

31. Do you belong to any warehouse stores (Costco, BJ's, etc.)? Sam’s Club, because that’s the only choice I have in the state I live in.

32. What would your parents have named you if you were the opposite gender? I was Patrick until I was born.

33. If you have a nickname, what is it? I’ve had several, but none that anyone uses regularly.

34. Who's your favorite person in the world? Impossible to say just one. Certainly my husband and kids, parents, sister, plus several long-time friends.

35. Would you rather live in a rural area or in the suburbs? I prefer to live in college towns of about 100,000 people.

36. Can you whistle? Yes.

37. Do you sleep with a nightlight? No.

38. Do you eat breakfast every morning? Mostly.

39. Do you take any pills or medication daily? Yes. The number multiplies as I get older.

40. What medical conditions do you have? Do you want the list? Anxiety, depression, high cholesterol, and a milk heart problem. Used to have PCO but I’m past menopause, thank the Goddess.

41. How many times have you been to the hospital? As a patient? Twice. Once for each of my children.

42. Have you ever seen Finding Nemo? I have seen it endless times. It was the first movie my oldest  ever saw. 

43. Where do you buy your jeans? Lane Bryant. I don’t like a lot of their current styles (too form fitting), but they fit me the best.

44. What's the last compliment you got? My kids liked the cookies I made today. My husband told me yesterday that he loves that he can trust me not to ever deliberately hurt him. That was nice.

45. Do you usually remember your dreams in the morning? Briefly, but if I don't write them down I usually forget them quickly.

46. What flavor tea do you enjoy? I hate tea. Ick. If I have to drink something like tea, I’ll have peppermint herbal tea.

47. How many pairs of shoes do you currently own? Too many. At a guess, something like 25.

48. What religion will you raise your children to practice? Tried to raise them as Catholic, got appalled by a lot of things going on in the church. Stopped going. Eventually switched to a liberal Episcopalian church, but it didn’t take. I figure as teenagers, my kids are allowed to decide for themselves whether they believe in God or not.

49. How old were you when you found out that Santa wasn't real? About five. 

50. Why do you have a tumblr? Started one a number of years ago to keep up with BBC Sherlock news. I also am a long time Star Trek, Babylon 5, X-Files, Star Wars, and Terry Pratchett fan, so that’s cool as well. Plus I like seeing the creative stuff on Tumblr. I’m a professor, so it also helps keep me at least slightly plugged in to what young people are concerned about, and I think trying to understand that makes me a better teacher.

[foundcarcosa]

ccxxix.

Childhood

Did you spend your childhood time with mostly real or imaginary friends?: >> I spent my childhood time with my Constant Companions of the time. Jacana Heights was a happenin’ place, but the most happenin’ was the theater in the center of town, where every night Eden Long and [whatever my name happened to be at the time] would perform an old favourite story or a shining new story for the enraptured masses. (When I put it like that, being incapable of socialisation with other children doesn’t seem too steep a price to pay.) Did people consider you an odd child?: >> I mean, considering how I answered the last question... but even from an outside point of view, I seem to have struck people as odd, yeah. Do you have memories that go back to when you were only a few months old?: >> No. Do you remember any thoughts you had when you where very young?: >> Thoughts, I’d say not. 

Were they intricate or simple thoughts?: >> Who’s to say, really.

