nimble fingers

Mordecai Berlin 28 * Professional surfer I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied

[cozmicody]

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Ke$ha -” C’Mon “

[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 47: Perfection

Mordecai cracked his knuckles as he read; one by one, line by line. Reading was not tedious, necessarily, but there was a tenseness associated with it that he did not feel when leisure reading. 

"In structure conduciveness (awareness and opportunity), a group of students gathers on the campus quad. Structural strain emerges when they feel stress concerning their high tuition costs. If the crowd decides that the latest tuition hike is the fault of the Chancellor, and that she’ll lower tuition if they protest, then growth and spread of a generalized belief has occurred."

Mordecai leaned back and settled his textbook on his face with a groan. Sociology was the most boring class he had decided to take that semester, and a requirement for his degree. As he sat, still and tired, a voice laced itself around the front of his brain.

You'll never be good at anything.

Mordecai's eyes blinked open and stared at print. It was an uncomfortably familiar voice, and it did not stop.

You're just going to be a deadbeat, Mordecai. That's what you do best. When you're forty, you won't be married, you won't have a career;  you'll have this. Drinks and some dead-end job somewhere, if you're lucky. You're such a mess.

He sat bolt upright and caught the book in his hand as it fell forward, preserving the page with his thumb. His sister was wrong. He was at college. He would get a degree and build a career and prove her wrong. 

You're such a mess. I'm so disappointed.

A classmate sat down across from him and he scrambled for his notebooks, drawing them forward. He settled them in straight rows beside him.

He could be the best again. He could be perfect.

[thesubmarinetest]

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[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 46: Reflection

Mordecai coughed and looked over at his sister. She was sitting with his Scout uniform freshly pressed in her lap and a coy smile on her face.

"You don't look nervous at all," she signed.

He shook his head as he took it from her. They were alone in the small anteroom of the Council Den; his pack had gone on ahead of him. "I didn't think I'd be here right now, that's all," he signed, fingers twitching as he did so. He leaned up against the smooth wood walls, and his back brushed up against a cane. His cane. "I don't want to use it during the ceremony."

"It's a long ceremony. That will be really hard on your leg." Hadara gave him a critical look. "I trust you, but you know mom would be so upset."

Mordecai bit his lip, shifting his uniform under one arm and reaching for his cane as he looked down. A prosthetic leg, awkward and plastic and steel and obvious and not his stuck out under his shorts. It would be no better to wear long pants; where the fabric would fall loosely below his knee. He felt his face grow hot, and hotter still when his older sister rose to hug him.

"You've worked so hard. You've worked so hard. I'm so proud of you, baby brother. It'll be alright," she signed, kissing his cheek and wrapping her arms around him. He swallowed tears as he kissed her cheek and hugged her back, leaning gratefully into her posture. When she stepped back, she said, "You focused on more than just your recovery all last year. You deserve to be here. And your cane makes you look like a badass."

Mordecai nodded mutely and clutched it in his hand, using it to aid him as he limped into the bathroom to change.

* * *

Four. That was all that remained of a group of seventeen from his youth. Mordecai had changed into long slacks to hide his leg, but he was still shaking as he stood stock-still on the platform with his pack. Parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and even a few girlfriends were there. Mordecai's eyes, sharp as a hawk's, had caught the subtle points and whispers in his direction. He'd done a majority of his Scout work away from the pack that year to keep up with his recovery, and homeschooled parts of his junior and senior year. As far as his peers were concerned, he'd dropped off the map. Hadara waved at him from her seat and gave him an encouraging thumbs up. He gripped his cane more tightly and looked down.

"As you know, when a Scout turns eighteen, he leaves Scouting behind and are given the opportunity to earn the title of Eagle. We have a few young men here today who have earned that title. Please do step forward."

Sweat greased the handle of Mordecai's cane as the other boys were called first. A name, applause, a small set of gifts-- a certificate, an award, a badge-- he felt the panic growing in his chest the closer they got to him.

"Mordecai Berlin."

He almost fell off his handle. Mordecai's eyes shot up and scanned the room before meeting his den leader's; he looked at him with the same encouraging expression Hadara did, and Mordecai edged forward. 

