❀.i know my way here, to the language of loss.❀

MARIANA INES RAMIREZ | 30 | FORENSIC SCIENTIST. This is why some of us wake up in the middle of night looking for saint— and maybe your saint is the moon, or maybe your phone, or maybe it’s that moment you walk out the door to look up at the stars just to prove to the heavens you’re still alive.

[marixramirez]

salemlewis‌:

“This is why I can’t stand dating apps. What’s the point of chattin’ someone up for weeks if they’re just gonna stand you up when you finally make a date?” Salem rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair slightly. “’S’not like I haven’t been the perfect gentleman, either. Honestly, I’m just about to give up on ‘em all together. How ‘bout you — you ever have any luck with these things?” The male asked the person nearest to him, waving his opened Tinder app around absentmindedly. 

“I get that that’s pretty terrible but I don’t think it means all people on the app are terrible. Maybe just give it a break for a while.” Mariana suggested to him although it truly wasn’t any of her business. “I’ve gone on a few dates from it but it has never gone farther than a second date. I’m pretty terrible at dating in general.” 

[marixramirez]

helenadraper‌:

“We just haven’t found the right way for it to work, yet. I never claimed to be a psychologist,” the blonde smirked, part of her honestly wishing that it worked that way. Helena didn’t have many friends that were interested in the same dark and twisted things that she was interested, which made outings a bit more difficult. “You say that like I’m not about to call on my sources to tell me where there’s a warehouse around here. You’re not getting off that easy — especially when it give you an excuse to wear Docs.” Helena shrugged. “You’re probably right. I honestly can’t imagine any guy being good enough for us to fight over. He’d have to be, like, the reincarnation of Jesus or something.”

“Oh, so, you’re still coming up with all of the information for torturing me?” Mariana raised her eyebrows at the other. She still wasn’t sure if she preferred the fake haunted house or the abandoned potentially real haunted house. She wasn’t afraid of ghosts or so she thought otherwise she wouldn’t have her job. “I would very much rather you call up your creepy contacts and find an abandoned warehouse than go to a haunted house with you.” The girl informed her friend, hoping that didn’t make her want to do the latter instead, or both. “Men are pretty boring and basic.” She shrugged. “But, yes, he’d have to be some hot stuff.” 

[marixramirez]

ashleyfox‌:

“Clowns are frighteningly apocalyptic, is what it is,” Ashley replied with a faux-somber hum in his voice, shaking his head to dismiss the terrifying thoughts that ensued. Thankfully, Mariana came up with a better suggestion that elicited a rather wicked grin out of him. He envisioned the rowdy children of the department (or better yet, the tenured, graying professors themselves) in full play. “Costume party’s a great alternative. Although, I think seeing my former psychology instructor in tight-skinned latex would be too much for my poor lungs. But I’d look good as Batman.” He remarked coolly, straightening his posture and tapping his chin in a deliberate attempt to look more menacing. At her own humorous jab, he couldn’t resist but let out a fit of giggles. “It’s not like I was built for relationships anyway, Mariana, you know this,” he continued as he raised his left hand, distinctly free of any band whatsoever. “Four have tried and failed.”

“I mean, at this point you’ve already imagined your former psychology instructor in skin tight latex so I don’t know how much worse it’ll be to actually see that in person.” The brunette shrugged, narrowing her eyes and looking him up and down before shrugging again. “I guess you would make a good Batman.” Mariana was teasing though and partly glad that he at least had a go to costume when she couldn’t even think of one single idea for herself. At his following words she let out an audible sigh, looking away from him, then looking back and putting her hand on his shoulder. “But I thought that I could be the one to change you.” The words themselves almost made her laugh but she tried her best to stay composed. “I can’t believe you won’t even give this a chance, just one go.” 

[marixramirez]

al-martins‌:

She smiled, “W-We have that in common,” she’d say, smiling a little further at Mariana’s chuckle. No matter her reasons, Alana could honestly say that she preferred being at home, with her cat and something good to eat—or even a good movie or book. She was fairly simple in that way. “I am,” she’d say then, with a nod of her head, shifting to move as she’d ready herself for their leaving.