If you answered “intricate”, give an example of one of those thoughts: >> --- Were you dreams very vivid as a child?: >> From what I recall, yes. The mild trypophobia I had through most of my life was directly caused by a childhood dream. What is the strangest memory you have from early childhood?: >> I don’t remember anything particularly strange. Then again, I am not a good judge of what’s strange and what’s not...  Were you a child prodigy or did you display any gifts at a young age?: >> Something like that. For whatever it was worth (not much, it seems). What was the most “grown-up” thing you ever said as a child?: >> I don’t know. What were your favourite TV shows in early childhood?: >> I didn’t really have any, especially considering how little TV I was actually allowed to watch.  Were you afraid of monsters?: >> No. But similarly, I was afraid of the lion motifs my Leo father had everywhere. Some of them were frighteningly realistic and would come to life in my dreams. Did you believe that fictional characters were real?: >> Sometimes they were. Were you more quiet and artistic or loud and physical? >> I was quiet and artistic.  Issues and stuff Do you eat meat?: >> Selectively. I consider myself pescetarian, if pressed.  If you do, what is your justification for it?: >> I don’t need to justify meat-eating. Food is food. If you could legalize 3 things in the US, what would they be?: >> Meh. Do you believe in the death penalty?: >> I’m not too fond of the concept.  Did Mumia do it?: >> Wow, that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long while. If you had a choice, which country would you have chosen to be born into?: >> That’s too many variables to account for. What are your opinions of Michael Moore?: >> I have none. Describe your feelings about marijuana legalization: >> I’m in favour of it. Red, White and Blue is a ghastly color combination, right?: >> I’m not fond of it. What television news coverage do you detest the most?: >> I don’t even bother with televised news anymore. What will you do if Bush is re-elected? >> Ha! Which state do you think will drop off into the ocean first?: >> Hmm. Who do you consider “American Heros”? >> Hmm.  Completely Obtuse And Silly Questions Have you ever taken something apart just to see how it worked? >> Sure. Do you ever yell at the television while you are alone? Reason?: >> Oh, definitely. Because I’m really excited, because a character is doing something dumb, because I’m trying to encourage a character to Do The Thing, etc.  Name a few things (if any) that you bought on Ebay recently: >> I haven’t.  Are the Muppetes sinister? Think about it.: >> Are they?  Do you watch the Science Channel (Discovery) on a regular basis?: >> We don’t have cable, so not on a regular basis -- but I watch it on other people’s cable sometimes. Ever gotten into an “in person” argument with a total stranger? Discuss: >> Maybe? I don’t know. Sugar or Honey?: >> Honey, generally. What’s on your desk right now?: >> Heimdall (the machine), its peripherals, and some sundry. How many e-mails do you recieve a day?: >> 5 or so, sometimes upwards of 10. Mostly things I end up deleting right away. Do you think that time travel is a possibility?: >> I mean, sure. Are you slightly addicted to online tests and surveys?: >> Ha! San Francisco or New York City?: >> I know NYC intimately. I would like to visit San Francisco. What are your favorite color combinations?: >> Blues and greys, greens and greys, golds and... well, a lot of things. Close your eyes and type the first random image that pops into your head: >> Trees.  Do you enjoy night or day better?: >> I love both for different reasons. Favorite animal: >> Otters, capybara.  Have you ever been to a protest?: >> Yes.  Aggravated a cop on purpose?: >> Noooo. Ever gone train hopping/ridden the rails?: >> No, but I’ve strongly considered it. If you could choose a time period in which to live, which would it be?: >> I’m fine here.  Ever put your hand through a window?: >> Through a broken one, or...? I mean, probably. List a few words you hate the sound of: >> I can’t think of one now. And a few you like the sound of: >> Meh. Are you sick of this survey yet? >> No. Emotions And Such Have you attempted suicide more than once?: >> Only once.  Cutting?: >> For about six years, with some isolated incidents in the years following. Do you get violent when you are angry?: >> Occasionally. Which emotion are you most consumed by?: >> I’m most often not consumed by an emotion. Are you highly emotive?: >> Nah. Do you discuss problems or keep them to yourself?: >> I am reluctant to discuss problems with anyone outside of Xibalba. Do you fall in love easily?: >> Yes. What age/year was the most difficult for you?: >> That’s impossible for me to quantify. How do you channel your anger/sadness?: >> A variety of ways. Ever been addicted to alcohol or drugs?: >> I’d say not. Ever been homeless?: >> For most of my adult life. List a few simple things that make you happy: >> Can Calah (okay that’s not a thing but listen), the smell of my roll-on oil, watching absinthe be prepared, seeing dogs hanging out of car windows. When were you most recently your happiest?: >> I mean, /shrug  Do you consider yourself empathetic?: >> Not particularly. But it happens sometimes. Friends Describe your best friend as if you were describing a character from a film: >> I don’t even know where to begin with that, lol. Do you have friends that are drastically different from each other?: >> I guess? I mean. List a few key traits that all of your friends have in common: >> First of all, I’m having trouble even figuring who counts as a friend for this purpose. I always have a crisis of understanding whenever I try to figure out who are friends of mine. So I’ll just skip most of these. Do you keep in touch with friends from high school?: >> That would require me having friends in high school. Have you lost touch with many of your friends?: >> --- Are they mostly local or long distance?: >> I definitely don’t have any local friends. That’s easy to figure out. When you go out with friends, what kinds of things do you do?: >> --- Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend?: >> /shrug? If yes, are you still friends with that person?: >> --- Are your friends mostly your age, younger or older?: >> --- Do you have a hard time making friends because most people bore you?: >> That’s not why, no.  Do you like to hang out with friends one-on-one or in groups?: >> I prefer two or three friends. Which of you online friends do you have the most in common with?: >> Who knows. Family Are you close to your family?: >> No. What traits are you glad you inherited from them?: >> I appreciate all the traits I’ve gotten from my father.   What sitcom does your family most remind you of?: >> --- Does your family live locally or far away?: >> People in my family live in several different places. Have you ever stopped speaking to someone in your family?: >> I don’t speak to almost any of them. Have either of your parents died?: >> Not that I’m aware of, but then again, it’d be difficult to even find me to tell me. Is your family very much like you or are you opposites?: >> Most of the people in my family are very different from me. How many siblings do you have?: >> Five. Has your family ever thrown food at each other?: >> No...? IDK. Are the holidays a nightmare or a time of joy?: >> I mean... I don’t spend holidays with family members, so if that’s what this question is referring to, I’ll have to pass. Do you look like your parents?: >> I look a bit like both, I suppose. List one interesting fact about your family: >> --- Lovers Gay, Straight, Bi-sexual or no idea?: >> No idea.  Married/partnered?: >> Partnered, yes. Ever gone out with someone you were embarrassed to be seen with?: >> No. Ever broken someones heart?: >> Maybe. How many serious relationships have you had?: >> Several. Have you ever lusted obsessively over someone you knew you couldn’t have?: >> Oh, yeah. Do you believe in the theory of soulmates?: >> Sure. Ever cheated?: >> Yes. Been cheated on?: >> Not to my knowledge. Thrown someones stuff out on the lawn/stairs/etc.?: >> No.  Had your stuff thrown out on the lawn/stairs/etc.?: >> No. Most important emotional qualities of a lover?: >> I’m not sure.  Most important physical qualities?: >> Hmm. Food & Drink Non-alcoholic beverage of choice: >> Water. Alcoholic beverage of choice: >> Absinthe. Foods you crave on a regular basis: >> I’m not sure.

Salsa and Chips or Pita and Hummus?: >> Pita and hummus. Meat or Tofu?: >> Meat. Soup or Salad?: >> Salad. Soda or Juice?: >> Juice. Can I get you anything else?: >> Hmm. Favorite candy:: >> Ferrero Rocher. Favorite food to make: >> Nope.

Food brand that you hate?: >> Hmm. Do you try to buy all organic?: >> No. Favorite quick food?: >> Morningstar veggie burgers. Final Questions Ever had a great song ruined for you after it was used in a commercial?: >> No. Ever yelled at an SUV?: >> I mean, maybe. A Hummer?: >> An even more likely possibility. Ever faked being sick to get out of going somewhere?: >> No. If you could turn back time and change one thing, what would it be?: >> No. Bambi or Nemo?: >> Neither. List 3 things that are worrying you right now: >> --- It’s too fucking long, right?: >> The survey? I’ve definitely taken longer. Well, I’m just trying to help you pass the time.: >> I appreciate it. Do you think you’ll ever have children if you don’t already?: >> Maybe. (Raise, not actually have.) Do you think there is life on other planets?: >> Sure. Have you ever broken a leg or arm?: >> No. Would you rather stay in the house or do things outside: >> I prefer a balance. I definitely feel my wanderlust straining at its leash these days. David Letterman or Jay Leno?: >> --- Last words?: >> Deuces.

[kurome-in-wonderland]

All the questions >:D (You don't have to :p)

Ahhhh thank you :D It’s gonna take some time to reply to all of them though haha :P

1. Who was the last person you held hands with?

Hmm a friend that I haven’t seen for a long time ^.^2. Are you outgoing or shy? Sometimes I can seem outgoing but... actually it’s not true... at all XD

3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? Hmm a friend :3

4. Are you easy to get along with?

Yep, people tell me I’m kind so I think so.

5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?

Hmm I guess XD

6. What kind of people are you attracted to?

I really like those people who are kind not just towards me but with everybody. And those people who have a passion, a dream and are brave enough to go after it :3

7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?

I really don’t think so lol

8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?

Hmm you :P

9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?

Not if I’m talking about it with a close friend... but if I’m talking to a person I don’t know well, yes. It can be veeeery embarassing XD

10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My mother. We have a great relationship and we usually have deep and meaningful converations.

11. What does the most recent text that you sent say?

I was talking about air conditioning and how much useful it is XD

12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now?

The one that I’m obsessed with is called Azegag by Mamamoo (Don’t judge me! It’s a korean song and I find it very funny and happy, it’s perfect for summer :P)

Same Dark Places by JR JR

Mess is mine by Vance Joy

Run boy run by Woodkin

Believer by Imagine Dragons :3

13. Do you like it when people play with your hair?

Yes! I really like it

14. Do you believe in luck and miracles?

I believe in luck but miracles... I’m not so sure.

15. What good thing happened this summer?

Nothing yet XD Well, my friends bought me a neck choker that I love and a book that I adore ^.^ I don’t like celebrating my birthday but they make it so fun.