"You have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by displaying Scout Spirit and achieving excellence in all areas of Scouting. Congratulations on your efforts." It was the same speech given to his friends, but it felt weighted as Mordecai looked at his den leader and accepted a handful of awards in one arm. 

"Thank you, sir," he said, softly. 

[mordecaiberlin]

[mordecaiberlin]

1. Right thigh - Blue roses 2. Right hand - Nautical compass 3. Left hand - Stag's head 4. Left wrist - Pound symbol 5. Right wrist - The sun 6. Left shoulder - Ocean swell

[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 45: Heart Song

He had a reputation for falling fast. A dramatic irony associated with his birthday falling on the fourteenth of February, perhaps. Mordecai was at his core a romantic of the worst kind, cursed forever to fall truly, madly, and deeply in love at random.

Marriage was imperceptible for a creature like that. Stunningly handsome and naturally charming, the falling-in-love and picking-up parts were so simple. It was the commitment and seven, eight months down the road and thoughts of moving in together that sent him spinning back into the dating pool, to fall madly in love again.

Mordecai kissed Ami and tucked her long, black hair behind her ear. She sat, legs crossed on her bed, semester sociology reading open in her lap and a small smile on he face. 

"It's Hell Week," she whispered, her eyes shut. "We should study." 

"Half an hour; you're a bio major, come on." Mordecai edged closer and slid his hand around the back of her neck. "A break is good every once in a while, it'll recharge your mind or whatever."

Ami laughed and leaned back, wrapping her arms around him. "Whatever?"

It wasn't to say Mordecai felt guiltless. He'd never even been the first to call the cut. Every kiss mattered; every inch of every relationship was branded on his brain until he couldn't sleep at night, strained by white hot iron.

Mordecai slid his wedding ring off his suntanned, freckled finger and set it on the high window sill above the kitchen sink as he turned on the water and started on the dishes. His gaze lingered on it and returned often, as if it were a curiosity he had discovered suddenly one day. 

Or something much more dangerous.

[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 44: At Peace

Despite being unused to the new house, Mordecai was rather enjoying the view from his bedroom window. He took a break from texting his sister and drew open the clear glass panes, immediately catching a whip of salty sea air that filled his nose and lungs. The ocean washed up on whitewashed sand on the rocks below. Mordecai had never had anything so nice.

It wasn't as if he was complaining, but there was an odd feel to the size of his bedroom. There was too much space and not enough furniture, and the ceiling was too high. It felt that way all over the house; the ceilings were just too high. Except for in the foyer, where his mother had finally installed a faux-crystal chandelier. Silvery teardrop-shaped cubic zirconias threw rainbows on the walls and swayed whenever people walked beneath them. 

Mordecai sighed and settled to rest on his windowsill, staring out at the shore-hungry waves. It was beautiful in his new home, but it was. . . a lot. He barely turned his head at a knock on his door, but to acknowledge who it was. His other sister, Hadara.

"Hey," he signed, with a flick of his wrist. 

"I'm going out for ice cream and a swim later," his sister signed, her flawless blonde hair falling around her face in waves. She was the only one in the family who didn't have curls. "Mom and Dad say you can come if your homework's done." Her gaze flicked to the two empty beer bottles on his bed. "Do they know about those?"

"No. Are you gonna tell?"

Hadara hovered for a moment, watching her brother. "Is your homework done?"

Mordecai responded with a shrug, and then with a, "There's a hard part in English."

"I can help you when we get back. Come with me. It'll be fun."

Mordecai dragged his arms from the windowsill and grinned, climbing to his bare feet and following after.

[mordecaiberlin]

We Could Stick Together || Derek & Mordecai

[stone-derek-blog]

The inside of his mouth was dry.

Everyone was staring at them. Derek sucked his cheeks between his teeth and chewed anxiously as he waited for Mordecai to begin his vows; a current of electric nerves running between them. He swallowed, for what would be the hundredth time that day, and watched. Could he do it? Would he be able to do it?

When Mordecai finally began to speak, his breathing hitched. 