“Guess that’s why I like you so much.” Mariana teased, smiling at the other. Which was true because despite their age difference the two of them always managed to find something to do or talk about together. She smiled again as the two of them headed out and began making their way towards the Halloween store. “Do you have any ideas for costumes you just like in general? Did you used to dress up as a kid?” 

[marixramirez]

iris-ashley-hart‌:

They laughed at that, “He’s an interesting sort of character,” they explained, a fondness etched deep into those joking words for Iris’ heart had been lost to that Australian Shepherd the moment they had laid eyes on him. “Yes, they do cause more talk, but trying in general is the best part. Wanting to participate—everyone has a way of doing that,” they would say smiling, taking note of the other’s admission about cat ears and high school. “Very true, I like your point, and not only because it helps me,” they went on playfully, “Well you’ve come to the right person—I teach high school English, i.e. I am the Buddha of Brainstorming.”

“I’m still excited, though, even if I end up just hanging out at home or at work because I know I’ll hear all the gossip from everyone on the next day. Especially if there’s a costume contest involved then that’s even more exciting, it kind of makes people try harder instead of just wearing one of those t-shirts that say costume on them.” Mariana couldn’t help but giggle as she spoke. Wilmington tended to be a fan of costume contests as a whole and it was incredibly entertaining. “Well, I can use all of the help I can get so any suggestion is welcome.” 

[marixramirez]

cpl-asher-lewis‌:

“Born this way,” he’d say then with a shrug, the years having beat down the part of Asher that had once been a chatter—or as much as the elder man could have been consider one. In truth, he had always preferred to be to the point, to spend as little words as possible. “And could have somethin’ to do with life beating the humanity out of a person, or so they say,” he added shortly there after. The words devoid of emotion as he brought the remnants of his glass to his lips and ordered a water. “I served, so death doesn’t bother me much any more.” In many ways the man preferred it. 

“Doesn’t sound like you were actually born that way at all.” Mariana told him simply, watching him curiously, despite the fact that everything he was saying seemed like some sort of secret message it at the same time felt as if he was actually sharing with her. “People shouldn’t be scared to die. It’s different to be afraid that those you love or care for are going to die but some people live their entire lives in fear of how they will die even though they won’t know until it happens. It’s a waste of time for something that is so natural.” 

[marixramirez]

isobelcpez‌:

“Oh, That’s mildly morbid and interesting.” It was the two, and she wanted to know more as she always found herself fascinated with death. Perhaps because she’d been around her parents who spoke about it so nonchalantly. “What is the most gruesome body you’ve ever seen? Someone that’s been murdered, that’s decomposing — God, how do you get rid of the scent on your clothes?”

“I think the most gruesome one I’ve seen is someone who had some of their organs taken out when they were murdered so the body was found in one place and the rest of their organs in another and I had to arrange them back. When people’s skulls get fractured or anything related to the head that’s always interested sometimes they’re broken right in half.” She explained. “Well, we use special products and methods when it comes to the scents and everything else to preserve the body.” 

[marixramirez]

stephlenox‌:

“I think it might be mostly a holiday for kids and parents, or young adults who want an excuse to get drunk and wear slutty costumes,” Steph agreed with a laugh. But even if (really, even though,) the spirit of Halloween was elusive (and what an irony that was), she was glad to have found a way to celebrate that Mariana seemed enthusiastic about, too. “I think it’s one of those skills you never really grow out of,” she said gleefully. “Like riding a bike. So we’ll need pumpkins, obviously, and maybe one of those kits, too, though I’ve got knives and things.”

“Yeah, no wonder younger Mariana loved this holiday, and now I feel like a huge old person for not wanting to go chug down a bunch of shots at a bar dressed in some slutty nun costume.” She shook her head and laughed as she spoke. “Exactly, it makes sense. I think they sell cut outs you can just print at home now so we can print some of those and then just use the knives you already have. So, we’d just need to get our hands on some pumpkins.” 