16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

... *whispers* I never kissed anyone... that’s embarrassing... byeee :P

17. Do you think there is life on other planets?

Yes! I don’t believe in those close encounters of the third kind but the universe is huge! And it’s infinite (maybe), wouldn’t it be terrifying if we were the only ones in here??

18. Do you still talk to your first crush?

Yep XD

19. Do you like bubble baths?

I don’t usually take bubble baths but I kinda like it. It’s relaxing.

20. Do you like your neighbors?

Hmm my neighbor is an old lady that I’ve seen five time in my all life haha so... yes? XD

21. What are you bad habits?

I can be messy sometimes and I tend not to talk about my problems directly. Also I can be kind of passive and I wish I was more motivated. Also I can be kinda pessimistic... that’s it XD

22. Where would you like to travel?

California and Korea :3

23. Do you have trust issues?

Yeah, it’s very difficult for me to trust people, boys... even friends sometimes.

24. Favorite part of your daily routine?

Coffee time :D

25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with?

Hmm my thighs/legs. There’s nothing wrong but I don’t like them.

26. What do you do when you wake up?

I check what time it is. And it’s usually late haha

27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker?

I’ve never thought about it... I’m kind of pale so I wouldn’t want to have it lighter. Maybe just a little bit darker because I can’t get tanned. At all XD

28. Who are you most comfortable around?

My friends from high school :3

29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up?

Hmm I’m not sure...

30. Do you ever want to get married?

Maybe! If I find the right one, why not? :3

31. If your hair long enough for a pony tail?

My hair’s very long so yes, definitely.

32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with?

A threesome? :O That’s too much action for me hahaha

33. Spell your name with your chin.

What? Hahahah M-A-R-T-A XD

34. Do you play sports? What sports?

I just go jogging and I used to go horse riding when I was younger.

35. Would you rather live without TV or music?

Without TV

36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them?

Yes

37. What do you say during awkward silences?

I start mumbling about something stupid I’ve done or heard XD

38. Describe your dream girl/guy?

Hmm kind, with a good sense of humor, sweet but not too cheesy, creative and... that’s it :3 Ah and we should have some hobbies in common of course ^.^ Also I like people who are open minded.

39. What are your favorite stores to shop in?

Muji, which is a nice, japanese stationary shop. And Tiger because it has lots of cute and cheap stuff. And H&M for clothes.40. What do you want to do after high school?

Hmm I’m already in uni so... XD I’m going to study Japanese both Language and culture and a bit of Korean ^.^

41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?

Yes.

42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean?

I’m usually very quiet but if I’m too quite it might mean that I’m extremely worried.

43. Do you smile at strangers?

Yep, sometimes.

44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean?

Uhh, both :D

45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

Family and... routine probably.

46. What are you paranoid about?

I’m paranoid when it comes to be around people I don’t know well. I start thinking that they’re just pretending to like me when it’s not actually true.

47. Have you ever been high?

Yes.

48. Have you ever been drunk?

Hmm a couple of times. DESCLAIMER: I don’t usually drink but lately I found out that I don’t mind it if I’m with my friends and I don’t really get too drunk or do crazy stuff so... wait, maybe I was just high then? :O

49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about?

Hmm I spent lot of time sleeping XD

50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore?

It was black... almost all my clothes are black haha

51. Ever wished you were someone else?

Yep, nobody in particular... just somebody who wasn’t me.

52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself?

My personality

53. Favourite makeup brand?

KIKO, becuase it’s cheap XD54. Favourite store?

Muji :D55. Favourite blog?

I can’t choose just one ahh56. Favourite colour?

Indigo57. Favourite food?

Sushi58. Last thing you ate?

Hamburger59. First thing you ate this morning?

A snack with a glass of milk

60. Ever won a competition? For what?

Hmm I don’t think so.61. Been suspended/expelled? For what?

Nah, I’m a good kid :P62. Been arrested? For what?

No XD63. Ever been in love?

Yes, I guess64. Tell us the story of your first kiss?

...65. Are you hungry right now?

I just had lunch66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends?

Hmm I really like my Tumblr friends 67. Facebook or Twitter?

None XD68. Twitter or Tumblr?

Tumblr69. Are you watching tv right now?

No, I’m not watching it XD70. Names of your bestfriends?

Melissa, Alessandra, Giada, Agata. Nice names, aren’t they? :371. Craving something? What?

No72. What colour are your towels?

Light brown and purple72. How many pillows do you sleep with?

Two! I love pillows.73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?

Just one giant and fluffy cat XD74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have?

Lot of them haha but in my room there are just a couple ^.^75. Favourite animal?

I love all animals and I really can’t choose one76. What colour is your underwear?

😏😏😏 Why do you ask haha? Black... it’s always black XD77. Chocolate or Vanilla?

Vanilla78. Favourite ice cream flavour?

Hmm I don’t know how it is called in English but it’s basically milk with small pieces of chocolate.79. What colour shirt are you wearing?

Blue80. What colour pants?

Black81. Favourite tv show?

Right now it’s Stranger Things82. Favourite movie?

I don’t have one83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2?

... What’s this? XD84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street?

O.O85. Favourite character from Mean Girls?

O_O86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo?

Uhh Doriiii, she’s my sprit animal XD87. First person you talked to today?

My mother88. Last person you talked to today?

My dad haha89. Name a person you hate?

I don’t hate anyone. I’m a peaceful person :P90. Name a person you love?

My family, friends and animals... all of them XD91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now?

Myself :D92. In a fight with someone?

No93. How many sweatpants do you have?

A couple94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have?

Too many to remember XD95. Last movie you watched?

A Street cat named Bob :3 (The cat was way so fluffy)96. Favourite actress?

Hmm Emma Watson I think97. Favourite actor?

Ahh I don’t know... Tom Hiddleston maybe XD98. Do you tan a lot?

Not at all haha99. Have any pets?

Seven cats XD100. How are you feeling?

Sleepy101. Do you type fast?

Not really haha102. Do you regret anything from your past?

Yes :O103. Can you spell well?

In Italian yes XD I have to check some words in English though ^.^104. Do you miss anyone from your past?

Just my old self XD105. Ever been to a bonfire party?

No106. Ever broken someone’s heart?

No, I’m a kind human being :P107. Have you ever been on a horse?

Yes!108. What should you be doing?

I should be studying Japanese Art and Japanese but I’ll do it later XD I still have the entire afternoon haha109. Is something irritating you right now?

The hot weather110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt?

Yes... don’t judge me please *blushes*111. Do you have trust issues?

Yes112. Who was the last person you cried in front of?

My mom113. What was your childhood nickname?

I didn’t have any114. Have you ever been out of your province/state?

Yes, I’ve been to Austria, Spain and Portugal next week :D115. Do you play the Wii?

I used to116. Are you listening to music right now?

No117. Do you like chicken noodle soup?

Yes!118. Do you like Chinese food?

Yes!!119. Favourite book?

Ahh too many to choose :O120. Are you afraid of the dark?