‘Derek- I remember the first time we met. My dogs nearly knocked you over while I was dragged toward you.' Derek smiled fondly. He remembered that moment vividly; Abe having mowed him down while he had had his iPod plugged in stocking shelves, and both Mordecai and Lonny were soon to follow. He had looked at Mordecai and made some stupid 101 Dalmatians joke to ease his anxiety. He'd helped him pick out dog food, rambling on and on about brands and ingredients. And now, he was standing at an alter with him. 

‘I haven’t wanted to leave your side since. They do say the best friendships can lead to the best romances- I never knew I’d be so caught off guard by love, but here you are. In all your glory, here you are.' A deep blush crept up his neck and painted his cheeks. They had been friends first before anything else; almost brothers, and then lovers, and now this. He watched Mordecai intently, the doubt in his mind slowly fading. 

Mordecai stepped closer, a grin spread across his perfect mouth. Derek couldn’t help but to return it. For the moment, he felt completely wrapped up in him. They were the only two people in the world. 

As he continued his vows, Derek’s breathing continued it’s rapid and unsteady rhythm. They were beautiful, genuine, and poetic. To commit, to encourage, to nurture, to make, to bear, to love to trust. His sacred oath. Derek listened with tears brimming his eyes; his hands tight on Mordecai’s. Someone loved him that much. After all these years and after all this time, someone loved him that much. 

He felt Mordecai’s thumbs signal him for his turn, and for a moment, he froze. Fear held him in place, mouth dumbstruck in front of an audience. Blue eyes bore into hazel ones as he attempted to once more block out the other members in the room, and focus solely on the only one that mattered. His hands trembled terribly. 

"Mordecai," he began, clearing his throat. He paused another moment before pressing on. "I never knew what adventures life had to offer until I met you. I never knew who I could be or where I could go until you showed me how to find out. I never that thought in my lifetime that I would find a best friend, let alone a soul mate. You showed me that I was deserving of those things, too."

For a brief moment, he brought Mordecai’s hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. He inhaled shakily and continued. 

"And in these words, I hope to say  More than just, ‘I love you.’ I hope to expose you For all your perfections And to remind you And the world around us That you are exquisite, Divinity personified.  My solace is magnified  By your very essence and  I find myself mollified  By all that you are.

You are my greatest treasure and I promise all of myself to you from now until the end of time.”

He held Mordecai’s hands tightly and chewed his lower lip. The redness had returned his his cheeks. He had done it. They had done it. There was no more question in his mind or heart that this was the absolute right thing to do. 

[mordecaiberlin]

Mordecai stood perfectly still, staring up at his husband-to-be and listening raptly. There was a deep crease in his brow, and his jaw set just so. He was intently focused.

'You showed me that I was deserving of those things, too.'

From day one it had been Mordecai's only aim to show Derek he was worthy of the gifts life had to offer him; school, travel, healing, love were all his to have and could be afforded to Derek in abundance if he would let them in. Mordecai's face flushed red.

A poem; his vows were a poem, and one he recognized. 

"Oh, Derek," he said, softly, his hand signing in motion just by his hip. He turned his face to the crowd; their friends, his family. Haddie and his mother were in tears, but some looked amused by the meter of their vows. Poetry at a same-sex wedding. His wavering smile turned into a coughing giggle as his eyes returned to Derek's.

Adam came speed-stumbling down the aisle at that moment, the pants of his suit just a little too long, the ringbearer's pillow outstretched. Mordecai watched and tried not to laugh. He was only grateful his youngest nephew reached the chupah without falling. 

Mordecai gently lifted Derek's ring and held it out to slide onto his finger.

"Behold," he said, quietly. "You are declared unto me by this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

[mordecaiberlin]

We Could Stick Together || Derek & Mordecai

[stone-derek-blog]

‘I didn’t mean to stop.’

Derek swallowed, hard. He watched Mordecai through a wary gaze, an unsettled feeling sitting in the pit of his stomach. This had quickly gone from the best day of his life to the worst in a matter of moments. Were they doing the right thing? Should they be doing this? Mordecai’s pausing had thrown everything in him off balance and out of whack. ‘I got- I got so nervous. I love you.’

He wasn’t supposed to feel like this on his wedding day. He remembered the excitement he had felt, anxious as it was, while he had dressed and readied himself. 