[marixramirez]

stephlenox‌:

“And even if we’re not old, we’re definitely too old for trick-or-treating. Or even Ghosting,” Steph said with a laugh. When she was young, she’d always liked Ghosting far more than trick or treating – there was much less pressure, as it was easy to find a brown paper bag, to use the copiers at school, to find candy to leave, rather than organising an entire costume. Not to mention the adrenaline rush from dashing away after ringing a doorbell beat any compliments a costume to bring. “You know what I haven’t done in forever? Carve pumpkins.” Without a front step to put that pumpkin on, it was more than wasteful, but she’d always loved that particular Halloween activity.

“Oh, yes! Wilmington used to go all out for the holiday when I was a kid and it was always the best. I guess I just don’t feel that much of the spirit any longer.” Mariana shrugged but the memories were nice. She’d always loved putting together a costume with her friends or her cousins and awaiting anxiously till her aunt and uncle said it was an appropriate time for them to go out and ring those doorbells to their heart’s content. “We could carve pumpkins, I am so down. I haven’t done it in a while but I’m sure I could still be descent enough.” 

[marixramirez]

heatherdayton‌:

“Oh c'mon, that’s all? Alright fair enough,” Heather surrendered. “I won’t press you to say anything more that you’d rather not share.” Sometimes the scientist’s knack for curiosity had a tendency to slip into ‘nosy’ territory, and that’s when she knew to quit pushing the matter. “For the record, I wouldn’t think of your past to define you. I’ll still like you, and probably I always will. Probably,” she narrowed her eyes in jest. “Good point.I think my dentist already loathes me, since the time I’d actually skipped going for cleaning one year. I got a long lecture.”

“Let’s just say that I was a lot more messy in high school than I am now.” Mariana put it simply at that, knowing that the other wouldn’t push her to share but maybe sometimes it’d be nice to talk about it. “If you continue liking me for a couple more years then I might tell you all about my crazy high school adventures. But only if you continue to like me.” The dark haired woman returned the other’s teasing. “Wow. Skipping cleaning for a year, you are bad.”

[marixramirez]

isobelcpez‌:

“Really,” she nodded her head, knowing she wouldn’t have the stomach for it, but still, she was curious given it probably gave her a lot of money. “As long as you love it. How the hell did you get into that? Do you have to study to do it, or you can just get trained once you apply.”

“You have to study for it.” Mariana told her. “It’s different, though, to just work at a funeral home isn’t super extensive study but since I also do more scientific research and toxicology then that’s more studying than being a funeral director requires.” She hoped that it made sense because she’d never been the best at explaining and unless someone worked in the field it wasn’t the easiest to understand. 

[marixramirez]

ry-bennett‌:

“I know they used to bar crawls when I was younger so that might still be a thing? Besides, in this day and age, I think Halloween is just as much for the adults as the children.” He chuckled as he took a drink of the beverage in front of him. “My daughter only has a few more years left before she decides dad is too old to hang out with her and her friends anymore, so I have to get my fill before that happens.”

“I don’t think I’m at an age to go bar crawling any longer.” Mariana laughed. “You talk like were an’t the exact same age. I’m sure if I truly want to go out and do something then I can find something. I’m just more interested in what others are up to, I guess.” She shrugged, it had always fascinated her more talking about other people than about herself. At least most of the time. “Believe me, as someone who spent no time with her father, she’ll look back and appreciate any time you spend with her now.” 

[marixramirez]

helenadraper‌:

“Think of it as a fucked up way of me giving you cognitive behavioral therapy. The more you’re exposed. the less scared you are,” she smirked, fully knowing that everything that she said was complete and utter bullshit. At Mari’s reluctance, the blonde gave a roll of her eyes. “Oh come on, you don’t know that. I’m just as happy to do anything else that doesn’t involve me making a fucking fool of myself. I’d be happy to take you to an abandoned warehouse if you’d rather,” Helena teased, cocking her head to the side. “Which is great ‘cause you and I never have and never will have to fight over a guy.”