No... ok, maybe. But just a bit XD121. Are you mean?

No122. Is cheating ever okay?

It’s never ok. It can happen and I think I might even forgive a person who cheated on me but it’s not ok.123. Can you keep white shoes clean?

CAN SOMEBODY KEEP THOSE THINGS CLEAN? XD124. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Hmm I think that you can actually feel something special for a person at first sight but falling in love takes much more than that imo.125. Do you believe in true love?

Yes, I do believe in true love even if I understand that even true love can’t be perfect.126. Are you currently bored?

Nah :3127. What makes you happy?

My family and friends. Also stories, books, tv series,exploring :3128. Would you change your name?

I think so XD129. What your zodiac sign?

Cancer130. Do you like subway?

I don’t know XD131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

Hmm let’s hang out together? :P132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

My mother133. Favourite lyrics right now?

I have a long way to go but why am I running in place?I scream out of frustration but the empty air echoesI hope tomorrow will be different from todayI’m just wishing134. Can you count to one million?

Yes XD135. Dumbest lie you ever told?

“My dad’s not home right now” I said on the phone while my dad screamed “Who’s on the phone?” XD136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed?

Closed137. How tall are you?

1 m 62138. Curly or Straight hair?

Straight139. Brunette or Blonde?

Brunette140. Summer or Winter?

Winter141. Night or Day?

Night142. Favourite month?

July143. Are you a vegetarian?

No, I tried and miserably failed haah144. Dark, milk or white chocolate?

Dark145. Tea or Coffee?

Coffee146. Was today a good day?

Ah... yes?147. Mars or Snickers?

Mars148. What’s your favourite quote?

”Worry less about the person you once were, or the person you dream you someday will be. Worry about the person you are right now. Or don’t even worry! Just be that person, the best version of that person you can be”.149. Do you believe in ghosts?

I don’t know150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line on that page?

I have two books open in front of me... the first one is full of Japanese verbs ^.^ The first line of the other is an Italian poem “Trovando la strada come aperta, correvo per quella più speditamente” Not one of my favourites though XD

[ashedsnow]

All of the numbers. 1-150

i just want you to know that you suck and i sorry for anyones dash

Who was the last person you held hands with? hmm i think it was actually my friend while drunk

2. Are you outgoing or shy? kinda in between depends on the day3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? idk a spirit4. Are you easy to get along with? oh hell yeah idk why i hate people 5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you? i like to think she would but im a pretty good drunk so its been a while since ive been drunk to the point of need a caretaker6. What kind of people are you attracted to? im really attracted to like a lot of the girls that i post on my blog, so kinda that witchy aesthetic 7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now? i honestly have no clue i have some major issues i need to deal with mentally then ill know8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind? all of my friends i worry about all of them ALL of the time 9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? not at all10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? my friend liz when we got drunk11. What does the most recent text that you sent say? ohh i haven't watched that or dancing with the stars12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now? Halsey- colors,gasoline, castle, control. basically all of badlands album 13. Do you like it when people play with your hair? omg yes its like bliss14. Do you believe in luck and miracles? hmm yes and i have the worst luck15. What good thing happened this summer? hahahahah its been shit and it hasnt even started yet16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? totes17. Do you think there is life on other planets? oh hell yes the truth is out there. i cant wait till we find it 18. Do you still talk to your first crush? NO19. Do you like bubble baths? yup dont judge me just buy me bath bombs and a bigger tub (6′2 dont fit in most tubs)20. Do you like your neighbors? yeah the dude is chill21. What are you bad habits? over thinking everything22. Where would you like to travel? to the place after death23. Do you have trust issues? at times yes24. Favorite part of your daily routine? the part with food25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with? my belly26. What do you do when you wake up? cry a litttle27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker? lighter28. Who are you most comfortable around? my best friend velo29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up? no but i regret breaking up with one30. Do you ever want to get married? yes 2 kids31. If your hair long enough for a pony tail? no32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with? mila kunis and bella thorne33. Spell your name with your chin.sxmnkows34. Do you play sports? What sports? i snowboard and watch the x games35. Would you rather live without TV or music? tv36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them? yes thats how i live life37. What do you say during awkward silences? nothing i just stay quiet38. Describe your dream girl/guy? someone in love with me 39. What are your favorite stores to shop in? ebay40. What do you want to do after high school? not what im doing now41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?yes42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean? that im doing okay43. Do you smile at strangers? sometimes44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean? space45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning? a paycheck sometimes46. What are you paranoid about? life and my guardian spirit trying to kill me47. Have you ever been high? yes shrooms are amaze48. Have you ever been drunk? almost every night this week49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about? no50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore? grey51. Ever wished you were someone else? all the time52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself? my entire life53. Favourite makeup brand? elf54. Favourite store? rei55. Favourite blog? @shroomswithbows56. Favourite colour? none57. Favourite food? all58. Last thing you ate? nachos59. First thing you ate this morning? nachos60. Ever won a competition? For what? muddy boot wine at my endfest 61. Been suspended/expelled? For what? suspended for phone use62. Been arrested? For what? nope63. Ever been in love? yes64. Tell us the story of your first kiss? i dont even remember it65. Are you hungry right now? no stomach hurts66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends? most are my real friends67. Facebook or Twitter? fb68. Twitter or Tumblr? tumblr69. Are you watching tv right now? yes70. Names of your bestfriends? liz davante velo chris sam71. Craving something? What? a decent life 72. What colour are your towels?all different72. How many pillows do you sleep with? 473. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? does my pillow pet count?74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have? 4?75. Favourite animal? drago n or wolf76. What colour is your underwear?black77. Chocolate or Vanilla? vanilla78. Favourite ice cream flavour? idk79. What colour shirt are you wearing? black80. What colour pants? red81. Favourite tv show? idk82. Favourite movie? into the woods83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2? 184. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street? 21 jump street85. Favourite character from Mean Girls? idk86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo? shark87. First person you talked to today? liz88. Last person you talked to today? kayla89. Name a person you hate? kyle90. Name a person you love? lets not91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now? can i punch companies92. In a fight with someone? no?93. How many sweatpants do you have? like 594. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have?4?95. Last movie you watched? the host96. Favourite actress?none97. Favourite actor?none98. Do you tan a lot? no99. Have any pets?doggo100. How are you feeling?depressed stressed like im losing a grip on whats a dream or not like im batshit101. Do you type fast?idk 102. Do you regret anything from your past? leaving alize103. Can you spell well? decent enough104. Do you miss anyone from your past? alize105. Ever been to a bonfire party? yeah for beltane106. Ever broken someone’s heart? yes107. Have you ever been on a horse? yes108. What should you be doing? fixing my car109. Is something irritating you right now? life110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt? yes111. Do you have trust issues? already asked this112. Who was the last person you cried in front of? davante and sam when i was high113. What was your childhood nickname? snow114. Have you ever been out of your province/state? yes went to oregon last week115. Do you play the Wii? no116. Are you listening to music right now? i was117. Do you like chicken noodle soup? no im allergic to chicken118. Do you like Chinese food? yes119. Favourite book? artemis fowl series120. Are you afraid of the dark? only when high121. Are you mean? i an be122. Is cheating ever okay? no123. Can you keep white shoes clean? sometimes124. Do you believe in love at first sight? yes125. Do you believe in true love? yes126. Are you currently bored? yes127. What makes you happy? drinking128. Would you change your name? yes james snow or just snow129. What your zodiac sign? gemicancer cusp baby130. Do you like subway? yes131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? lets do this132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? already asked this133. Favourite lyrics right now? are you insane like me134. Can you count to one million? no cus im lazy135. Dumbest lie you ever told? haha probably all of them136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed? depends137. How tall are you? 6′2138. Curly or Straight hair? both139. Brunette or Blonde? both140. Summer or Winter? winter141. Night or Day? night142. Favourite month? december143. Are you a vegetarian? sometimes144. Dark, milk or white chocolate? milk145. Tea or Coffee?tea146. Was today a good day?i guess147. Mars or Snickers? snickers148. What’s your favourite quote? run-the doctor149. Do you believe in ghosts? yes150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line on that page? section of metal lines are routed along the fuel tank