This was meant to be the happiest day of his life. The taller brunet shut his eyes tightly and sucked in a deep breath, listening carefully to the words being spoken by the rabbi. “I love you, too,” he replied after several moments, quietly under his breath. He opened his blue eyes and settled his shoulders back, returning Mordecai’s pressure. 

He was standing there now, wasn’t he? He said he loved him. He hadn’t gone running, hadn’t left him at the alter. Their ceremony was not what he had expected or wished it to be, but it was still on-going, and for that he was grateful. Mordecai was still marrying him. 

‘Did either of you have vows for each other?’

He was pulled from his thoughts by the question, and he nodded as Mordecai spoke. With the smallest of smiles, he looked to Mordecai and waited. 

[mordecaiberlin]

Mordecai hooked his fingers around Derek's and inhaled, looking down and around. There was an interpreter off to the right, ready to relay the deepest desires of his soul to his family, who were all watching him in a neat row with smiles on their faces. Mordecai looked back up at Derek and searched his memory, drawing his vows forward. He'd only rehearsed them about a thousand times over the weekend.

"Derek," he whispered, and then at a nudge from the rabbi, repeated more loudly, "Derek- I remember the first time we met. My dogs nearly knocked you over while I was dragged toward you. I haven't wanted to leave your side since. They do say the best friendships can lead to the best romances- I never knew I'd be so caught off guard by love, but here you are. In all your glory, here you are."

Mordecai's hands were trying not to shake. He stepped in closer to Derek. The closeness was comforting. He grinned.

"I promise, with this marriage," he said, his voice ringing out more clearly than ever, "To commit to you always my body and soul.  To encourage your passions, where your soul is barest; To nurture your ambitions, where your will is strongest; To make you laugh, where your smile is brightest; To bear your burdens, where your load is heaviest; I promise to you perfect love and perfect trust, To be your partner in all things; This is my sacred oath to you, taleh. My lamb."

Mordecai could feel his face flushing and burning as he finished his vows, and he pressed his thumbs into Derek's palms, urging him to take his turn. It was unbearably hot all of a sudden.

[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 43: Nature's Fury

Stocky, statuesque, and blond, with flawless muscles that pulsed when he moved. A shark's tooth hung on a leather cord around his collar, an array of freckles splashed over his suntanned skin. A Magen David printed in azure at the base of his prosthetic leg. Straight teeth that gleamed, and hazel eyes that were more green than brown in most lights. A model of physical perfection.

Mordecai pulled his girlfriend in close. "Show me your tits," he whispered, marking the end of his sentence with a kiss, and she laughed and complied. Outside, thunder raged as she fell back onto the bed, peeling off a blouse fit for an upscale party and working the hooks on her bra.

"You don't- ah- think the lightning will come any closer- do you?" his girlfriend breathed, as Mordecai set to work, teething one of her nipples and massaging the other with his fingers. "Baby. . ."

Mordecai was reluctant to remove his mouth from her breast; soft and succulent, and with every ounce of pressure Ami writhed and wriggled beneath him. He pulled his lips apart with some effort and surged upward, catching her drawn open mouth in another kiss.

"I can protect you," he breathed, a careless grin lanced over his face. "I'll protect you from anything. Any storm, anywhere."

Ami gave him a dubious look, then pushed him by the forehead down, back to her breasts. Mordecai moved lower, pulling at her skirt, at her panties. His own body was catlike, moving over the bed in fluid, graceful motions. A shirt; he peeled it off, tossing it onto her pile of clothing. Thunder crashed outside as he leaned in. 

[mordecaiberlin]

We Could Stick Together || Derek & Mordecai

[stone-derek-blog]

Derek’s head spun. The gazes of their guests set fire to his cheeks; a choke threatened to completely close his throat. They stood for a frozen moment in the center of the aisle, a hitch of a step for their visitors, but a hundred year pause for the pair of them. Blue eyes pleaded with hazel ones, begging silently for movement. 

Was Mordecai having second thoughts, so late? Would he leave him at the alter?

Derek swallowed, anxious. ‘I’m fine, it’s fine.' Was it really? Could his therapist have been right after all?

His suit suddenly felt too tight and too itchy. His skin began to tingle, numbly, spreading farther up his arms to his chest. No. No, no, no. This was supposed to be the happiest day of his life; not a day full of negativity, doubt, and worry. Mordecai’s body moved and Derek followed, stepping carefully down the cloth with purposeful, focused feet. 