“You’ve already exposed me several times and it has yet to work so I’m not sure how much I trust all of your skills, Helena.” She wondered how someone who actually had gone through cognitive behavioral therapy would feel and if there was truly someone out there that would take her to haunted houses. It sounded like something someone would create for a Netflix show. “I’d rather take the abandoned warehouse. It’d also give me an excuse to wear my new Doc Martens, I think they’d go with the whole look.” Mariana laughed. “I don’t think we would fight over a guy regardless. Just not worth the time.” 

[marixramirez]

ashleyfox‌:

“You’d be surprised — I went to one of my colleague’s daughter’s seventh birthday party last September, and they had not one but two clowns. Granted, they were both magicians, so the kids weren’t, you know, traumatized to death.” Ashley couldn’t conceal his disgust at that, his nose scrunching in distaste as he remembered. Although he had more fun at that party than he would care to admit since said clown taught him how to create a dog-shaped balloon (post-event and post-costume, obviously). He raised his arms in faux surrender as he joked, “okay, you caught me. I’m actually more afraid of…” he paused as he clutched his heart, in an attempt to deliver the punchline with greater depth, “…falling in love.” 

“Hmm....” Mariana couldn’t help but picture the scene even though she hadn’t been there herself. She’d been to a number of her friend’s birthday parties for their children where they had had clowns for the children so she had to admit that he was right. “I don’t know why people find any fun in that when you can dress up as a superhero and entertain children just the same or put on a Hello Kitty costume or something.” Of course she was an adult with no children or connections to any so she had no clue what children were actually entertained by. At his words she couldn’t help but let out a chuckle before shaking her head and putting on her most disappointed look. “You choose to tell me that now when I was just about to confess my feelings for you?” Mariana shook her head. “Great timing, Ashley.” 

[marixramirez]

Mariana had to admit she had been looking forward to the day they had planned out. If not because of him specifically then because of the activity itself. When she was younger it was something she would go do with her cousins, each of them getting to pick the biggest pumpkin they could carry. Later after they’d been carved and placed outside, her aunt would use the rest of the pumpkin for some sort of food and they’d eat the pumpkin seeds with their uncle. It was one of many great family traditions she had memories of even if it wasn’t with her own immediate family. They’d had to meet at the place instead of driving together as she’d been caught up at work and had to call him letting him know she’d be a bit late. About twenty minutes after the agreed time she had finally arrived and located him near the entrance. “Hey, you.” The woman smiled. “I’m sorry about the wait. When there’s only two people to look after the dead, well, things get complicated.” She laughed softly, hoping he wasn’t upset about it. ( @jillalxandr ).

[marixramirez]

stephlenox‌:

“Yeah, I guess so,” Steph said with a shrug. She was in a holding pattern, she was taking it day by day, but it wasn’t what she wanted for her life, and it wasn’t what she wanted for those around her, either. Maybe that was simply the nature of life, but she wasn’t about to accept that blindly. “So we’re not doing Halloween parties, and you don’t want to do haunted houses, but we should do something to celebrate, right?”

She still felt like there was something going on with the other but she didn’t want to push it because she didn’t like feeling nosy. At her question, Mariana nodded. “No parties or haunted houses means we basically get stuck with the way children celebrate Halloween, I think.” She laughed. “We could have a horror movie marathon or go to a corn maze during the day, I guess.” But even she had to admit both of those sounded less than exciting. 

[marixramirez]

al-martins‌:

“Y-You don’t get out often?” she asked, a well meaning question    and one she found a sort of kinship in, for when not working—volunteering    or filling her time with as much work as possible, Alana was home. Hiding    herself away, now of course the other perhaps had no reason to keep herself    hidden. To stay in, but Alana didn’t know that, nor did she assume or    consider staying in to be a bad thing. It was simply something she did. “Oh—no,    c-costumes would be fun, sorry…” she would smile then, an apologetic grin.

“No, not really. I’m way too committed to my homebody lifestyle.” Mariana chuckled softly. It was definitely true between helping out at the university with research and her actual job she didn’t have too much free time but that free time was spent in her home alone tending to chores or watching endless amounts of television. “If you’re sure.” She looked at the girl. “We can head out then, I think there’s one of those massive Halloween stores a couple of blocks from here.”