[dorkydemigod]

Once Upon a Dream

in which Annabeth was dared to kiss a green-eyed stranger just when the fireworks start

Words: 2,142

Warnings: None.

               She’s going to regret this.

               Annabeth is so going to regret this.

               She’s in Disneyland with her friends, it’s night time, the fireworks are just about to start, and she did the stupid mistake of telling Piper that she’s always wanted to kiss someone in Disneyland with fireworks and Cinderella’s castle in the background.

               So now Piper dared her to do exactly that – kiss someone just when the fireworks start. And if there’s one thing Annabeth hates even more than doing dares, it’s backing out of them.

               To make matters worse, Piper gets to choose which guy Annabeth gets to ask (and kiss). It’s not that Piper has bad taste in men – it’s just that Piper, well. She’s Piper.

               She is so going to regret this.

               “Piper, I –“

               “I know you’re not backing out of this, Annabeth. I know you. Right, Jason? Annabeth won’t be backing out of this. Right?” Piper turned to her boyfriend, smiling sweetly enough to scare him.

               “Uh, yeah,” he scratches the back of his neck, trying to avoid Annabeth’s glare. “Annabeth doesn’t back down.” He shoots her an apologetic look before looking away once more.

               “What’s happening here?” Leo walks up next to Annabeth with a curious glimmer in his eye, licking a Mickey-shaped popsicle.

               “Annabeth dreams of kissing someone in Disneyland and we’re going to help her fulfill that.” Piper beams, practically jumping up and down out of excitement. She starts to sings Once Upon a Dream, which Annabeth doesn’t really deem appropriate for the situation.

               “Well, you can always kiss me, Annabeth.” He spreads his arms wide open, smiling brightly and wagging his eyebrows up and down, his popsicle melting and dripping to the floor.

               Before Annabeth can even think of where to hit him – stomach or groin – Piper butts in. “She’ll only be kissing a stranger, Leo, and besides – I already know who it’ll be.”

               All eyes turn to her and Piper smirks in response. “Him.” She turns slightly to her left and, as subtle as possible, points to a guy. Annabeth’s gray eyes follow Piper’s finger and she finds herself looking at a black haired guy wearing a blue hoodie, laughing with his friends. Oh, and he’s wearing a Nemo hat.

               “The one with the Nemo hat?” Annabeth asks just to make sure she and Piper were seeing the same guy. The look in Piper’s eyes answered her question. “Are you sure?” Annabeth doesn’t get nervous often but, well, asking a complete stranger to kiss her is something to be nervous about.

               “Too chicken?” she has the gall to smirk, looking triumphant. “Come on, Annabeth. He looks like a nice guy, and he’s pretty okay – slightly unimpressive but he seems like your type.” She shrugs. Annabeth tries not to feel offended. “Besides, the Nemo hat is cute.”

               “Yeah, Annabeth – the dude looks decent. He’s even smiling and he has friends so I’m sure he’s no axe murderer.” Leo adds, not really helping in convincing Annabeth.

               “You’ve got, like, less than 5 minutes before the fireworks start. You got to approach him now.” Piper continues, already pushing Annabeth towards the guy and his friends. Leo joins in. Jason, well. Jason’s already walking away, trying not to be seen with them. Piper is humming to Once Upon a Dream, and Annabeth would have strangled her if she wasn’t struggling from her friends pushing her.

               “Wait, guys, come on. Wait, give me a sec –“ she stops talking when she bumps into someone’s chest (it was a hard, broad chest, Annabeth noticed).  She hears the scurrying of footsteps and the hands pressing onto her back disappeared. Great.

               “Oh, sorry.” The guy says, looking at Annabeth with curiosity. She feels her face burn – this is not how she wants her night to go. “Was I in the way?”

               “No, no. My friends, they were pushing me and –“ Annabeth turns to find her friends all gone, although she’s certain they’re out there somewhere, looking at her. She runs a hand through her blonde hair and sighs, ignoring the guy’s look of confusion. “Hi, I’m Annabeth.” She smiles brightly, offering her hand for him to shake.

               To say that the guy is confused is an understatement. He reluctantly shakes her hand, eyebrows scrunched up together, and Annabeth can’t help but notice that the entire sea was trapped in his eyes – she’s slightly entranced by it, but only slightly. “Percy. Hi.”

               Annabeth likes the name – it was unique. Different. She repeats it in her mind until she realizes that she was taking too long to continue the conversation. “Yeah, okay, so can I, uh, talk to you? For just a while.” She glances at Percy’s friends, who have been silently watching their encounter, then back at Percy. “Just us.”

               “Uh, sure.” He’s still confused, Annabeth can’t blame him. Who wouldn’t be? “Frank, Hazel, Grover, do you mind, uh, leaving us for a while?”

               His friends oblige, just as confused as he is, and one of them – she thinks his name is Grover (he looked like a Grover) – grabbed Percy’s Nemo hat off his head and walks away. Percy didn’t even have time to react before his friends were gone.

               “I liked your hat.” Annabeth lamely attempts conversation. Very lamely. She internally flinched.

               Is it possible for this man to look even more confused? Not that she can blame him – this whole thing is very perplexing. “Thanks. What do you want?”

               “Okay, I understand if you’d want to run away. I would, if I were you, but, see, my friends sort of dared me to kiss someone when the fireworks start and they chose you to be the one I kiss so now here I am, asking if I could kiss you.” She says all this without stopping for air, the words merging together that she fears she has to repeat herself. She doesn’t want to say that sentence ever again in her entire life.

               “W-what? Fireworks? Kissing? Me?” His response may seem stupid, but for once, Annabeth isn’t judging. She can see where he’s coming from – hell, she put him in this situation. Besides, if there’s a better word to describe Percy other than confused, Annabeth would be using it.