His chest rose and fell at an almost rapid pace as they climbed the steps. Fear gripped his heart and filled his eyes. Mordecai’s hands held tightly to his and he returned the not-so-gentle pressure, meeting his eyes. ‘Derek, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t-' 

What did he mean? 

Through worried lips he mouthed, ‘I love you,’ in return. The rabbi began to speak and he struggled to listen to every word he spoke. He wanted to smile, and he tried to, though it trembled at his mouth. Mordecai had paused. Mordecai had hesitated. Did he really want to marry Derek?

This was not how he had envisioned his wedding day.

[mordecaiberlin]

The rabbi's volume rose as he spoke to the crowd over the couple, and Mordecai stared up at Derek. At his jawline, high and defined, his piercing blue eyes, steady but brimming with doubt. 

"I didn't mean to stop," he said, softly. His voice fell into the undercurrent of the rabbi's speech. "I got- I got so nervous." His hands were squeezing Derek's firmly. He wanted nothing more than to lance forward and wrap his arms around Derek, but he had to wait, wait in silence for words and rings and dances. Weddings were ridiculous. "I love you," he said again.

"...Derek and Mordecai – your love and devotion to each other will be infused with holiness and blessing, and your lives imbued with meaning and fulfillment, by weaving Judaism into the fabric of your new life."

Mordecai flicked his eyes rightward. The rabbi was wrapping up his speech, the fabric of the chuppah flapping and billowing as he spoke.

"Did either of you have vows for each other?" The rabbi asked, kindly.

Mordecai's jaw hung slack for a moment, and then he said, "We- I- we do."

[mordecaiberlin]

We Could Stick Together || Derek & Mordecai

[stone-derek-blog]

Left. Right. Left. Right. One foot in front of the other. 

Derek shook lightly as his feet moved forward, fingers twitching within his grasp with Mordecai and at his side. Nervous eyes darted around them as they moved down the aisle; traveling over the moderate number of guests, studying faces while his breathing evened out. 

Mordecai’s nails in his skin caused him to retreat back into himself, gaze pulling from their guests to his for-now fiance. He swallowed, hard. The man beside him was handsome; golden hair, hazel eyes, tanned skin, toned muscle. White teeth, when he smiled. Mordecai Berlin. 

He was about to marry Mordecai Berlin. He was the lucky one. 

Marry. Something he thought he would never do. To Derek, he was still the little lonesome boy locked away in his basement enduring abuse. Not the free man he was now, arm in arm with a soul who loved him. Or not. 

His brow rose slightly, a panicked look seizing Derek’s blue eyes. He watched Mordecai carefully, as his fiance stood unmoving. Derek tugged lightly on his arm to urge him forward. Please, don’t do this, his thoughts pleaded to Mordecai. 

“Sweetheart?" he spoke under his breath, loud enough for only Mordecai to hear. He squeezed his hand lightly. 

[mordecaiberlin]

Derek called to him- breathed, as if they were in a church, and Mordecai snapped back. He swallowed a whine and tried not to look around at what he knew were the gazes of many. Of course Derek was whispering; they were standing in the middle of their wedding.

"I'm fine," he said, softly. "It's fine."

But was it? 

Mordecai took a few more shaky steps forward before gaining momentum, Derek by his side. The miles-long stretch of cloth leading to the steps at the end seemed to diminish, stretching only a few yards, and he tottered there with his fiancé in tow in just a few steps.

"Derek, I'm sorry," he said, in a hushed whisper, as they ascended the steps, taking his fiancé's hands and looking back up into his eyes. "I didn't mean to. I didn't-"

It didn't matter that words had begun to fail him as the rabbi began to speak. Mordecai stilled and fell silent, staring up at Derek, his eyebrows knitted together; not with fear, but with some other, depthless emotion. 

'I love you,' he mouthed.

[mordecaiberlin]

100 Drabbles Challenge β No. 42: Start

Mordecai slid into the driver's side seat and stared resolutely ahead, ignoring the burning feeling in his cheeks as the instructor regarded his residual limb. He could see him in his peripheral, curiosity and pity on his face, before he sat a little straighter, a little neater in his seat. Avoiding it. 