               She lifts her hands up, palms facing Percy, in an attempt to calm him down. “Yes, I know it seems crazy, and I’d understand if you’d say no to it but, see, I really don’t like backing out of dares. It’s a pride thing.”

               Percy takes a couple of seconds before answering. “Sure.”

               She nearly chokes on her own saliva. “S-sure?” Did she hear that right? He’s agreeing to this stupidity?

               He blushes, and Annabeth thinks it’s cute. He’s embarrassed about it too, at least. “Yeah, sure. I wouldn’t mind kissing you.” His eyes widen when he says this, and if it’s possible for his cheeks to redden even more, they did. “Wait, no, that wasn’t what I meant. No, I mean, kissing you would be great, I’m sure, but what I mean is that –“

               Annabeth’s laugh shuts him up, and he eventually laughs, too. The whole situation is funny; if you can look past the awkwardness, that is. “It’s okay, Percy. I know what you meant. I think.”

               “Yeah.” He breathed out, running a hand through his hair. He stares a bit too long into Annabeth’s eyes before blinking himself out of his seemingly daze. Annabeth snaps out of it, too. He turns to look at Cinderella’s castle, and she follows his gaze.

               “We’ve got around a minute before the fireworks start.” Annabeth tries to go for casual but the nervousness in her voice can’t be hidden.

               Percy glances at her before answering. “Yeah, maybe we should uh, get in position?” She can see him physically wince at his word choice. Annabeth hides a smile. He turns towards her, and she mimics his movement. They face each other, only inches apart. She thinks she hears him gulp.

              Percy gingerly holds on to Annabeth’s wrist and moves her arms so that they encircle his neck. “Is this, uhm, okay?”

               “Yeah.” Breathing suddenly seems like a difficult task. She isn’t sure why. It’s just a stupid kiss. (A stupid kiss with a cute boy, but a stupid kiss still.)

               He nods before wrapping his arms around Annabeth’s waist tentatively. On instinct, she tiptoes so that they’re lips can meet easily, and she tightens her hold around his neck slightly. Percy tenses in response.

               “I guess that’s okay, too?”

               Her face heats up and she curses Disneyland for the bright lights they placed around – surely, her face is as red as a tomato, and Percy can see it clearly. “Yeah, it is.”

               “Awesome.”

               They stay like that for 6 seconds (Annabeth isn’t counting. Nope) before both decide that looking at Cinderella’s castle would be a lot less awkward than looking into each other’s eyes.

               “You think it’s going to start soon?” Percy asks, his voice quiet, contrasting against the noise of the crowd around them.

               “Excited?” She teases, not thinking it through, regretting it instantly.

               He pauses for a while then looks back at her. There’s a small, shy smile on his lips, and Annabeth’s overcome with an urge to kiss it. Soon, she thinks. “Yeah, I am.”

               Her breath catches in her throat and she forgets to breathe just when the fireworks start. Percy stares in awe for a split second before lowering his lips slowly down to hers. Annabeth didn’t respond at first, slightly in shock, but then she’s moving her lips against the soft ones that belong to boy with the sea green eyes.

               She can taste chocolate chip. He must have had a cookie recently.

               They continue to kiss, Percy’s arms tightening around her waist, slightly lifting her up. Annabeth’s toes are on their very edge, her wanting to be as close to him as possible. One arm is firmly locked around his neck while her other hand is running through his black hair.

               God, his hair is soft.

               She’s kissing a total stranger and she’s enjoying it. It seems wrong but, god, she doesn’t want to stop.

               It’s been a couple seconds and they still haven’t pulled away. Their eyes are closed, but they can see a flash go off, directed right at them. The fireworks are still ongoing, but the flash certainly came from a camera. Both of them pause, eyes open, glancing to their side.

               There, a few steps away from them, stands Leo, a camera in one hand, and a goofy smile on his face.

               “Say cheese, you lovebirds.” He takes another picture, and Percy and Annabeth blink a couple times after the flash goes off again. Behind him are Piper and Jason, the former subtly singing “I know you / I walked with you once upon a dream” – making sure to wink at Annabeth whilst doing so – while the latter is grinning widely, as well as Percy’s friends, Frank, Hazel, and Grover, who were smiling with only a hint of confusion in their eyes.

               “Leo!” Annabeth’s lips pull away from Percy and she swears she hears him groan a little. She unlatches herself from him, and he reluctantly unwrap his arms around her. “Quit it!”

               “Sorry, were you enjoying yourself, Chase?” He smirks at her, wagging his eyebrows just like before. He takes another picture. “Go on then, sorry to disturb you both.” He winks at them before he turns to leave, their friends following after him.

               Annabeth and Percy remain silent for a few seconds, faces red, looking anywhere but at each other. She thinks about what could happen next, and it always ends up with them parting ways. She just had one of the most amazing moments in her life, with a cute boy nonetheless, and she realizes that she might never get to see this boy again. She tries to think of ways to not let that happen.

               “So,” It’s Percy who breaks the silence. “That was good.”

               “Yeah,” She clears her throat. “It was. Thanks.”

               Thanks? Did she just say thanks? Somebody please, kill her now.

               “My pleasure.” Percy answers instinctively and his face reddens. “I mean, you’re welcome.”

               Annabeth lets out a short laugh. The conversation is back where it started: awkward. She ransacks her brain for something that will break the tension, but, once again, it’s Percy who speaks up.

               “So, our friends sort of left us behind.” He’s rubbing the back of his neck, one hand in his pocket. “I’m getting sort of hungry. Want to grab a bite with me?”

               The smile on Annabeth’s face is too wide to be normal in this situation, but she doesn’t care. She just kissed a random stranger – the whole thing isn’t normal at all.

               “Sure.” she says and Percy grabs her hand and starts leading the way.

               Turns out, Annabeth isn’t regretting this after all.

[newshour]

Coral bleaching is killing reefs. Is the answer a great migration?

BY NSIKAN AKPAN AND MATT EHRICHS

HAMILTON, BERMUDA — “So, the sub is going to tip forward, that’s normal. Then it’s going to roll on its back, just tip back a little bit, that’s also normal. Here we go!”

That’s my co-pilot Kelvin Magee. The two of us are barefoot inside the Nomad, a two-person submersible. The captain shouts orders as the crew work cranes and levers.

Divers paddle nearby, ready to guide our path or rescue us. Everyone is tense because the water is choppy. One wrong wave could toss the 7,000-pound Nomad into the ship’s stern. Magee, a member of the Nekton mission, flips a switch, and our four-hour journey to the seafloor begins.

Then the ocean swallows us. The submersible drops 110 feet in four minutes, as the sunlight fades. Rather than feel suffocated by claustrophobia, the opposite happens. The dwindling sunrays reveal a welcoming expanse, full of tranquility.

As we descend, my mind drifts to the corals below and their collective fate around the world. Many creatures will lose against global warming, but coral reefs are exceptionally vulnerable.