"Is this the first time you've taken the test, uh. . . Mordecai?" the instructor, Bill asked. 

Mordecai scratched his hair through his beanie. "No." His tone of voice was dead.

"Taken it before and failed?"

"Had a license, used to work for Pizza Hut;" Mordecai's voice was growing colder, and Bill was growing stiffer beside him. "Lost my leg. I'm retaking the test. Medical requirement."

There was a rustle of paperwork in Bill's lap, and the car was quiet for a moment. "Right," the instructor said. "Right, I'm very sorry to hear that. How old are you?"

"I'll be eighteen in three months."

Bill flinched; as if Mordecai's age had wounded him somehow. He didn't respond to it. Mordecai doubted he knew how. Instead, he picked carefully and quietly through his papers for a long two minutes and said, "Whenever you're ready, then."

Driving with one leg was difficult, but Mordecai was not aware of how difficult it would be in another car. He hadn't practiced much, hadn't wanted to; he dragged his seatbelt on and put the key in the ignition, shifting the gear into Drive, but that was as far as he got before things got rusty. His foot stuttered on the gas and the car jerked forward; Mordecai slammed on the brakes in alarm, and then leaned back and ran his hands over his face, feeling the humiliation wash over.

He felt Bill's hand on his shoulder and tried not to stiffen.

"Hey," the instructor said, softly. "It's okay. You don't have to take the test."

Mordecai brought his hands down and slammed them on the wheel. "I can do it," he snapped. "I'm fine."

Bill's hand dropped from his side, and he refocused on the road in front of him. Inhaling through his nose, he glared and ground down on the gas with his left foot. 

The car accelerated evenly, coasting along the road and building speed. Bill opened his mouth to tell Mordecai to turn a corner, but before he could start the sentence, he'd swung around it and kept going. A stoplight. Mordecai let up on the gas and hit the brakes. A shaky stop, but better than the first go around.

As the test ran on, his driving went smoother, until by the time they got back to the DMV Mordecai had rolled down the window  and was leaning his elbow against it, the smallest of grins playing around his mouth. He hadn't forgotten, and he could adjust. He could do this.

Even Bill seemed impressed, especially so. As the car pulled to a stop in a decent parallel park, Bill stretched out his hand for shaking. Mordecai noted rather painfully that he was still closely pressed against his side of the car, avoiding the stump, and felt his heart hurt. He busied himself with his wallet and started looking through student IDs and cluttered wads of receipts. Crestfallen, Bill dropped his hand back into his lap and said, "Congratulations, Mordecai. I can't tell you just yet how you've done, but I'm quite pleased with your performance. You should be very proud of yourself."

Mordecai remained focused on his wallet. "Yeah," he said. "I am."

[mordecaiberlin]

What’s your character’s favorite type of weather?

72 and sunny.

What’s your character’s least favorite type of weather?

Mordecai is uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the snow.

Birthday Memory:

For his fifteenth birthday he received an iPod, a rare and expensive gift as his family does not usually treat each other materialistically. 

What is your character’s favorite animal?

He likes sharks and dogs.

What is your character’s least favorite animal?

Birds.

Does your character have a good memory?

It's excellent.

How does your character feel about the afterlife? Do they believe in it? Are they afraid of death?

Mordecai's not afraid to die. He believes in Heaven and Hell, but he doesn't know where he's going and that worries him.

How does your character feel about growing old?

Mordecai's afraid to lose what looks he already works so hard to maintain. He's afraid of not aging well, and of his already poor health deteriorating beyond a capacity to take care of himself independently. He's afraid of dying young.

What’s in your character’s wallet or purse?

Credit cards, debit cards, cash, and receipts in his wallet- he keeps it with his keys.

Would your character be willing to help a stranger? Why or why not?

He loves helping strangers and does it often. It makes him feel good to make other people's lives briefly simpler and to meet new friends.

Does your character believe in a God?

He is firmly Jewish and follows a belief in Yahweh. 

Do they have a favorite Disney movie? Do they even like Disney movies?

He liked The Little Mermaid a lot as a child, but hasn't watched any recently as his husband is not a fan.

How does your character react to negative comments?