The Nekton Mission is an alliance of 30 organizations conducting the longest seafloor survey in history. Think of it as a physical exam for the ocean. Future groups will be able to use the mission’s baseline findings to chart how oceans will respond to human-made threats like global warming. The project is sponsored by XL Catlin, a global insurance company from Ireland that has sponsored similar environmental surveys since 2009. None of the work is proprietary, and the data are open access so other researchers can use them.

Nekton scientists will coast through the Gully Marine Protected Area, a large underwater canyon near Nova Scotia, and will explore the swirling gyre of the Sargasso Sea.

Alex Rogers, Oxford conservation biologist and Nekton chief scientist

It is day 16 of the mission, and Alex Rogers, Nekton’s chief scientist and an Oxford conservation biologist, is diving in a twin submersible called Nemo. The plan is to plunge 850 feet at Tiger, a site off southeast Bermuda.

“This place is called Tiger because of tiger sharks, so who knows, you might even see one of the ocean’s spectacular predators while you’re down there,” Rogers had said earlier that morning at a prep meeting aboard the Baseline Explorer, a 150-foot research vessel. Shipping containers littered the deck. Some contained diving supplies for the volunteers from Project Baseline, a global citizen science initiative of 10,000 underwater explorers. Other containers housed fully equipped labs.

ScienceScope joined Nekton on this voyage to answer an important question: More than a third of the planet’s reefs are threatened by climate change, but can they adapt?

The Great Barrier Reef raised this question early last year. The entire reef didn’t die despite what you may have read in a viral fake report in Outside Magazine. Yet in 2016, a 435-mile portion of the northernmost section of the Great Barrier Reef suffered bleaching — the largest event on record — and 67 percent of the coral in that area died. Bleaching events covered the central and southern reef in 1998 and 2002, meaning the majority of Great Barrier Reef’s 134,000 square miles has suffered massive bleaching in the last 20 years. If total death were to strike Great Barrier Reef — the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem — Australia’s economy would lose $5.7 billion.

“People don’t realize the thing we’re trying to keep alive is the size of Italy,” Brett Lewis, a marine researcher at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, told me via phone. Lewis studies the mechanics of coral bleaching — how it happens step by step.

Bleaching doesn’t always kill coral. It’s a survival tactic employed by zooxanthellate corals — species that sap nutrients from algae embedded in their polyps. When algae face sustained warming or other stress, their photosynthesis breaks down, and hazardous substances known as “reactive oxygen species” emerge like toxic waste.

The coral respond by expelling the algae — and it can be violent! When Lewis and colleagues exposed Heliofungia actiniformis, a mushroom coral, to extended periods of heat in a lab tank, the critters responded by expanding and contracting like balloons during the algae eviction.

“Imagine you or I just sitting there, and all of a sudden our tissue inflates to 340 percent of our current size,” Lewis said. “This expansion is very new. This is the first time that it’s been documented in coral bleaching.”

Heliofungia actiniformis coral exposed to thermal stress

However, it won’t be the last. Coral can recuperate from bleaching, once temperatures drop and algae populations recover. (The coral in Lewis’ experiment recovered and are alive today).

But elevated sea temperatures caused by global warming mean algae and coral may have less time to recover between bleaching events. That’s why coral died in droves when El Nino hit the northern Great Barrier Reef in early 2016.

Take a closer look, and a pattern emerges. The worst carnage tends to involve coral in shallow water, which is a trend seen across the globe. So far, one-fifth of the world’s shallow water reefs have perished, according to a report by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. Rogers and others predict mass bleaching events, once decadal events, will happen once or twice a year for most shallow water coral by 2050.

A dire prediction, unless of course, the coral pick up and leave.

When temps go high, can coral go low?

As Nemo and Nomad plunged deeper into the Atlantic, the blue deepened as seawater more readily absorbed the reds, oranges and yellows in the sunlight. Picture the shades between dead of night and predawn, and you’ll know the color.

We had ventured into the mesophotic zone — a colder, more thermally stable region that might serve as a refuge for corals affected by bleaching.

Located 131 to more than 500 feet underwater, this twilight zone escapes the warming waters and other anthropogenic threats like waste runoff, which tend to pool near the sea surface. Most mesophotic coral reefs are left over from 18,000 years ago on continental slopes, when sea level was 400 feet lower than today. Unlike surface corals, mesophotic species are a mixture of those dependent on algae and corals that feed on other sea creatures.

Scientists record coral captured by divers in the Tiger region of Bermuda

All corals start as little larvae that get swept around by currents, before attaching in a single spot. So, scientists like Rogers are investigating reef connectivity — the extent to which shallow water reef species exist in the mesophotic zone too. Mesophotic reefs could function as migration stations for shallow water coral and fish during times of crisis, which is known as the deep water refugia hypothesis.

Magee flicked on Nomad’s lights, revealing a garden of corals spread across Bermuda’s sharply sloped seabed. We saw oodles of butterfly fish and pink roughtongue bass swimming through twisted wire corals, gorgonian sea fans and hydrocorals — a type of irregular sea fan. Neon green moray eels stuck their necks from the seabed. Oh look! A slipper lobster!

The submersibles are equipped with filming equipment, so the researchers can document the biodiversity. Each has a low-power laser that serves as an underwater ruler. By pulsing into the seafloor, the laser judges physical perspective so the team can measure the sizes of fish and corals.

A five-foot-long dog shark whipped from behind a natural bridge, and then darted away. His departure raised a question: How does this survey grasp the habitat’s full diversity when so many creatures skitter off?

The answer is environmental DNA. Rogers explained the concept, via radio, as Nemo cruised next to us at an 850-foot depth.

“The idea is when there are animals and other organisms present in the environment, they release cells,” Rogers said. Skin cells, scales and poop gets left behind, with DNA packed inside. Imagine if you put your hand in a big glass of water, and a few cells fall off your hand. Scientists can take that water and sequence it. A set of long plastic bottles hang off the Nomad’s bow for this purpose.

Later, the biosurvey data will be amassed and shared among Nekton’s research team. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, a reef ecologist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, collaborates on the project. While Rogers and I coasted along the seafloor, Goodbody-Gringley and a team of Project Baseline divers conducted similar surveys closer to the surface.

“Alex formerly worked in deep corals and has moved up to mesophotic, whereas I started in shallows and have moved down to mesophotic,” Goodbody-Gringley said. “So in a sense, we’re converging.”

The divers double-hosed tanks look like a Jacques Cousteau invention, but the equipment is actually a state-of-the-art rebreather system that recycles the air that they exhale. It permits extra long dives, which are helped by fan-powered scooters.

Divers aboard the Baseline Explorer.

“If we were to do only the 300-foot transects and come straight up, we would have to decompress for about three hours,” Todd Kincaid, Project Baseline director, said later on the ship’s deck. But with the scooter, the divers can travel at 1.5 miles per hour and follow the gentle slope of the sea floor, as they collect observations at a 300-, 200-, 100- and 50-feet-depth. The process take close to three hours, so they can decompress while they work.

Together, the environmental DNA sequencing and visual surveys offer a broad picture of Bermuda’s biodiversity and the connectivity between shallow and mesophotic habitats.

Return to reality

So, that’s it? Mesophotic corals to the rescue! Not so fast.

“We still don’t really know where all of these reefs are, what lives there, and how these communities function,” said Daniel Holstein, a coral reef ecologist at Duke Marine Lab who is unaffiliated with Nekton.

Holstein supports the so-called “deep reef refugia” hypothesis. His research has found deeper corals produce more eggs per polyp relative to shallow-water coral.

Yet in some areas, deep and shallow corals aren’t connected by ocean currents, so larvae migration might be naturally impossible. Researchers are thinking about rearing certain types of coral in a lab and the reintroducing them into mesophotic zones. But first they need to know where species can already survive. Yet it’s clear some shallow water species — elegant, lanky elkhorns — can’t make the migration, Holstein said. They rely too heavily on algae and sunlight.

Such is the case in the Caribbean, said University of the Virgin Islands coral reef ecologist Tyler Smith. A 2005 bleaching event and disease have imperiled the diversity of surface-hugging corals. Elkhorn and staghorn corals have declined precipitously, Smith said.

His team reported last year that mesophotic reefs near the Virgin Islands are also susceptible to bleaching. Due to the shape of the seabed, ocean currents can force warm surface water downward, putting mesophotic corals at risk during heat waves. The observation suggests that the deep reef refugia hypothesis may only apply on a location by location basis. Prior observations in the eastern Pacific near Panama found mesophotic fire corals had repopulated shallow regions after multiple El Nino events devastated populations. Fire corals near Panama, for instance, were wiped out for 2,500 years at one point and then returned.

Smith feels the hypothesis needs an edit. It isn’t that cold and deep versus warm and shallow dictate coral survival. It’s the change relative to the regular temperature.

“What you really need to have are environments that stay consistently cool relative to their average conditions,” Smith said. So if coral have already adapted to repeated temperature fluctuations in a particular area, then those reefs may persist through future climate change. Hence why Goodbody-Gringley, Rogers, Nekton and leagues of ecologists are scurrying around the globe in an attempt to identify which coral ecosystems are most vulnerable.

As Nemo and Nomad depart the seafloor, the coral forests fade into the background, but the scientists’ concerns remain. The submersibles race our air bubbles to the surface. I bid farewell to the sea cucumbers and slipper lobsters. Our sub’s dome breaches. Reality returns.

[findingmarlins-blog]

Marlin Brooks - Character Sheet

"Still I’m pinned under the weight/Of what I believed would keep me safe/So show me where my armor ends/Show me where my skin begins/Like a final puzzle piece/It all makes perfect sense to me/The heaviness that I hold in my heart belongs to gravity/The heaviness that I hold in my heart’s been crushing me.”

tw for some discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder and general management of mental health

Basic Information

Full Name: Marlin Brooks

Nickname(s): Mr. Grumpy Gills, (jk but someone please call him this) “Clownfish” back in college

Age: 40

Date of Birth: March 14th (Pi Day baby)

Hometown: Durham, England 

Current Location: Swynlake, England

Ethnicity: Black

Nationality: English

Gender: Male

Pronouns: He/Him

Orientation: Bisexual

Religion: Christian (Anglican)

Political Affiliation: Ok I really don’t know a lot about UK politics and I was trying to research but I know I’m gonna get something wrong so I’ll just say that his political leanings are more conservative but he’s the type that will examine literally everything for how it will affect his family and vote based on that.

Occupation: Freelance web developer

Living Arrangements: Alone currently, renting an apartment in Benbow Apartment complex

Language(s) Spoken: English

Accent: Northeast?

Physical Appearance

Face Claim: Sterling K. Brown

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Brown

Height: 6′0

Weight: 160 lbs

Build: Average, kind of tall

Tattoos: A fan of coral very small on the back of his left shoulder with the initials of his deceased wife and two kids underneath

Piercings: None

Clothing Style: Polos and jeans or khakis, always wears a suit when he has a meeting or is teaching a class

Usual Expression:

Health

Physical Ailments: Family history of high blood pressure that occasionally spikes (though he does his best to manage it)

Neurological Conditions: /tw PTSD/ For a few years after the death of his wife and two of his children, Marlin was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, but as Nemo got older he didn’t keep up with therapy appointments as well as before and eventually stopped going. He also worried about Nemo not trusting him because of this and never told him. For many years, Marlin could mostly cope with his mental health difficulties through things he had learned and trying out different strategies he found in books, but he is under more stress now due to Nemo’s reappearance and may require more help now if he experiences a partial or full relapse.

Allergies: Pollen

Sleeping Habits: Tries to sleep eight hours a night, but sleeps as little as 3-4 when extremely stressed.

Eating Habits: Tries to eat healthy and usually cooks for himself.

Exercise Habits: Used to run every day on a treadmill in his house, now goes to Olympus Gym to do it because of the physical and mental health benefits.

Emotional Stability: Maybe a 4/5.

Sociability: Hasn’t done a lot of socializing over the past twenty years so he is nowhere near as friendly or comfortable as he used to be. He has a sometimes awkward sense of humor and is easily discouraged. 

Addictions: None

Drug Use: None (except for like prescribed stuff of course) Marlin is all about that health

Alcohol Use: Really only socially-- again for health reasons

Personality

Positive Traits: wisecracking, devoted, determined, organized, courageous at heart

Negative Traits: overprotective, judgmental, assumptive, neurotic, one-track-minded

Goals/Desires: to find his son, repair their relationship, and keep Nemo safe

Fears: Loneliness, that he will never see Nemo again, crowded places, large/quickly moving vehicles, highways, heart attacks, flash floods, poisonous animals, magic to a degree tbh

Hobbies: Running indoors, walking outdoors, listening to music

Habits: over-organizing, worrying, judging

Favourites

Weather: sun and warm weather

Colour: orange

Music: jazz and swing

Movies: mystery

Sport: running; likes to watch golf and soccer (football for u brits)

Beverage: ginger ale and coffee

Food: a nice steak

Animal: He generally doesn’t like animals but fish are harmless

Family

Father: Charles “Charlie” Brooks

Mother: Esme Brooks

Sibling(s): Younger brothers Harold “Harry” Brooks and William “Bill” Brooks, younger sister Corrine Brooks (not very close with them; he is much older and does not get along with them well (no huge issue just personalities clash))

Children: Marlin Brooks Jr. (deceased), would be 19 years old; Sadie Brooks (deceased), would be 19 years old; Nemo Brooks, between 15-18 years old

Pet(s): None :( He had a goldfish once like ten years ago probably

Family’s Financial Status: Middle class 

Extra

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

MBTI: ISFJ

Enneagram: 4, the individualist 

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor/Slytherin

Moral Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Element: Water