He's generally unfazed, unless they're perverse and pertain to his leg. Mordecai reacts politely in public but often falls apart in private later.

Does your character know how to swim? How do they feel about large bodies of water?

He's an excellent swimmer and surfer and loves the ocean.

How does your character feel about the word, “fire”?

Excited.

What is their favorite piece of clothing? How would they feel if it randomly disappeared?

One of his beanies with a pattern of diamonds and a letter M on it, in scarlet and brown. He would be severely distraught if it vanished, despite multiple comments that it isn't a particularly attractive hat.

What is the earliest memory they can think of?

-

Is your character introspective?

On and off.

Is your character allergic to anything? How do they react to their allergy, if they have one?

Soy. It's a mild allergy; when he eats too much of it, he has a bad stomachache and may vomit, but he did actually go into anaphylactic shock once as a child. He carries epinephrine on trips to strange places in case it happens again. 

Do they have a favorite television show? Do they watch television? Do they even have a television?

He likes Top Chef and Tattoo Nightmares a lot, but he never watched television much growing up and still doesn't. The majority of the television in the house is watched by Derek.

How does your character feel about board games?

Mordecai played board games with his sisters often as a child but lacks the patience for them now.

How does your character feel about going to the movies? Do they have a favorite movie? Is there movie they’re convinced has changed their life? What about least favorite movie? Why is it their least favorite movie?

He likes going to the movies, although not particularly loud ones. His favorites are sports movies and action comedies; he likes Lords of Dogtown best. His least favorite movie is Steel Magnolias.

How does your character feel about video games? Do they play them? Do they play them often? Do they have a favorite video game?

Mordecai plays quite a range of video games, including MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, but rarely has time for them with everything else he fills his days with.

Do they play any instruments? If so, do they like playing those instrument(s)? How did they learn to play the instrument(s)?

He plays the 'ukulele and guitar fairly decently, but he's not classically trained on any instruments. He learned 'ukulele in Hawai'i while living with a friend, and learned guitar in college. 

Does your character sleep well? Do they dream? Daydream?

He sleeps poorly, and dreams most nights. He often daydreams when not at work.

What was your character’s last nightmare?

About Derek's overdose. He woke up crying. 

What was your character’s last pleasant dream?

About drinking. 

[mordecaiberlin]

Given the choice, would they rather sleep in or eat a delicious breakfast?

Eat a hearty breakfast.

Is there any food they’d love so much that they’d wake up at dawn or travel a great distance just to eat it?

Not at all. 

What do they believe makes a successful life?

Happiness and wellness; achievement of personal goals.

Do they tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?

Mordecai avoids conflict and would rather let something go than pursue an argument or hold onto a grudge. He has been known to pursue them on occasion when provoked, depending on the subject matter.

How do they spend a typical Saturday night?

Out with friends is most usually the case, or out with his husband, although he is not shy about the occasional night in.

What makes them laugh?

Puns and corny humor; he is not well-attuned to sarcasm and prefers cheap jokes and slapstick. Ironically, however, he has been known to be terribly dry at times.

How do they deal with stress?

Mordecai handles stress well, but when the pressure becomes too much, he cracks and is a "Runner." He's known to leave for long periods of time.

Are they spontaneous, or do they always need to have a plan?

He has a meticulously planned-out day, but his evenings are more free for spontaneous activity.

Do they know how to cook? If so, how well do they cook?

He's a terrible cook.

While growing up, how well did they get along with the other members of their family?

He loves his family and is strongly bonded to his siblings and his parents, although there is tension between him and his parents for a handful of reasons.

As a child, what kinds of personality traits did they display?

Mordecai was an energetic, clever, and curious child. He was also rather quiet and shy as his speech developed. He cried often and was often referred to as choleric when he was very young.

Talk about their closest childhood friend. Are they still friends? Why or why not?

Growing up, it was Kelly Reed, another surfer who helped Mordecai with his English and brought him into the cool crowd in high school. They drifted apart for several years, and are currently rather shyly on indifferent terms.

What advice would they give to their ten year old self?

"Don't drink so much."

Name one or two of their favorite activities as a child?

Football and skateboarding.

Did they have a favorite toy growing up? Do they still have it now?

Mordecai was very fond of his sister's Lite Brite, and his roller skates. 

What are some lessons they learned from their teenage years?

Mordecai spent too much time drinking in his youth to garner anything of value from it. Nothing can be said against his work ethic, however; he held two steady jobs down while going to high school and managing a drinking problem.

What are their opinions on the holidays? Do they have a favorite holiday? A least favorite holiday?

His favorite holiday is Hanukkah and his least favorite holiday is Christmas. He believes more gifts should be given on holidays; his family has never supported much gift-giving.

What’s most important to them?

Adrenaline.

If they were given the chance to redo one moment in their life, what would it be and why?

The day he lost his leg.

Who would they turn to if they were in desperate need of help?

His family.

Is there such a thing as truly wiping the slate clean and starting over?

No.

What do they believe is holding them back?

His indelible insecurity regarding his self-image and life choices.

How do they feel about themselves?

Mordecai constantly doubts his decisions, but he feels much better about himself than he used to. He loves his husband and he loves his career, and he has a great drive to succeed. 

What are their thoughts on children? Do they like them? Do they not like them?

He likes them decently enough, but has doubts about being a father for a large variety of reasons.

Do they have a daily routine? If so, what is it? What time do they usually get up in the morning?

He wakes up at 6:00 and eats a healthy breakfast; usually oatmeal with a fried egg and orange juice, or cereal and toast with sausages. He goes for a run, showers and shaves, dresses, and watches the traffic and weather reports.

What’s something they’ve done recently that made them happy?

He was recently married.

What makes them jealous?

He is not easily made jealous, but he finds moments where people remark on his own strength or struggle without pausing to reflect on their own advantages very upsetting. Having only one leg is physically taxing.

[mordecaiberlin]

1. How they usually dress: Mordecai likes to wear cargo shorts, t-shirts and beanies. He also owns a couple pairs of weathered Vans. He also wears a lot of flannel and plaid in the winter time. 2. Right or left handed: Left-handed. 3. Optimist, pessimist, realist: Firmly optimistic. 4. Health: A traumatic injury to his right lower leg resulted in amputation when Mordecai was seventeen, and he now uses a prosthetic to walk. He diets regularly and exercises daily, but has always had a poor immune system and often catches colds and flus. He also wears glasses. Mordecai has a mild soy allergy. 5. Enjoyed school: Mordecai hated most of his early educational career, feeling he couldn't keep up with his peers and was not very intelligent. He enjoyed university much more. 6. Graduated high school: Yes! 7. Attended college: Yes! 8. Where they learn most of their skills and abilities; from a parent, school, television or something else: Mordecai learned English from a variety of school-assigned tutors and friends. His father and a number of anonymous wave-hunters taught him to surf, but Mordecai is terribly independent and learns mostly on his own. 9. Role models: His father, Kelly Slater, Stacy Peralta, Greg Graffin 10. Social class: Upper/Upper-Middle 11. Frequently used words/phrases: "Dude"; "Hell yeah" 12. Special quirks/habits: Scratches his residual limb when he's anxious/upset; often to the point of bleeding, and sucks his thumb. Rubs his hair through his hats, as he is constantly self-conscious about the way it looks, grips the fabric of his jacket tightly when his hands are in his pockets. 13. Languages: American Sign Language, English, Hebrew, some Spanish, assorted other languages 14. Indulgence; could they give it up for money: Alcohol; probably not. 15. Religious views: Mordecai is Jewish. 16. Political views: Prefer not to say 17. Worst evil: Animal abuse. 18. Favorite color: Red 19. Save 2 things from a house fire: His pets and his leg. 20. 3 likes: Physical activity; Poetry; Sex 21. 3 dislikes: Birds; Dancing; Sleeping 22. Favorite food: Baked potato dishes 23. Least favorite food: He hates gefilte fish. With a burning passion. 24. Introvert or extrovert: Extrovert to the highest degree. 25. Theme song: Car Radio - Twenty-One Pilots 26. Quote: “Sophie said to me once that she was glad she had been scarred. She said that whoever loved her now would love her true self, and not her pretty face. This is your true self, Tessa. This power is who you are. Whoever loves you now--and you must also love yourself--will love the truth of you.”